Explore Traverse City & nearby towns

Hiking near Traverse City

Dune climbs, forest trails, and lakeside paths for all skill levels.

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Hiking near Traverse City

97 places

Dune climbs, forest trails, and lakeside paths for all skill levels.

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Traverse City sits in the heart of Northern Michigan with incredible hiking opportunities right outside town. From the iconic dunes of Sleeping Bear Dunes to scenic bay-side trails and quiet forest paths, there's a hiking experience for every skill level and interest.

The area offers over 180 hiking trails that range from easy, kid-friendly walks to challenging backcountry adventures. Many trails offer stunning views of Grand Traverse Bay, Lake Michigan, and the surrounding hardwood forests. Fall is particularly spectacular, with the leaves turning brilliant colors across the region's hardwood forests.

  • Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - Dune climbs and breathtaking views
  • Bay-side trails along Grand Traverse Bay
  • Forest trails through hardwood and pine woods
  • Easy family hikes and challenging backcountry routes

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Showing 36 of 97 places

Alligator Hill Trail in Traverse City
Hiking & Trails-Empire

Alligator Hill Trail

Scenic hiking trail in Sleeping Bear Dunes with views of Glen Lake and the surrounding dunes landscape.

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Almira Township Lakefront Park in Traverse City
Hiking & Trails-Benzie County

Almira Township Lakefront Park

Tucked away in Benzie County, this lakefront gem gives families a quiet escape from busier Traverse City beaches. The park sits right on Crystal Lake's pristine shoreline, where kids can splash in shallow waters while parents actually relax. A network of easy trails winds through towering pines and hardwoods,…

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Antrim Creek Natural Area in Traverse City
Hiking & Trails-Grand Traverse County

Antrim Creek Natural Area

Two distinct trails wind through the rolling hills north of Traverse City, each with its own personality. Nipissing Trail takes you through dense hardwood forests where deer paths cross the main route, while Trillium Ridge climbs to higher ground with glimpses of Grand Traverse Bay through the canopy. Both trails…

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Arbutus Lake No. 5 Park in Traverse City
Hiking & Trails-Grand Traverse County

Arbutus Lake No. 5 Park

Tucked away in Grand Traverse County, Grace Macdonald Park is one of those hidden gems that locals love to share. The trails wind through beautiful hardwood forests and open meadows, perfect for families wanting an easy hike without the crowds. Your dog will love exploring the scents along the well-maintained paths,…

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Arcadia Dunes: Dry Hill Trails in Traverse City
Hiking & Trails-Benzie County

Arcadia Dunes: Dry Hill Trails

The Dry Hill Trails are an 11 mile multi-use trail system reached from the St. Pierre Trailhead. Part of Arcadia Dunes: The C.S. Mott Nature Preserve.

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Bay View Trailhead in Traverse City
Hiking & Trails-Maple City

Bay View Trailhead

A scenic hiking trailhead near Maple City offering beautiful views and access to trails within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

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Bayfront Beach and Bike in Traverse City
Biking (Rentals & Trails)-Antrim County

Bayfront Beach and Bike

The gentle whir of bike chains mingles with lapping waves at Bayfront Beach and Bike, where two-wheeled adventures begin just steps from Antrim County's pristine shoreline. Their convenient delivery service brings quality bikes directly to your doorstep, eliminating the hassle of pickup and drop-off. Feel the lake…

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Bayfront Scooters - Pro Scooters, Skateboards & Electric Bikes Rentals sales in Traverse City
Biking (Rentals & Trails)-Traverse City

Bayfront Scooters - Pro Scooters, Skateboards & Electric Bikes Rentals sales

Here's something different for exploring Traverse City – electric scooters that'll have you zipping around the bayfront with the biggest grin on your face. Bay Front Scooters puts you right in the action, cruising past the marina, hitting the TART Trail, or just meandering through downtown at your own pace. These…

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Bayside Park in Traverse City
Hiking & Trails-Williamsburg

Bayside Park

A community park in Acme Township offering waterfront access, green space, and recreational facilities.

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Bellows Park in Traverse City
Hiking & Trails-Frankfort

Bellows Park

Community park in Frankfort with open green space, playground equipment, and a neighborhood gathering spot.

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Benzie Conservation District in Traverse City
Hiking & Trails-Benzie County

Benzie Conservation District

The Benzie Conservation District manages some of northern Michigan's most pristine natural areas, creating exceptional hiking opportunities throughout Benzie County. Their trail systems wind through diverse ecosystems - from dense hardwood forests to wetland boardwalks where you can spot great blue herons and painted…

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Betsie River Pathway in Traverse City
Hiking & Trails-Benzonia

Betsie River Pathway

Multi-use trail system on Longstreet Road near Benzonia offering hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing along the Betsie River.

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Betsie Valley Trail in Traverse City
Hiking & Trails-Benzie County

Betsie Valley Trail

The Betsie Valley Trail transforms a former railroad corridor into 22 miles of smooth, crushed limestone path perfect for families and their four-legged companions. This rail-trail cuts through Benzie County's diverse landscape, connecting Frankfort to Thompsonville with gentle grades that make it accessible for all…

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Beulah Village Park in Traverse City
Hiking & Trails-Benzie County

Beulah Village Park

Crystal Lake's crown jewel sits right in the heart of Beulah, where sugar-sand beaches meet some of Michigan's clearest waters. This expansive public beach draws families and their four-legged companions to its gentle shoreline, where kids can splash safely in the shallow areas while adults soak up the sun. The beach…

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Boardman Valley Stables in Traverse City
Hiking & Trails-Grand Traverse County

Boardman Valley Stables

Saddle up for trail rides through some of Grand Traverse County's most scenic countryside at Boardman Valley Stables. These guided horseback adventures wind through rolling hills, dense woodlands, and open meadows just minutes from downtown Traverse City. The well-trained horses suit riders of all skill levels, while…

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Brick Wheels in Traverse City
Biking (Rentals & Trails)-Traverse City

Brick Wheels

Skip the hassle of loading bikes onto your car – Brick Wheels brings quality rental bikes directly to your door in Traverse City. Their delivery service means you can start pedaling the TART Trail or exploring downtown streets without the transportation headaches. The fleet includes comfort cruisers, mountain bikes,…

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Brown Bridge Quiet Area in Traverse City
Hiking & Trails-Grand Traverse County

Brown Bridge Quiet Area

Brown Bridge Quiet Area lives up to its name with peaceful trails that wind through dense hardwood forests and open meadows in Grand Traverse County. The well-maintained paths make this spot perfect for families with kids who want to explore Northern Michigan's natural beauty without tackling challenging terrain.…

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Cedar River Natural Area in Traverse City
Hiking & Trails-Grand Traverse County

Cedar River Natural Area

The Cedar River winds through this hidden gem in Grand Traverse County, where local families have been creating memories for generations. Native Ottawa tribes once traveled these same riverbanks, and you can still see the ancient cedar groves that gave this area its name. The gentle trails wind through wetlands and…

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Cedar Run Creek Natural Area in Traverse City
Hiking & Trails-MI 49650

Cedar Run Creek Natural Area

Conservation area near Lake Ann with trails along Cedar Run Creek through forest and wetland habitats.

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City Bike Shop in Traverse City
Biking (Rentals & Trails)-Traverse City

City Bike Shop

Right in the heart of downtown Traverse City, City Bike Shop sits where the urban energy meets outdoor adventure. The shop's windows face the bustling sidewalks of Front Street, where you can watch cyclists roll past heading toward the bay or returning from the TART Trail. Inside, the smell of chain oil mingles with…

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CAHiking & Trails
Hiking & Trails-Grand Traverse County

Climb A Tree

Adventure calls from the treetops at this unique outdoor experience in Grand Traverse County. Climb A Tree takes hiking to new heights with guided tree climbing adventures that let you scale towering hardwoods using professional rope systems. Kids and adults alike can safely ascend majestic oaks and maples, reaching…

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Coastline Cycles in Traverse City
Biking (Rentals & Trails)-Benzie County

Coastline Cycles

Coastline Cycles brings the freedom of two wheels straight to your doorstep in beautiful Benzie County. Their delivery service means you can skip the hassle and start pedaling Michigan's stunning shoreline trails within minutes of arrival. The team stocks quality bikes built for everything from leisurely rides along…

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Cottonwood Trail in Traverse City
Hiking & Trails-MI 49636

Cottonwood Trail

Hiking trail in Sleeping Bear Dunes winding through forested areas and offering peaceful nature walks near Glen Arbor.

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DeYoung Natural Area in Traverse City
Hiking & Trails-Traverse City

DeYoung Natural Area

A Leelanau Conservancy preserve near Traverse City featuring trails through diverse natural habitats.

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East Bay Park in Traverse City
Hiking & Trails-Traverse City

East Bay Park

Waterfront park on East Grand Traverse Bay with beach access, picnic areas, and scenic bay views.

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ECHiking & Trails
Hiking & Trails-Grand Traverse County

East Creek Reserve

East Creek Reserve transforms biking into an adventure that works for every family member. The trail system winds through diverse terrain where kids can build confidence on gentle slopes while parents tackle more challenging sections. What sets this Grand Traverse County destination apart is its thoughtful design -…

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Einstein Cycles in Traverse City
Biking (Rentals & Trails)-Grand Traverse County

Einstein Cycles

Einstein Cycles takes the hassle out of exploring Grand Traverse County's incredible bike trails. Their delivery service brings quality rental bikes straight to your hotel, vacation rental, or campground, so you can skip the pickup logistics and dive right into your cycling adventure. The team knows the local terrain…

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Elk Rapids Day Park in Traverse City
Hiking & Trails-Antrim County

Elk Rapids Day Park

Tucked along the shores of Elk Lake in Antrim County, this gem of a day park delivers everything families need for a great outdoor adventure. The trails wind through mixed hardwood forests and open meadows, giving you glimpses of the lake through the trees. Kids love the easy terrain, and dogs can explore alongside…

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Fisher's Run Park in Traverse City
Hiking & Trails-Traverse City

Fisher's Run Park

Community park in Long Lake Township with playgrounds, trails, and green space for outdoor recreation.

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FRHiking & Trails
Hiking & Trails-Long Lake Township

Fishers Run

Natural creek area in Long Lake Township offering quiet outdoor exploration and wildlife viewing.

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Frankfort Mineral Springs Park in Traverse City
Hiking & Trails-Benzie County

Frankfort Mineral Springs Park

Pine needles crunch underfoot as you wind through Bellows Park's gentle trails, where towering maples and oaks create a natural canopy that filters sunlight into dancing patches on the forest floor. This Benzie County gem draws families with its easy-going paths that meander past wildflower clearings and moss-covered…

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GPHiking & Trails
Hiking & Trails-MI 49685

Gilbert Park

A community park in Traverse City providing neighborhood green space and recreational facilities.

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