HomeMichiganMaple City › Bay View Trailhead

Bay View Trailhead

4.6 ★★★★★ 29 Google reviews · Running trail in Maple City, Michigan · Hours vary

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Loop distance
Not reported
Shape
Loop
Shade
Not reported
Access
Not reported

Confirmed from Bay View Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

LoopScenicFlat & fastHillyMile markers

What runners say about Bay View Trailhead

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (29 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 4 mentions

“There is a spectacular stretch of trail along a beautiful ridge.”

🪧 well-marked 2 mentions

“A great, well marked trail that is extremely well groomed and clean.”

This is a well marked trail with accurate maps at the trailhead. A nice easy loop with an option to climb up a small hill for a view of the N and S Manitou Islands. Also a flat option to finish a nice 2 mile loop with views of historic barns.

★★★★★ — Bryan , Dec 2020

A great, well marked trail that is extremely well groomed and clean. It doesn't have too much traffic. It is beautiful and a great place to walk or run!

★★★★★ — Sarah , Nov 2021

There is a spectacular stretch of trail along a beautiful ridge. On a clear day, you can see North Fox Island from the lookout.

★★★★★ — Bruce , Sep 2023

The trails through the woods are very scenic. I recommend it for hiking.

★★★★★ — Charles , Dec 2021

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 29 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 12 mentions

“A nice easy loop with an option to climb up a small hill for a view of the N and S Manitou Islands.”

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⛰️ Hills / elevation 6 mentions

“A nice easy loop with an option to climb up a small hill for a view of the N and S Manitou Islands.”

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🔁 Loop trail 2 mentions

“A nice easy loop with an option to climb up a small hill for a view of the N and S Manitou Islands.”

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Flat & fast 2 mentions

“Also a flat option to finish a nice 2 mile loop with views of historic barns.”

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📏 Mile markers 2 mentions

“A great, well marked trail that is extremely well groomed and clean.”

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Plan your run at Bay View Trailhead

The practical stuff

  • AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
  • DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • Websitenps.gov

Where to find Bay View Trailhead

High Trail, Maple City, MI 49664

Get directions

Running trails near Maple City

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Sleeping Bear Point Trailhead

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Dune Climb

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Expansive dunes for uphill sand climbs with water views & challenging hikes to Lake Michigan.

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Empire Bluff Trail

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LoopMixedScenicDog-friendly

Popular scenic hiking area offering a boardwalk and views of Lake Michigan.

10.7 miles away

The Ingraham Preserve at the Cedar River Preserve: The Leelanau Conservancy

4.8 ★★★★★ 13 reviews

Cedar, MI

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10.8 miles away

Clay Cliffs Natural Area: The Leelanau Conservancy

4.8 ★★★★★ 191 reviews

Leland, MI

1.5 miLoopNatural surfaceShaded

Beautiful forested hiking spot featuring meadows, cliffs, an overlook and a lake view.

13.2 miles away

Cedar Run Creek Natural Area

4.7 ★★★★★ 42 reviews

Lake Ann, MI

LoopScenicDog-friendly

Quiet park with trails for hiking and snowshoeing, plus lake and creek views.

14.7 miles away

All running trails in Maple City, MI →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.