Take A Hike

Avalanche Preserve has trails ranging from accessible loops to challenging climbs through dense forest. The popular hike rewards with a panoramic overlook of Lake Charlevoix and downtown Boyne City. Disc golf and archery are also on site. Restrooms are located at the trailhead.

Deadman's Hill sits at 1,329 feet elevation, looking out over the entire Jordan River Valley. The overlook itself is a short walk from the trailhead and accessible to nearly any ability level. For those who want more, the 3.1-mile loop descends 400 feet into the valley, winds through hardwoods along the Jordan River, and climbs back up.

The Bear River drops 75 feet in its final mile through a narrow gorge blocks from the Gaslight District, with boardwalks, observation decks, and small waterfalls. The whitewater below makes for dramatic scenery on what is otherwise an easy, accessible walk. Part of the North Country Trail, it connects to the Little Traverse Wheelway at the north end if you want to extend the outing.

Michigan's first designated Wild and Scenic River runs through a deep, forested valley south of Boyne Falls, and the Jordan River Pathway traces it in a way that few other trails in the state can match. The full loop is an 18.7-mile backpacking route best done over two days, but day hikers can access beautiful sections from multiple trailheads. Bald eagles and river otters are regular sights.

The Little Traverse Conservancy opened the Offield Family Viewlands to the public in 2020 after purchasing the former Little Traverse Bay Golf Club, and the views of Little Traverse Bay and the Inland Waterway from the high points are jaw-dropping. Over four miles of hiking trails follow the old golf cart paths across rolling terrain.