TRUE BLUE hiking
Having Fun!
Hunt for wildflowers and fungi-
Listen to bird songs-
Breathe in the crisp, clean air-
Enjoy the trees along the trail!
Photo: Torch Conservation Center
Hike Safely!
Prevent hiking mishaps.
Plan Ahead
Cell phone reception is spotty in the watershed.
Before you go:
- Check the weather before you set out.
- Share your hiking plans with family and friends.
- Bring a buddy, water, food, sunscreen, bug spray, hat and first aid kit.
At the Trailhead
- Pull up the trail map or snap a photo of it.
- Wear hunter orange during the hunting season: SEP-DEC
- Prepare to share the trail with other hikers and mountain bikers.
After your hike:
- Check for ticks on you, your buddy and your dog!
Photo: Torch Conservation Center
Follow the Law
Generous individuals, local governments and the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy have worked together to conserve these natural places.
Treasure and Care for them.
- Trails are open dawn to dusk.
- Stay on the trail.
- Dogs must be leashed!
- Observe Hunting Regulations.
MDNR Hunting Seasons and Regulations
Photo: Torch Conservation Center
In case of an accident:
Dial 911
For Sheriff, Fire or Ambulance
Best Hiking Trails in Torch Lake Area
- Trails are maintained by Antrim County, local townships, Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy and Friends of Glacial Hills.
- Unlike the southern section of Michigan, the topography here has some steep hills.
| Hiking Area | Trail Descriptions | Hunting Allowed | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grass River Natural Area (4) Difficulty: Easy & flat | 7.0 miles of trails | Not allowed in Education Area- See Natural Area map | • Dogs must be leashed allowed on 2 trails only. • American Disabilities Act (ADA) Trail • Bikes allowed on 1 trail. • Education Center |
| Glacial HIlls Pathway and Natural Area (7) Difficulty: Moderate with easy options | 31.5 miles of trails | Allowed | • Dogs must be leashed. • Bikes allowed. |
| Maplehurst Natural Area (12) Difficulty: Moderate with easy options | 5.5 miles of trails | Not Allowed | • Dogs must be leashed. • 60 acre upland lake • No motorized vessels. • Carry or wheel kayaks, canoes ¼ mile to lake. |
| Antrim Creek Natural Area (1) Difficulty: Easy & mostly flat | 2.1 miles of trails | Allowed | • Dogs must be leashed. • One mile of Grand Traverse Bay Shoreline |
| Coy Mountain (8) Difficulty: Moderate with easy option | I.0 mile of trails | Not Allowed | • Dogs must be leashed. • No bikes. |
Show
You Care
We love when you visit Torch Lake.
Visit responsibly and sustainably.
Leave the trail cleaner than you found it.
- Pick up after your dog.
- Pack out your trash and any trash found along the trail.
- Take photos not flowers, so others can enjoy the beauty.
Links
Take classes to learn more about the glacial lake ecosystem at Grass River Natural Area.
Volunteer with a Trail Team at Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy
Don't just wish that Torch Lake will stay blue.
Choose a water-friendly lifestyle - make a difference!