Traverse City

Hike the moderate 5.8-mile Downtown Traverse City to Hickory Meadows loop, featuring varied terrain and views from Hickory Hill.

The Traverse Area Recreational Trail offers an easy hiking experience, covering 2.7 miles (4.3 km) with a minimal elevation gain of just 34 feet (10 metres). You can expect to complete this route in about 1 hour and 5 minutes. As you hike, you will enjoy a mix of urban and natural scenery, including access to Traverse City's bayfront and popular West End Beach. The paved path winds through local neighborhoods before transitioning into meadows and woods, providing a varied and pleasant atmosphere.

This well-maintained trail is largely paved, making it suitable for hikers of all abilities, including those with strollers or wheelchairs. You can easily access the route from various points within Traverse City due to its urban integration. Certain sections are even plowed during winter, allowing you to enjoy the trail year-round. This makes it a convenient option for a quick outing whenever you are in the area.

The trail is notable for its direct connection to Traverse City's vibrant downtown, offering easy access to shops and eateries. A significant portion of the route provides waterfront views and access to swimming beaches. This blend of urban convenience and natural beauty makes it a unique and accessible option for exploring the area.

The Traverse Area Recreational Trail offers a challenging and diverse hiking experience, covering 20.9 miles (33.6 km) with 608 feet (185 metres) of elevation gain. This difficult route, which typically takes around 8 hours and 41 minutes, guides you along Grand Traverse Bay, past swimming beaches and Clinch Park, and through a mix of urban landscapes and serene forests. You'll encounter varied terrain, from paved paths to unpaved and gravel sections, providing a dynamic journey for those seeking a long-distance hike.

When planning your visit, consider that while the main TART trail is accessible year-round and even plowed in winter, this extensive route is best enjoyed from spring to fall for optimal conditions and scenery. Parking is available in Traverse City, but for a hike of this duration, an early start is advisable to make the most of daylight hours. Be sure to pack ample water and snacks, as this is a significant undertaking.

This trail is a vital part of the broader TART Trails network, which spans over 60 miles and connects various parts of the Grand Traverse region. It's notable for its dual purpose as both a recreational path and a transportation corridor, allowing for car-free travel through scenic northern Michigan. The name TART itself pays homage to the region's famous tart cherry industry, adding a touch of local history to your adventure.