Hiking in Traverse City

Half the fun of climbing up a hill is running down; and there’s always a reward at the top. So, get after it and see it through. The sweeping vistas, epic Lake Michigan views and even the quiet contemplative moments are what vacation memories are born from.

Stroll through a shady forest at the Miller Creek Nature Preserve or the Sand Lakes Quiet Area -- and if you prefer wide open spaces, try a hike to Pyramid Point or Empire Bluffs at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. If you’d just like to tour Traverse City from a different perspective, enjoy the Traverse Area Recreation and Transportation (TART) Trail, whose signature paved pathway stretches east-west across the city. For another urban perspective, head over to the trails at the Village at Grand Traverse Commons. The towering trees and acres of marked paths loop around and connect with one another making for a fun and never boring hike. There are also quite a few hills overlooking the magnificent campus of the Village.

Almost all of the hiking trails in Traverse City are accessible in the winter, but it’s always best to check ahead of time before heading out.