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Experience Outdoors: Hike, Bike, Hunt, Fish and Explore the Lakes, Trails, Hills, and Forests of Jackson, Michigan

Jackson County, Michigan, is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. The lush scenery offers a variety of landscapes that invite adventurers to explore, play, and immerse themselves in nature. With a huge selection of paved and unpaved hiking trails, gorgeous lakes for water sports of all kinds, and winding gravel roads begging to be trekked, Jackson provides countless ways to experience the beauty of Michigan’s great outdoors. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful escape into nature or an adrenaline-pumping outdoor activity, Experience Jackson invites everyone to step outside and take in the great outdoor beauty  of Jackson.

Biking Through Nature’s Best

For those who prefer to explore on two wheels, Jackson County offers miles of well-maintained biking trails that cut through scenic routes, connecting you to nature in a unique and exhilarating way. Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or a casual rider, the area’s bike-friendly paths allow for exploration at your own pace.

The county’s network of trails, such as the Falling Waters Trail, meanders through scenic lakeshores, dense forests, and open farmland, providing riders with both beautiful views and an accessible ride. If you don’t have your own bike, no problem—local bike shops offer rentals, allowing visitors to hit the trails with ease. 

Our backroads offer some of the most stellar riding experiences in the state. The scenery of the Irish Hills, Waterloo, Parma, and Napoleon gives your ride a tranquility that keeps you motivated to push harder up that next hill.

Take a Hike: Hiking Trails for all Tastes

For those who find joy in walking through nature, Jackson County’s hiking trails offer a perfect escape. The area’s diverse landscapes provide both challenging terrain and relaxing strolls, depending on your preference. Hikers can take in the sights of lush forests, tranquil wetlands, and rolling hills, all while enjoying the natural serenity that defines the region.

Jackson County’s parks and nature centers are designed to provide not just trails, but a true experience with nature. Walking through expansive green spaces, such as the Dahlem Center or Ella Sharp Park, allows visitors to witness local wildlife and take in panoramic views of meadows, lakes, and woodlands. Whether you’re hiking solo or with family and friends, Jackson County invites you to explore its natural wonders on foot.

For All The Dogs

Your dogs will love the sights and smells of Ella Sharp Park’s Trails. These trails offer an outdoor escape with the familiarity of our sporty community surrounding you. Or, for more adventurous furry friends, you can embark on some of the walking paths that wind through the surrounding public forest. If you need a break, you can find rest at Ella Sharp Park’s numerous pavilions and benches.

The beauty of Jackson’s outdoor lifestyle is that it invites both the wildest adventurers and calmest wanderers to enjoy these natural spaces.

Fishing, Hunting, and Water Adventures

Jackson is home to over 180 lakes. Water enthusiasts and sportsmen alike will find Jackson County to be a treasure trove of outdoor recreation. Its lakes, rivers, and streams provide ample opportunity for anglers to cast their lines in peaceful, scenic settings. Vandercook Lake, among other local favorites, is a go-to spot for fishing. With species like bass, perch, and bluegill in abundance, fishermen and women of all skill levels will find plenty of excitement.

Beyond fishing, Jackson’s waterways are perfect for kayaking, paddle boarding, and canoeing. Whether you’re gliding over calm waters or exploring hidden coves, the county’s lakes provide an ideal setting for a day on the water. Local outfitters make it easy to rent gear, ensuring that you can jump right into your aquatic adventure.

For those who prefer land-based activities, Jackson County also offers some of the best hunting opportunities in the state. Dense forests and open fields provide ample habitat for deer, turkey, and other game. With the area’s long-standing tradition of hunting, local shops and outfitters ensure that hunters are well-equipped for their outings.

Gear Up for Adventure: Knutson’s and Schupbach’s Have You Covered

Every great adventure needs great gear, and Jackson County’s local shops have everything you need. Two staples in the area are Schupbach’s Sporting Goods and Knutson’s Sporting Goods, both offering a wide range of equipment for all your outdoor needs.

Schupbach’s Sporting Goods, a local favorite since 1939, is your go-to place for hunting, fishing, and outdoor gear. Known for its friendly staff and extensive inventory, Schupbach’s is more than just a store—it’s a hub for local hunters and sports enthusiasts to share stories, tips, and their passion for the outdoors. From firearms and ammo to fishing rods and outdoor apparel, Schupbach’s has been serving Jackson’s outdoor community for generations.

Knutson’s Sporting Goods, a beloved local outfitter and community favorite, this is the place to go for all your fishing, hunting, and camping gear. With a strong reputation and seemingly endless selection, Knutson’s offers everything from bait and tackle to archery equipment and even watercraft gear for kayaking and canoeing. If you’re a fishing enthusiast, you’ll love their extensive selection of live bait and fishing supplies. The team at Knutson’s is known for their expertise and customer service, ensuring you’re fully prepared for your next outdoor adventure.

Both of these local sporting goods stores are essential stops for outdoor enthusiasts—whether you’re stocking up on gear or just seeking some expert advice before heading out into nature.

And if you’re renting gear for the day, there are plenty of spots in the area offering everything from bikes to kayaks and fishing equipment. Jackson County makes sure you’re fully equipped for a fun day outdoors, no matter what your adventure may be.

Year-Round Outdoor Adventures

One of the most remarkable things about Jackson County is that its outdoor lifestyle doesn’t end. With the arrival of fall and winter, the region’s outdoor opportunities shift into high gear. Crisp autumn air makes for excellent hiking, with the changing colors of the trees providing a stunning backdrop for outdoor adventures. Bass fishing couldn’t be better in the fall, with the ferocious bite of smallmouth bass smacking your lure like it’s the last bit of food before the lake freezes over. And with some of the best public hunting in the country, you’re sure to make deer camp memories that last a lifetime.

When winter arrives, Jackson County’s trails and parks transform into a snowy wonderland, inviting visitors to engage in cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing. The area’s lakes freeze over, offering ice anglers a peaceful and unique experience, while those who prefer to stay active can strap on their skis or snowshoes and hit the winter trails. Jackson County is truly a year-round destination for those who thrive in the great outdoors.

Discover Jackson’s Outdoor Spirit

Jackson County’s outdoor lifestyle is about more than just activities; it’s about embracing nature and the freedom that comes with it. From the peaceful stillness of its lakes to the fruitful hum of cicadas in the forest- Experience Jackson invites you to enjoy the beauty around you. Whether you’re hiking, biking, fishing, hunting, or simply taking in the fresh air, Jackson County offers an outdoor experience that stays with you long after you’ve left.

Ready to experience the best of Michigan’s great outdoors? Jackson is calling. 

Mount your bikes, grab your gear, and immerse yourself in a culture that celebrates nature, adventure, and exploration—any day of the year.

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