Strolling The Outdoors

Surf and turf.  Snow and sun.  The Traverse Bay Area is an all seasons outdoor-lover’s paradise.  Good stewardship of our natural spaces is a responsibility that is proudly shouldered by many community organizations.  Trail marking and maintenance is one of the invaluable services they provide, enabling families to access and enjoy our natural splendors.   Below is a list of natural areas with notably well maintained trails, and some with indoor visitor areas, that families with small children, jogging strollers, and baby packs can easily enjoy.

Grand Traverse 
Conservation District
www.gtcd.org 
941-0960

Boardman River Nature Center
1450 Cass Rd Traverse City
The headquarters of the Natural Education Reserve along the Boardman River.  The Nature Center features an exhibit gallery, theater room, craft area for kids, and houses a weekly educational program for preschoolers called “Peepers”, as well as an environmental education program for homeschoolers age 5 to 12.  Step outside the nature center to enjoy the 7 miles of trails, boardwalks, bridges, canoe portage sites, boat launch and picnic area.

Brown Bridge Quiet Area
3408 Brown Bridge, Traverse City
The backwaters of the Brown Bridge Dam (built in 1921) form the Brown Bridge Quiet Area which features designated trails and boardwalks, fishing, no wake boating, and wildlife observation.

Commons Natural Area
The grounds of Grand Traverse Commons at
1200 West 11th St, Traverse City
Offering the enjoyment of quiet outdoor recreation on the grounds of one of the areas most historic landmarks, “the old state hospital”. In 1885, the state hospital opened in what is now known as the Grand Traverse Commons. The lands behind the hospital were to be used as a self-sustaining farm operation, partially worked by the patients as a form of therapy. They are now maintained as a series of hiking trails.

Hickory Meadows
2000 Randolph St Traverse City 49684
Paths meander through meadows and upland forests to enjoy skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, and dog walking.

Picnic Area
On the north side of Keystone Pond, just west of the Boardman Dam on Cass Road. There is a boat launch and parking area, and a short trail along the north side of the Pond.

Grand Traverse Regional
Land Conservancy
www.gtrlc.org 
929-7911

Maple Bay Farm and Natural Area
A short trail through hemlock forests will lead you to a day at the beach. During warm weather remember mosquito repellent for the walk.
Approximately 5 miles north of Acme along US-31. The entrance to the Conservancy parcel and parking area is located approximately one mile north of Angel Road on the west side of US-31.  Drive the dirt road through the farmland, park and enter the foot trail through the gate.

Meadow Forest Trails
A wonderful expanse of forest and meadow newly enhance with trails on Old Mission Peninsula. Enter on the meadow just past Homestead Ct parking lot.  Or enter the forest: from Peninsula Dr turn right on Homestead Ct, left on Homestead Ln, left on Mission Ridge Circle.

Pyatt Lake Nature
Thousands of years ago, Pyatt Lake was part of Grand Traverse Bay. 20 minutes from Traverse City on Old Mission Peninsula. Take Peninsula Dr. north approximately 10 miles. Just past Bowers Harbor Marina, turn left on Neahtawanta Rd. Follow Neahtawanta Rd. 1/2 mile to Pyatt Rd. Turn right on Pyatt Rd. The parking area is 1/4 mile down Pyatt Rd. Bring the bug spray in summer and a sled for tots in winter.

George and Ada Reffitt Nature Preserve
A natural getaway right in the middle of Traverse City! There is a 1.7 mile loop trail and boardwalk around the preserve. From Munson Ave (US 31 N), turn south on Three Mile Rd. Turn right on Parsons Rd. (at the light) and park immediately on the left (next to the TART trail). The Reffitt Nature Preserve trail starts immediately south of the railroad tracks on the left (east) side of Three Mile Rd.