Traverse City MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Traverse City, Michigan.
1. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
SAND DUNES AND VIEWS
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore offers a stunning combination of towering dunes, scenic overlooks, and miles of hiking trails along Lake Michigan. Visitors can explore wooded paths, climb exposed dunes, and enjoy panoramic views of the lake and Manitou Islands. This nationally renowned park is a top destination for hikers seeking both adventure and breathtaking natural beauty.
2. Empire Bluff Trail
DRAMATIC BLUFF OVERLOOKS
The Empire Bluff Trail is a popular 1.5-mile round-trip hike leading to a dramatic overlook of Lake Michigan and the Sleeping Bear Dunes. The well-maintained path winds through hardwood forests before opening to a breathtaking bluff-top view above the water. This trail is perfect for hikers looking for a relatively short trek with a truly rewarding vista.
3. Pyramid Point Trail
STUNNING LAKE VIEWS
Pyramid Point Trail is a favorite near Traverse City for its quick ascent to high bluffs and sweeping views of Lake Michigan and the Manitou Islands. The trail offers various routes, from short walks to longer loops, making it accessible for all skill levels. Its proximity to both the shoreline and lush forests provides a memorable hiking experience.
4. Old Mission Point Park
BAYSIDE SCENIC HIKE
Old Mission Point Park features over six miles of flat trails extending to the tip of Old Mission Peninsula, where East and West Grand Traverse Bays meet. The park's wooded paths, open meadows, and lakeshore views create a peaceful setting for family-friendly hiking. This location is ideal for those seeking tranquility and striking bay vistas close to the city.
5. Grand Traverse Commons Natural Area
HISTORIC WOODED TRAILS
The Grand Traverse Commons Natural Area offers approximately 480 acres of trails winding through wooded hills right near downtown Traverse City. Hikers can enjoy easy-to-moderate paths with scenic overlooks of the city campus, all adjacent to the historic buildings of The Village at Grand Traverse Commons. This accessible trail network is perfect for both locals and visitors looking to explore urban nature.
6. Leelanau State Park Trails
LIGHTHOUSE AND FOREST
Leelanau State Park Trails provide over six miles of scenic hiking at the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula, where hikers can explore thick forests and lakefront terrain. The park's iconic Grand Traverse Lighthouse and peaceful shoreline make it a favorite for day-trippers. Wildlife watchers and history enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy on these wooded coastal trails.
7. Sand Lakes Quiet Area
SERENE FOREST LOOP
Sand Lakes Quiet Area is a tranquil hiking destination east of Traverse City, featuring more than ten miles of gently rolling trails around small, peaceful lakes. The area is known for its solitude, birdwatching, and the calming hush of red pine forests. This hidden gem is perfect for hikers seeking quiet reflection and nature immersion away from larger crowds.
8. Boardman Lake Loop Trail
URBAN LAKESIDE PATH
The Boardman Lake Loop Trail is a popular urban trail that circles Boardman Lake, offering paved and natural surfaces for walking, running, and biking. Spanning just over four miles, the loop provides scenic water views, bridges, and access to city parks. Its convenient location makes it a favorite for locals and visitors wanting a quick, nature-filled outing.
9. Clay Cliffs Natural Area
CLIFFTOP LAKE VISTAS
Clay Cliffs Natural Area is a quiet two-mile round trip hike north of Traverse City, winding through woodlands to picturesque clay cliffs overlooking Lake Michigan. The trail features wildflowers, lake breeze, and panoramic views of both Lake Leelanau and Lake Michigan. Its peaceful setting and stunning scenery make it a wonderful spot for families and nature lovers.
10. Cedar Run Creek Natural Area
FORESTED GEORGIAN LOOP
Cedar Run Creek Natural Area offers over four miles of moderate, forested loop trails southwest of Traverse City. Hikers experience elevation changes, dense forests, and a variety of native plants and wildlife along the way. Multiple trailheads make access convenient, and the peaceful setting is ideal for a summer hike.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
TOP STATEWIDE TRAILS
Best Michigan Hiking highlights the state's premier hiking experiences, from the dramatic dunes of Sleeping Bear to the wild trails of the Upper Peninsula. Hikers can explore an incredible diversity of landscapes including forests, lakes, rivers, and coastal bluffs. Whether seeking a rewarding day hike or an epic backpacking trip, Michigan delivers some of the best hiking opportunities in the Midwest.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
COASTAL AND BEACH TRAILS
Michigan Shoreline Hiking showcases the state's extraordinary beach and coastal trails, featuring soft sand, windswept dunes, and stunning water views along the Great Lakes. Hikes range from easy strolls along the water's edge to challenging climbs over towering dunes. These shoreline pathways offer a quintessential Michigan experience with fresh breezes and limitless scenery.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED NATURE WALKS
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems highlights the state's lesser-known trails perfect for seclusion and wildlife spotting. These off-the-beaten-path locations provide hikers with peaceful forests, quiet wetlands, and abundant opportunities to encounter native plants and animals. For those seeking solitude and immersion in nature, these trails offer a truly tranquil experience.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL COLOR SHOWCASE
Michigan Autumn Hiking celebrates the best trails for experiencing the state's legendary fall foliage. Brilliant red, orange, and gold colors blanket the forests and hills, creating a spectacular seasonal backdrop for hiking. Popular routes wind through hardwood forests and ridges, making autumn a must-visit time for outdoor enthusiasts.
15. Ottawa National Forest
WILDERNESS FOREST EXPLORATION
Ottawa National Forest in Michigan's Upper Peninsula offers expansive wilderness with hundreds of miles of hiking trails through old-growth forests, waterfalls, and remote lakes. Hikers can experience true backcountry adventure and exceptional wildlife viewing in this vast natural area. The forest is a top destination for those seeking rugged terrain and tranquil beauty far from the crowds.