The best walks and hikes in Fulton County
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Hiking trails in Fulton County are primarily found within its metroparks and preserves, offering accessible outdoor experiences. The region is characterized by generally flat terrain, with minimal elevation changes across its hiking routes. Hikers can explore a landscape featuring open woodlands, serene lakes, and preserved natural areas. These features provide a tranquil setting for various outdoor activities.
Best hiking trails in Fulton County
- The most popular hiking route is Oak Openings Hiking Trail loop — Oak Openings Preserve Metropark, a 15.1 miles (24.3 km) trail that takes 6 hours 9 minutes to complete. This difficult route traverses extensive woodlands within the preserve.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Evergreen Lake – Mallard Lake loop from Swanton, a moderate 8.5 miles (13.6 km) path. This trail connects two scenic lakes, offering varied waterside views.
- Local hikers also love the Lakes & Ferns Trail loop — Oak Openings Preserve Metropark, a 3.1 miles (5.0 km) trail leading through a mix of lake surroundings and fern-rich areas, often completed in about 1 hour 15 minutes.
- Hiking in Fulton County is defined by metroparks, nature preserves, and lakes, with routes suitable for various ability levels.
- The routes in Fulton County are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 11 reviews. More than 50 hikers have used komoot to explore Fulton County's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 12, 2026
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5.52km
01:24
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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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12.0km
03:03
30m
30m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.0
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4.90km
01:15
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10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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7.03km
01:46
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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.99km
01:16
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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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24.3km
06:08
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40m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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4
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Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Other adventures in Fulton County
Tips from the Community
Oak Openings Preserve is the kind of place you can lose yourself in for a weekend, and then spend the rest of the year thinking about. There are miles of hiking, biking, and horse riding trails. You can visit in the winter for cross-country skiing, there are multiple campgrounds and cabins to stay in. You can even stay in the country's only public treehouse village! Then there are the dozens of bird species and other wildlife that call the park home. If you're in the Toledo area, visiting Oak Openings is a must!
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The Oak Openings Hiking Trail is 15.3 miles (24.62 kilometers) long and is one of the most extensive hiking trails in the area, allowing an experience to explore all the unique features of the preserve. This particular section travels over boardwalk areas and occasionally splits into two as it intersects with several mountain bike trails, so keep an eye out for cyclists who may be passing by.
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Nestled along the trail surrounded by mature oaks, this tranquil lake is a nice spot to stop and take in its beauty. There is a trail surrounding the perimeter, with restrooms and picnic areas on the other side, perfect for a rest during a long hike through the preserve.
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This trailhead is the main entrance to the preserve, with plenty of parking restrooms, and a water fountain. From here, there are multiple options to explore the park, with multiuse trails popular with hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians. The trails guide you through beautiful wooded areas, passing by lakes and streams, surrounded by an abundance of plants and wildlife.
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Oak Openings Preserve Metropark is a beautiful, wooded park with a network of beautiful trails to explore the wonderful variety of plants and wildlife that inhabit the area. There are picnic shelters, a lovely lake, and a public treehouse village, where you can sleep in the trees via hammocks and tent platforms, the only one of its kind in the country.
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Great place to rest after hiking in the woods. With playground and places for picnic and barbeque.
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Oak Openings Preserve Metropark is a beautiful, wooded park close to Toledo. There are several mountain biking paths to choose from, a lake, picnic shelters and the only public treehouse village in the country.
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Mallard Lake is a beautiful lake within Oak Openings Preserve Metropark. There is a trail that loops around the lake, so you can get close to the water and watch the geese and ducks that normally visit the lake.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available in Fulton County?
Fulton County offers over 10 hiking routes, catering to various skill levels. You'll find a good mix of easy, moderate, and challenging trails to explore.
What kind of terrain can I expect on hikes in Fulton County?
The hiking trails in Fulton County are generally characterized by flat terrain with minimal elevation changes. You can expect to explore open woodlands, serene lakes, and preserved natural areas, primarily within metroparks and nature preserves.
Are there easy hiking trails suitable for beginners in Fulton County?
Yes, Fulton County has many easy trails perfect for beginners. For example, the Lakes & Ferns Trail loop — Oak Openings Preserve Metropark is an easy 3.1-mile route that takes about 1 hour 15 minutes to complete, leading through lake surroundings and fern-rich areas.
Are there any challenging long-distance hikes in Fulton County?
For those seeking a challenge, the Oak Openings Hiking Trail loop — Oak Openings Preserve Metropark is a difficult 15.1-mile trail. It traverses extensive woodlands and typically takes around 6 hours to complete.
Can I find hikes that feature lakes or water views?
Absolutely. Many trails in Fulton County feature scenic lakes and water views. A popular option is the Evergreen Lake – Mallard Lake loop from Swanton, a moderate 8.5-mile path that connects two beautiful lakes, offering varied waterside scenery.
Are there circular hiking routes in Fulton County?
Yes, many of the trails in Fulton County are designed as loops, providing convenient circular routes. Examples include the Secor Brown Trail loop — Secor Metropark and the Providence Metropark loop via Towpath Trail — Grand Rapids.
What do other hikers enjoy the most about hiking in Fulton County?
The trails in Fulton County are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 11 reviews. Hikers often praise the tranquil settings of the metroparks and preserves, as well as the accessible nature of the routes through woodlands and by lakes.
Are there any shorter, family-friendly hikes available?
For families or those looking for a shorter outing, the Evergreen Lake loop from Evergreen Lake Dam is an excellent choice. This easy 1.4-mile loop is perfect for a quick stroll and enjoying the lakeside scenery.
Are there any hikes that are particularly good for spotting wildlife?
While specific wildlife sightings vary, trails within the metroparks and preserves, such as the Mallard Lake – Mallard Lake loop from Oak Openings Preserve Metropark, offer opportunities to observe local flora and fauna in their natural habitats, especially around the serene lake areas and woodlands.
Can I find moderate difficulty hikes in Fulton County?
Yes, there are several moderate trails for those looking for a bit more challenge than an easy walk. The Mallard Lake loop from Swanton is a moderate 6.5-mile route that offers a good balance of distance and effort.
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