Here is your all encompassing guide to winter hiking in Traverse City, MI! From easy to difficult there are trails for everyone! Bring your waterproof boots, ice spikes, and maybe even your XC skis and enjoy the winter wonderland of Northern Michigan!
Winter Hiking in Traverse City – South of TC
Boardman River Trail
24 miles of trail stretching all the way south of Traverse City to Brown Bridge Quiet Area. This easy trail is perfect for any skill level of hiking and with numerous trail heads around Traverse City you can start anywhere and hike as much or little as you please! Perfect place to bring your family, your pup (on a 6-foot leash of course), or if you enjoy trail running!
Trailheads: Grand Traverse YMCA South, Olson Bridge, Boardman River Nature Center, Lone Pine, Keystone
Brown Bridge Quiet Area
This gorgeous trail just south of Traverse City takes you right out of “city life” and into nature. With loops from 4-6 miles, this easy to moderate trail is the perfect day hike! There are numerous trailheads located around the loops.
Trailheads: off of River Road and Hobbs Highway
Winter Hiking in Traverse City – West of TC
Cedar Run Creek Natural Area
A moderate trail, with some points of nice elevation change, and tons of pines perfect for those winter wonderland views! There are over 4 miles of loop trails throughout Cedar Run. Two trailheads are available for parking, though one is seasonal and should only be accessed with a 4-wheel drive vehicle.
Trailheads: Cedar Lake Rd (main trailhead) and Tucker Rd (seasonal)
Grand Traverse Commons
These easy-moderate trails are perfect for winter hikes, snowshoeing, fat tire biking, and trail running! There are around 5 miles of trail behind the old State Hospital and with varying elevation and terrain it’s a beautiful hike no matter the season!
Trailheads: Copper Ridge, Water Tower, TCAPS, Munson Medical Center, Historic Barns
Lake Ann State Forest
Just 25 minutes west of Traverse City you have over 5 miles of loop trails perfect for XC skiing and hiking! These moderate trails provide lots of elevation change! With views of Lake Ann and the Platte River, it’s a tranquil hike.
TO NOTE: Majority of the trails are located on the West Side of Reynolds Rd, but parking is at the State Forest Campground on the East Side of Reynolds Rd
Trailhead: located off Reynolds Rd at the Lake Ann State Forest Campground
Winter Hiking in Traverse City – East of TC
Maple Bay Natural Area
This easy hike featuring almost 2 miles of out-and-back trails is the perfect way to stretch your legs and capture a gorgeous view of the East Bay. Perfect for families and all skill levels of hiking! I love to use this trail for loop trail runs too.
Trailhead: located off US-31 at the Maple Bay Natural Area (west side of 31)
VASA Trail System
This awesome trail system features loops for a 3K, 5K, 10K, and 25K! These are all groomed XC skiing trails and with varying elevation on each loop you can find a hike or trail run for any skill level from easy to difficult!
Trailhead: located off Bunker Rd (4450 Bartlett Rd in Williamsburg)
Winter Hiking in Traverse City – North of TC
Old Mission Lighthouse
Head up Old Mission Peninsula to check out not only the beautiful lighthouse but hike some of the trails nearby! With over 6 miles of easy trails and many view points of the surrounding bay this is a perfect way to start your day!
TO NOTE: this is a state park and requires the MI DNR State Passport
Trailhead: Old Mission Lighthouse, Ridgewood Rd
Pelizzari Natural Area
An incredible forested hike that is easy for all ages! Over 3 miles of trails with loops and out-and-backs.
Trailhead: located off of M37 (Center Rd)