Looking for the best day hikes near Traverse City, Michigan? Traverse City is a perfect vacation destination for water lovers and hikers, with beaches, rivers, and some of the best day hikes in the state.

why this blog? Hi there! I’m Maddy and I’ve been working as a Lake Superior wilderness guide and outdoor writer since 2018. I was born and raised in Michigan! A few times a year, I make the trek to the Traverse City to see my family area from Northern Wisconsin— along the way, I stop and explore some of the best hiking in the state. I’ve spent most of my life exploring the Michigan Trails, and I’m happy to show you around!

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What to pack for an outdoorsy trip to Traverse City, Michigan

• Long pants: for women looking for a flattering fit and functionality try Kuhl Freeflex or REI Trailmade
• Long sleeve wool baselayers : wool tops like this make a great hiking layer both for sun protection and for regulating body temperature 
• Shorts: I like a quick dry pair with a built-in belt  and a elastic waist, swim-friendly pair
• If paddling or swimming: a UPF sun hoodie
• A down puffy jacket that packs down small: nights are a lot cooler than you might expect!
• A solid day hiking pack
• On rugged trails like those in the Upper Peninsula, trekking poles
• A raincoat. I love the Moss Raincoat from Helly Hansen; It’s affordable, cute, and super durable.
• Hiking boots: I like Oboz Bridger Mids for best grip and ankle support, or alternately hiking/paddling sandals like Bedrocks (designed for paddling guides and paddling guide (me) approved)
• An America the Beautiful Pass
• If backpacking, backpacking gear!
• Exploring Michigan eBook
• A Michigan Recreation Pass

Best Day Hikes Near Traverse City, Michigan

Traverse City, Michigan is known for cherry festivals and wineries, clear blue water and rolling hills. It’s a popular vacation spot for Michiganders, and for good reason! The nearby Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore offers some of the most beautiful day hikes in the Midwest, and the North Country Trail winds through Michigan’s scenic forest and along wild rivers.

Deciding where to hike near Traverse City can be hard! I was lucky enough to grow up spending the better part of every summer in and around Traverse City, and recently lived nearby for several months. I’m happy to show you around! All of these day hikes are great for families, and less than one hour from Traverse City, Michigan!

From the sand dunes of Sleeping Bear to the backwoods of the North Country Trail, come explore some of the best day hikes near Traverse City, Michigan:

1) Hike Clay Cliffs Natural Area near Leland, MI

Located just 40 minutes drive north of Traverse City, Clay Cliffs Natural Area is a short and quiet hike with wildflowers. Wind through the woods to reach views of Lake Michigan and the clay cliffs. On the way back, you’ll see views of Lake Leelaunau.

This is a beginner level hike at less than two miles round trip, and likely to be less crowded than some of the similar trails in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Clay Cliffs Natural Area is an awesome option for families looking for an easy day hike near Traverse City hoping to get views of Lake Michigan.

This trail is dog-friendly provided your dog is on a leash!

After your hike, head to the Chimoski Bakery and walk the lakefront in Suttons Bay, Michigan.

2) Hike and Swim Sand Lakes Quiet Area Pathway

Located 40 minutes drive west of Traverse City, Sand Lakes Quiet Area is a 7-8 mile trail system throughout sandy lakes. This path follows the North Country Trail, and offers great swimming options.

Sand Lakes Quiet Area Pathway is a great day hiking option near Traverse City. The hike begins at the Guernsey Lake State Forest Campground. Sand Lakes Quiet Area is a dog friendly trail!

Sand Lakes is the perfect day hike for anyone looking for a longer, more difficult hike and a nice place to spend the whole day. There are plenty of picnic spots and places to jump in the water. The trail is especially beautiful in the fall.

After a long day on the trail, head back into town and visit one of Traverse City’s many Microbreweries.

3) Hike Pyramid Point, Sleeping Bear Dunes

If you’re wondering where to hike near Traverse City, add Pyramid Point to the top of your list. Pyramid Point Trail in the Sleeping Bear Dunes is a quick hike to some of the most beautiful views near Traverse City! Located in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Pyramid Point is a three mile loop, or less than a mile round trip out to the overlook and back.

Pyramid Point hiking trail is less than one hour from Traverse City. One of the best things about this trail is the views of the Manitou Islands in the distance, and colorful currents in the water below.

After hiking Pyramid Point, head south to visit the rest of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Recently named as home to some of the world’s best beaches by USA Today, the Sleeping Bear Dunes are a must-visit day trip from Traverse City.

Note: All dogs must be leashed in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Some beaches are closed to dogs due to the endangered Piping Plovers. You can find beach closures here.

4) Hike and Swim the Dune Climb, Sleeping Bear Dunes

A trip to Traverse City is never complete without visiting the Sleeping Bear Dunes! And there’s no better place to fully experience the Sleeping Bear Dunes than the Dune Climb hike.

At the Dune Climb, hikers scale a large sand mountain. After the first hill, you travel on foot for two grueling miles. The long trek pays off when you reach one of the most beautiful Lake Michigan beaches in the state! Hike past ghost trees stripped by the sand, and unique dune grass ecosystems.

The Sleeping Bear Dune Climb is one the most difficult day hikes near Traverse City, MI, but also one of the most rewarding. Come prepared with sandals fit to hike and swim in, and pack plenty of water and a good lunch!

After hiking the Dune Climb, head south to North Bar Lake for a relaxing swim. The Dune Climb and North Bar Lake are both no pet zones.

Looking for a detailed guide to visiting Michigan’s Sleeping Bear Dunes? Check out all the best things to do in Sleeping Bear, from paddling, to camping to where to eat!

5) Hike Empire Bluffs, Sleeping Bear Dunes

Tucked away in the tiny coastal town of Empire, Michigan, the Empire Bluffs Hike leads to one of the most beautiful views in the Sleeping Bear Dunes! This hike is less than two miles round trip, and easily one of the best day hikes less than one hour away from Traverse City.

Especially beautiful in the fall, the Empire Bluffs Trail is one of the most beautiful (and most popular) hiking trails near Traverse City. After your hike, swing by Sleeping Bear Surf and Kayak for a Great Lakes Surf lesson and to meet some very lovely people!

Love hiking in Michigan? Check out 25+ Bucket-List hikes in the Mitten State!

6) Hike The North Country Trail

Ever dreamed of a trail that stretches thousands of miles through the highlights of the North Country? The North Country Trail (NCT) is just that trail. Some of the most beautiful sections of the NCT are right here near Traverse City along the Manistee River.

Sections of the NCT can be used to make some of the best day hikes near Traverse City. Trailheads include Old US 131 State Forest Campground, near Baxter Bridge State Forest Campground, High Rollaway on the Manistee, and the Manistee River Trail.

All of these day hikes are less than one hour from Traverse City. Most of these trails are dog friendly!

7) Hike Grass River Natural Area

Are you wondering where to hike near Traverse City for the best wildlife and accessible trail options? Visit the Grass River Natural Area. Located on the Chain of Lakes, the Grass River is an excellent place to see river otter.

This trail system will take you out to the scenic Grass River and over crystal clear streams. Other pathways will take you out into the woods where you might see deer and porcupine. The Grass River Natural Area is especially beautiful in the spring and fall, and is suitable for all age levels.

While portions of the Grass River Natural Area are dog-friendly, the boardwalk and adaptive trails are no pet zones!

After visiting the Grass River, head into the nearby town of Bellaire, Michigan for lunch at Short’s Brewery. Walk through the town out to the Intermediate River, and enjoy the shops and friendly environment of small town Michigan.

8) Visit the Maritime Museum at Sleeping Bear Point!

Tired of hiking? Interested in Lake Michigan Maritime History? Pop by the Maritime Museum at Sleeping Bear Point in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore!

From the old Coast Guard Station and Maritime Museum, you can access the Sleeping Bear Point Trailhead. This hike will take you past beautiful sandscapes along Lake Michigan.

Note: the maritime museum grounds is a no pet zone.

Looking for all the best Michigan Road Trip ideas?! I’ve got you covered!

9) Hike or Canoe the Jordan River Pathway

Looking for one of the best adventures near Traverse City? Head up to the Jordan River to hike the beautiful 3-mile loop on the Jordan River, tackle the backpacking loop, or canoe on the beautiful river as it flows toward Lake Charlevoix.

10) Avalanche Preserve

Head up to Boyne City, Michigan hike the beautiful Avalanche Preserve, one of the best hiking views near Traverse City. This hike is especially beautiful in the fall, and a great hike for families.

11) Drive & Hike the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive

Looking for one of the prettiest places in all of Michigan? Just a day trip from Traverse City, the Sleeping Bear Dunes Pierce-Stocking Scenic Drive (fee area), has a number of overlooks and short hiking trails to choose from. By far, the Overlook Nine area is one of the most beautiful. This little drive is definitely worth the trip and portions are ADA-accessible!

check out the Midwest Adventure eBook Bundle for over 300+ pages of detailed adventure planning including hidden waterfalls, the best campsites, off-the-beaten-path adventures, and more covering Sleeping Bear to the end of the Gunflint Trail and everything in-between!

Where will your next adventure be?

• Explore the the best things to do in the Pictured Rocks
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