As we await summer’s arrival in southwest Michigan, with its warm, long days, our opportunities for outdoor activities increase, and we are fortunate our part of the state is blessed with near limitless opportunities for outdoor family fun.

While we are known for our lakes and beaches, a perhaps lesser known but equally fun, challenging and healthy activity — hiking — is a great way to spend time together and explore nature.

The great naturalist and explorer John Muir said, “In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.”

The National Park Service says hiking is proven to have many health benefits, ranging from physical exercise to emotional and mental relief that comes from being in nature.

I agree, and Michigan is home to a vast network of hiking and biking trails. Locally, we have many trail offerings that are ready for your next family adventure. Two I’d like to highlight are the Indiana-Michigan River Valley Trail and the Harbor Shores Trails.

According to Michigan Trails Magazine, the Indiana-Michigan River Valley Trail is a growing multiuse paved rail trail system that begins at Plym Park in Niles and passes along the St. Joseph River along the former “Big 4 Railroad.” It connects to a wider network of urban trails running through South Bend, Mishawaka and Notre Dame.

The magazine also highlights Harbor Shores Trails, which covers nearly 10 scenic miles along Lake Michigan and the Paw Paw and St. Joseph rivers in Benton Harbor. It is a network of paved and unpaved trails that travel along or over water features, dunes and beachfront. The magazine suggests starting your hike at Jean Klock Park in Benton Harbor.

Check out mitrails.org for more information on these trails, including maps and points of interest, and to find other trails throughout our state.

If you have not been hiking, or haven’t gone in a while, I highly recommend you give it a try.

Kim LaSata, R, represents the 21st District, which includes Berrien, Cass and St. Joseph counties. She can be reached at (517) 373-6960 or SenKLaSata@senate.michigan.gov