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Traverse City, Michigan

Looking for the best chillin in Traverse City? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Traverse City. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Chillin Spots in and near Traverse City

  • Traverse City, Michigan

    Whiskey Blending at Mammoth Distillery

    Now, this is something you probably haven't tried yet. Whiskey blending! The experience with Mammoth Distillery was stimulating, educating and so much fun! Technically we were actually blending bourbon - which we learned all bourbon is whiskey but not all whiskey is bourbon. You’ll sit down with ...
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  • Maple City, Michigan

    Paddle Glen Lake

    A pristine lake thats just waiting to be explored by kayak, SUP, canoe or boat (keep in mind that power boats are allowed on this lake). The water is amazingly clear and a beautiful shade of aqua blue. During the summer months, the air temperature remains relatively cool and makes for perfect, lo...
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  • Traverse City, Michigan

    Hike Old Mission Peninsula Park

    6 mi / 183 ft gain
    At the end of the Old Mission peninsula sits Mission Point Lighthouse. The lighthouse is surrounded by 5 acres of wooded township and many acres of state land! Upon arriving you can explore the shores just below the lighthouse - there can intriguing iceberg islands forming at the edge of the wate...
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  • Leland Township, Michigan

    Paddle Board Lake Michigan from Leland Harbor

    5.0
    For a day on the water, off the shores of Lake Michigan head to Leland. Park in the marina and load onto your paddle boards from the boat ramp. You'll quickly find your way out of the marina, in which you can head right, left or to open water. Either way you'll find accessible beaches and clear s...
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  • Maple City, Michigan

    Hike Pyramid Point Trail

    4.3
    2.8 mi / 570 ft gain
    Beginning at the trailhead, the 2.8 mile round trip takes you on a gravel/sand trail up 570 feet. The trail slowly winds uphill until you hit an opening at the top that looks out at the Sleeping Bear Dunes and down on Lake Michigan. 
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  • Maple City, Michigan

    Winter Hike Pyramid Point Trail

    2.8 mi / 570 ft gain
    The trail beings at the parking lot, it takes about 20 minutes to get to the famous overlook, about a 570 foot elevation gain. As you start the trail, after about .4 miles you will find a juncture off to your right, stay straight and it will lead you to the overlook. After you take in the sweepin...
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  • Empire, Michigan

    Drive the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive

    5.0
    A seven mile drive that offers views that are unbelievable. There are twelve stops along the way that correspond with an interpretive guide that is found at the beginning of the drive. The drive takes you through multiple landscapes.  The points of interest are as follows:1. Covered Bridge2. Glen...
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  • Empire, Michigan

    Hike to Big Glen Lookout

    5.0
    4.4 mi
    Start at the Alligator Hill trail head and make your way up the hill for roughly .1 of a mile until you hit a marker. Turn left at the sign and keep on the trail for another 1.3 miles. You will hit a scenic lookout called Islands Lookout which you can stop and get pictures at. From there you will...
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  • Honor, Michigan

    Winter Hike Empire Bluff Trail

    1.5 mi / 170 ft gain
    Just outside the village of Empire is where this venture starts. This hike may be the most famous hike in the area. The Empire Bluff Trail provides incredible views of the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes, South Bar Lake and Lake Michigan! The hike is slightly hilly, and stays primarily in the trees. At ...
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  • Glen Arbor, Michigan

    Hike the Ghost Forest Trail and the Dunes of Glen Haven

    3 mi
    Park your car at the Sleeping Bear Point Trailhead in Glen Haven, Michigan, once parked find your way to the sign for point of reference with the map. You'll find that the Ghost Forest Trail is a 2.8 mile loop. You can start the loop at the trailhead which is near the bathroom, or at the sign whe...
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  • Frankfort, Michigan

    Explore Point Betsie Lighthouse

    5.0
    If you find yourself cruising M22 between Crystal Lake and Lake Michigan, be sure to check out this beautiful lighthouse. Turn off of M22 on to Point Betsie Rd. and follow the curving road all the way to Lake Michigan. There isn't a designated parking lot for the lighthouse, but you can park anyw...
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  • Charlevoix, Michigan

    Camp at Fisherman's Island State Park

    0 mi / 0 ft gain
    Located just south of Charlevoix is Fisherman's Island State Park. The park offers miles of biking/hiking trails, and campsites directly on the beach of Lake Michigan.  Although located just outside of town, there is no service in this area, leaving you completely cut off from the outside world. ...
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