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Traverse City Area Trails

Trail Rating System
Use the rating system below to find a trail best suited to your needs:

	No Sweat- An easy hike or a good beginner's ride. Kid friendly.
	Just Do It- Some hills, but only moderately strenuous for most abilities. Suitable for both older children and fit, mature adults.
	Thigh Burner- Steeper, longer hills, reasonable fitness and somet echnical cycling skills required. Warning: You'll encounter serious athletes on this trail!

Boardman LakeTrail

Traverse City, MI The  east-side  trail  was  completed  in  October  2005.  The  trail  extends  from  Hull  Park  (behind  the  Traverse  Area  District  Library)  to  Medalie  Park  (off  South  Airport  Road).  The  nearly  2-mile  trail  is  paved  for  the  northern  mile  and  is  crushed  limestone  for  the  southern mile.  Parking  is  available  at  both  parks.  A  complete  loop  around  the  lake  is  in  the  planning stages.  For  more  information,  contact  TART  Trails  at  (231)  941- 4300.

Brown Bridge Pond Natural Area/Nature Preserve

Traverse City, MI
 One of the area's best kept secrets, this city quiet area surrounds Brown Bridge Pond, a small scenic lake created by a dam on the Boardman River.  The trails on the north side of the property offer serene stands of oak, several large viewing platforms that jut out precipitously over a steep lakeside bluff, and a wonderful section of tail that parallels the Boardman River.  River and lake access are won by negotiating either of two very long sets of stairs -- climbing them is a great workout, but the risers are short enough to make the incline doable for just about anyone if you take is slow (there are benches midway).  The water, swans gliding by and a mix of hardwood and evergreen trees on the southern shore of the pond make this one of the places to enjoy fall color.  Take Garfield Avenue south to Hobbs Highway to Brown Bridge Road.  There are two parking area on the right.

 

Grand Traverse Commons

Traverse City, MI (SC, SN) - A network of nine scenic trails crisscrosses the 480 acres of preserved parkland surrounding Traverse City's former mental asylum.  Most are relatively short (the longest is less than a mile) but they offer a wide range of terrain experiences: wetlands, hardwood forests, steep hillsides and upland meadows with fine views of the city.  There are several trailheads on the Commons campus, as well as a parking lot and trailhead on North Long Lake Road.

Grand Traverse Natural Education Reserve

 

Traverse City, MI

(XC, SN) - This 505-acre natural area is located along the Boardman River, only three miles from downtown Traverse City, but it features an incredibly diverse landscape: bog, marsh, true swamp, level terrain, upland forest, pine forest, creek, river and an active beaver pond, with excellent habitat for many animals and birds.  The river falls in a series of rapids in part of its course through this part of the Reserve, and there are seven miles of improved trails connected by 1200 feet of boardwalks and bridges.  The six trails can be accessed at several points along the river, but the best points are at the Boardman Valley Nature Center on Cass Road or Lone Pine and Oleson Bridge trailheads on Keystone Road.

Grass River Natural Area

Traverse City, MI
 
The 3.5 miles of foot paths and boardwalk winding through an 1,100-acre preserve of forests, swamps, bogs and river shoreline provide access to this unique and beautiful section of the Chain of Lakes.  Eagles and other wildlife can be seen here.  There are two viewing platforms overlooking the Grass River and a beautiful sedge meadow.  Naturalists are often on-site during the summer months offering classes and interpretive programs.  This is an interesting hike for the whole family.  Located off CR 618, four miles north of Alden.

 

Hickory Meadows

Traverse City, MI (XC, SN) - Located on the west side of Traverse City just below the Hickory Hills ski area, this 112.5-acre preserve is the area's newest hiking area, with several miles of trails and a groomed ski trail.  Paths meander through meadows and upland forests for skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, and dog walking.  The system can be accessed from the Hickory Hills parking area at the end of Randolph Street or from its own parking area on the south side of M-72.

Lake Ann Pathway (Chain of Lakes)

Lake Ann, MI The trails at the Lake Ann Pathway are divided into two distinctly different loops.  The longer series of loops on the west side of Reynolds Road are the more strenuous.  Covering a total of 3.5 miles, with several shortcut options to choose from, you'll pass both Shavenaugh and Mary's Lake and a short section of the Platte River on your way up and down this roller coaster ride of a trail.  The outer section of the trail between markers #7 and #9 is the most advanced with several large hills between #7 and #8.  The eastern portion of the trail is 1.8 miles long and meanders gently along the Platte and the Lake Ann Shoreline -- it makes a great cool down loop after you've conquered the other side.  Keep your eyes peeled -- if you're lucky you'll see some pink lady's slippers; they're rumored to be abundant in and around this trail.  Take US 31 west from Interlochen and turn left on Reynolds Road.

 

Leelanau State Park

Northport, MI
(SC, SN) - This uncrowded state park near Northport offers about four miles of well-marked trails.  One pathway leads along a lonely stretch of beach and low dunes through a typical transitional forest to an overlook offering panoramic views of Fox Island.  Another cuts through old dunes that are now covered with trees, passing along the shore of Mud Lake.  From Northport, head north on M 201 to County Road 629.  Turn left and follow the signs.  It's about seven miles north of the village.

 

Long Lake Pathway

Interlochen, MI
(XC, SN) - A great choice for novice riders and families, this six-mile pathway follows the bed of an old timber-era railroad, passing a small forest lake and scenic blueberry bogs and traversing a rare stand of old-growth red pine.  Follow US 31 south one mile past M 137, and turn north on Gonder Road just west of Interlochen Golf Course.  It's a mile to the trailhead parking lot, which is on the left.

 

Muncie Lakes Pathway

Traverse City, MI
(XC, SN) - The rolling terrain of the Muncie Lakes Pathway, southeast of Traverse City, is perfect for biking and hiking.  The trail meanders past pristine small lakes and skirts the banks of the swift-flowing Boardman River, with overlooks of the Boardman Valley.  Follow Supply Road to Rennie Lake Road.  Turn right and continue to the Ranch Rudolf Road intersection.  Turn left and drive half a mile to the trailhead parking lot on the left.

Peninsula Township Park   (Old Mission)

Traverse City, MI
This pretty little park, located smack dab on the 45th parallel at the tip of the Old Mission Peninsula, has several miles of developed trail and about 40 acres of forest and abandoned orchards that can be explored.  Most of the marked trail is flat and hard for easy riding.  If you go off on your own on some of the farm lanes, you'll find a few small climbs.  This trail system has the added benefit of being adjacent to one of the area's most beautiful beaches.  The shallow waters off the point warm up faster than the rest of Grand Traverse Bay, so be sure to pack your suit for a refreshing swim after enjoying the trails.

Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Empire, MI
Not actually a trail, nonetheless, ambitious cyclists can test their quads and their lungs on this 7.1-mile paved drive that winds through beautiful hardwoods up to the dune plateau some 450 feet above Lake Michigan.  Yet another amazing view awaits at the Main Dune Overlook.  Take a Gatorade break at the view platform before embarking on what has got to be one of the area's most hair-raising downhill rides.  Check your breaks before you start down!  Entrance to the drive is on M 109 between Glen Haven and Empire in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.  Mountain bikes are not allowed on any of the National Park's trails.  Also, the park collects visitor's fees of $10 per vehicle or $20 for an annual pass.

Sand Lakes Quiet Area

Traverse City, MI
All motorized vehicles are banned in this serenely beautiful preserve just east of Traverse City.  This hilly property offers almost 10 miles of interconnecting trails and is dotted with several small fishing lakes.  The outer loop is about eight miles around and winds through a variety of terrain.  There are some good hills on this part, but most are pretty negotiable even for beginners.  You can shorten your trip by taking any number of sections that bisect the main trail; however, several of these have some really steep hills, especially between markers 7 and 13.  Take M 72 east to Broomhead Road, turn right.  The trailhead is four miles south on the left.

Sleeping Bear Dunes- Alligator Trail

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Empire, MI
Three loops of 4-5K (2.5-3mi.) each plus a spur trail of 1.3K (.8 mi.) located off the first loop.  These hilly trails wind through a beech-maple forest, brushy fields and a pine plantation.  There is a view of Lake Michigan along the first loop and a view of Glen Lake at the end of the spur trail.  Both views are somewhat obscured by trees.  Horses are permitted on this trail.  Trailhead: From M 109, 1.6K (1 mi.) north of the Dune Climb, turn onto Day Farm Road.  At Stocking Road turn left.  Or take Stocking Road south from M 109 just east of D.H. Day Campground.  The National Lakeshore charges a visitor's fee of $10 per vehicle for a seven day pass or $20 for an annual pass.  Mountain bikes are not allowed on any of the National Park trails.  Pets must be kept on a 6-foot maximum leash.

Sleeping Bear Dunes- Bay View Trail

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Empire, MI
An 11K (7 mi.) hilly trail divided into several shorter loops through a beech-maple forest, old farm fields and a pine plantation.  The Lookout Point on the loop north of Thoreson Road provides a spectacular view of Lake Michigan.  Trailhead: Northbound vehicles take the second Thoreson Road junction off M 22, (5.6K [3.5 mi.] north of Glen Arbor).  The National Lakeshore charges a visitor's fee of $10 per vehicle for a seven day pass or $20 for an annual pass.  Mountain bikes are not allowed on any of the National Park trails.  Pets must be kept on a 6-foot maximum leash.

Sleeping Bear Dunes- Cottonwood Trail

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Empire, MI
This is a 2.4K (1.5 mi.) loop of moderately rolling dunes with grasses, shrubs and wildflowers of the dunes along the path.  Part of this trail is through loose sand and is strenuous.  Trailhead: Stop #4 on the Pierce Stocking Drive.  The National Lakeshore charges a visitor's fee of $10 per vehicle for a seven day pass or $20 for an annual pass.  Mountain bikes are not allowed on any of the National Park trails.  Pets must be kept on a 6-foot maximum leash.

Sleeping Bear Dunes- Sleeping Bear Point Trail

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Empire, MI
This is a 4.5K (2.8 mi) loop through moderately rolling dunes.  The path is adorned with grasses, shrubs and wildflowers of the dunes.  A short spur near the beginning of the trail leads out to Lake Michigan.  If you plan to walk the entire loop, go prepared with water, sturdy shoes, a hat, suntan lotion and sunglasses.  Much of this trail is through loose sand and is strenuous.  Trailhead: Take the gravel road 1.2K (.7 mi.) west from the Maritime Museum in Glen Haven.  The National Lakeshore charges a visitor's fee of $10 per vehicle for a seven day pass or $20 for an annual pass.  Mountain bikes are not allowed on any of the National Park trails.  Pets must be kept on a 6-foot maximum leash.

 

Sleeping Bear Dunes- Dunes Trail

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Empire, MI
This is a 5.6K (3.5 mi.) round trip to Lake Michigan requiring approximately 3-4 hours to complete.  The path is adorned with grasses, shrubs and wildflowers of the dunes.  The terrain is steep and is strenuous with rugged dunes and loose sand.  Drinking water, sturdy shoes, suntan lotion, a hat and sunglasses are recommended.  Trailhead: The Dune Climb off M 109 (8.1K [5 mi.] north of Empire).  The National Lakeshore charges a visitor's fee of $10 per vehicle for a seven day pass or $20 for an annual pass.  Mountain bikes are not allowed on any of the National Park trails.  Pets must be kept on a 6-foot maximum leash.

Sleeping Bear Dunes- Duneside Accessible Trail

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Empire, MI A 2.9K (1.8 mi.) round trip through a field and moist woods, this trail is designed for use by all park visitors including those using wheelchairs and persons with visual impairments.  The terrain is flat. Signs along the trail interpret trees, bird life and other aspects of nature.  This information is available on cassette tape which can be borrowed along with a cassette player at the park visitor center in Empire.  Mosquitoes are abundant along the wooded half of the trail during warm weather.  Be prepared.  Trailhead: North end of Dune Climb off M 109 (8.1K [5mi.] north of Empire).  The National Lakeshore charges a visitor's fee of $10 per vehicle for a seven day pass or $20 for an annual pass.  Mountain bikes are not allowed on any of the National Park trails.  Pets must be kept on a 6-foot maximum leash.

Sleeping Bear Dunes- Empire Bluffs

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Empire, MI
This is a 2.4K (1.5mi.) round trip through a beech-maple forest, open fields and dunes with a spectacular view of Lake Michigan.  The terrain is hilly.  Stop at the trailhead for a self-guiding brochure describing the scenery.  Trailhead: Wilco Road off M-22, (2.7K [1.7mi] south of Empire).  The National Lakeshore charges a visitor's fee of $10 per vehicle for a seven day pass or $20 for an annual pass.  Mountain bikes are not allowed on any of the National Park trails.  Pets must be kept on a 6-foot maximum leash.

Sleeping Bear Dunes- Good Harbor Bay

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Empire, MI
A flat 4.5K (2.8mi.) loop, this trail is mostly wooded with a short section of low dunes near the start.  It is wet in places.  Trailhead: Take M-22 to County Road 669 (13K [8 mi.] north of Glen Arbor).  Follow 669 toward Lake Michigan.  Turn right on Lake Michigan Road and follow it to the trailhead.  The National Lakeshore charges a visitor's fee of $10 per vehicle for a seven day pass or $20 for an annual pass.  Mountain bikes are not allowed on any of the National Park trails.  Pets must be kept on a 6-foot maximum leash.

Sleeping Bear Dunes- Old Indian Trail

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Empire, MI
There are two scenic loops of flat to gently rolling trails, each about 4K (2.5 mi.), through a forest of evergreens and hardwoods.  The trail leads to a view of Lake Michigan and a wide expanse of low beach dunes.  The trailhead is located on M-22 just north of Sutter Road.  The National Lakeshore charges a visitor's fee of $10 per vehicle for a seven day pass or $20 for an annual pass.  Mountain bikes are not allowed on any of the National Park trails.  Pets must be kept on a 6-foot maximum leash.

Sleeping Bear Dunes- Platte Plains Trail

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Empire, MI
This trail consists of three loops totaling 23.6K (14.7 mi.) of mostly flat terrain through pine plantations, open fields and, near Lake Michigan, some low beach dunes.  There are some short, steep hills on the Lasso Loop that leads to the White Pine Backcountry Campground.  Two trailheads are available.  For Otter Creek Trailhead: Take M-22 to Esch Road, (6.5K [4 mi.] south of Empire), turn west and proceed almost to Lake Michigan.  Park on wide shoulder and walk south on unpaved road to trailhead.  This also provides access to the Otter Creek Loop.  Trail's End Trailhead: Drive to the end of Trail's End Road off M-22, (9.7K [6 mi.] south of Empire).  This also provides access to Otter Creek Loop and Bass Lake Loop.  The National Lakeshore charges a visitor's fee of $10 per vehicle for a seven day pass or $20 for an annual pass.  Mountain bikes are not allowed on any of the National Park trails.  Pets must be kept on a 6-foot maximum leash.

Sleeping Bear Dunes- Pyramid Point

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Empire, MI
This trail leads to a high, panoramic view of Lake Michigan half a mile from the trailhead.  One of the best views of the waters of the Manitou Passage and the Manitou Islands which lie five miles offshore.  For a quick jaunt, head back the way you came.  For a longer hike with some extended uphill heart-pumpers, turn east from the dune overlook for a winding walk through some meadows and hardwood forests.  Trailhead: Take M-22 to Port Oneida Road (6K [3.7 mi.] north of Glen Arbor).  Follow Port Oneida Road until it ends at Basch Road.  Follow Basch Road east to trailhead.  The National Lakeshore charges a visitor's fee of $10 per vehicle for a seven day pass or $20 for an annual pass.  Mountain bikes are not allowed on any of the National Park trails.  Pets must be kept on a 6-foot maximum leash.

Sleeping Bear Dunes- Shauger Hill

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Empire, MI
This is a 3.9K (2.4 mi.) loop of hilly terrain through a beech-maple forest with a few small clearings and pine plantations.  Trailhead: Parking lot at entrance of Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive.  The National Lakeshore charges a visitor's fee of $10 per vehicle for a seven day pass or $20 for an annual pass.  Mountain bikes are not allowed on any of the National Park trails.  Pets must be kept on a 6-foot maximum leash.

Sleeping Bear Dunes- Windy Moraine Trail

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Empire, MI
This is a 2.4K (1.5 mi.) loop of hilly terrain through a beech-maple forest, old farm fields and a pine plantation.  From a high point along the trail, you can view Glen Lake, Lake Michigan and the Sleeping Bear Dunes.  Stop at the trailhead for a self-guiding brochure, with the theme of bio-diversity, that describes the scenery.  Trailhead: Welch Road just east of M-109 (5.6K [3.5 mi.] north of Empire).  The National Lakeshore charges a visitor's fee of $10 per vehicle for a seven day pass or $20 for an annual pass.  Mountain bikes are not allowed on any of the National Park trails.  Pets must be kept on a 6-foot maximum leash.

TART

Traverse City, MI
A popular cross-town route for cyclists, in-line skaters, walkers and joggers; this 9.7-mile-long, paved, non-motorized trail runs from Carter Road east to Bunker Hill Road in Acme, passing West End Beach, Clinch Park and the Traverse City State Park along the way.  It's easily accessible at several points.  A new 2-mile TART trail extension was completed in August 2005 that goes from Lautner Road to M-72 East in Acme Township. Bicycle and in-line skate rentals are available at Brick Wheels on Eighth Street.  A number of restaurants, miniature golf courses and other attractions are adjacent to the trail.  On warm, sunny days, trail users are out in force, particularly along the lakefront section. For more information on TART trails, call 231-941-4300.

The Leelanau Trail
Traverse City, MI

This rail-trail conversion now connects with the TART trail via a paved trail connector that extends from M-72 to Carter Road and goes behind businesses and restaurants.  The actual Leelanau Trail begins at Carter Road in Greilickville and runs north through gently rolling Leelanau County farmland.  About 6 miles are paved on the southern end and half a mile is paved in the Village of Suttons Bay.  Because it is on an old rail bed, the trail is pretty firm in most places.  Gravel has been laid in sandy spots.  Bring your binoculars -- there's some great bird watching on this trail.  A good place to pick up this trail going south is the old railroad depot in Suttons Bay.  For those driving to the trail, parking areas are on the north side of Cherry Bend Road, on the south side of Fouch Road and on the south side of Fourth Street in the Village of Suttons Bay. In the winter, the Leelanau Trail is groomed for cross-country skiing. The trail is generally groomed on Fridays. For more information, call TART Trails at 231-941-4300.

Timberlee

10484 S. Timberlee Drive
Traverse City, MI
(231) 941-4142
Timberlee, an abandoned downhill ski area turned real estate development in southern Leelanau County, has recently opened some mountain biking trails which have proven popular with local riders.  If you make it to the top, you'll enjoy an astonishing view of the countryside and the crystal blue waters of Lake Leelanau.  Timberlee hosts a weekly series of downhill races for folks with adrenaline to spare -- after your kamikaze run, enjoy a beer and a snack at the saloon at the base of the hill.  Located off CR 614 (extension of Cherry Bend Road) several miles west of M-22.

 

Vasa Pathway

Acme, MI
This trail is used mostly as a haven for cross-country skiers. The trail is groomed for skate-style skiing as well as traditional striding skiing. In the summer, avid mountain bikers flock to this trail just outside Traverse City in the Pere Marquette State Forest.  Three km, five km, 11km, 25km, loops provide great scenery and plenty of challenge.  A new, single tract 13 miles long parallels the main trail.  The Vasa Pathway has some killer hills -- some short and steep, some long and steep and some just plain long, including one affectionately known as "The Wall."  Don't despair, there are flatter sections more suitable for beginners in the eastern and southern parts of the trail which are accessible off Supply Road.  The main trailhead is located in Acme Township Park on Bartlett Road, off Bunker Hill Road in Acme.  A large parking lot, indoor restrooms and trail maps are available there. For more information, call TART Trails at 231-941-4300.

 

Vasa Single Track Trail

Acme, MI
( XC) - Not to be confused with the nearby Vasa Pathway, this firm, scenic 13-mile trail is exclusively for mountain bikes.  It cuts a narrow path through the Pere Marquette State Forest, traversing open meadows, hugging the edge of deep valleys, and encircling several small lakes.  The trail is well marked, with two cut-off trails that allow you to shorten the ride to 10 or just three miles.  The trailhead is located off of Supply Road, southeast of Traverse City.