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Grand Traverse Commons Natural Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 251 Google reviews · Running trail in Traverse City, Michigan · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Grand Traverse Commons Natural Area'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.
Hiking area with an array of trails, including kid-friendly options, and scenic views.
What runners say about Grand Traverse Commons Natural Area
“Trails lead hikers & cyclists past meadows, through forests & over gentle streams and provide beautiful views from the hills.”
We came to see the Hippie Tree and we weren't disappointed! The hike to get there is uphill so a little tough but definitely manageable. The site of the Hippie Tree is off the trail and downhill but plenty of trees and branches to help get you down. And it's stunning!!!
Living here since 2011 I have often visited the natural area/hiking trails many times over, more times than I can count. All seasons, except winter. I've also had countless individuals come with me and or invited me to come with them on a hike and so on.
Could use green,blue, black signage with large trail names. The "you are here" maps are nice but most people have trail forks or other apps. So they know the trail names they are looking for.
The bestestest hiking trail of all Traverse City 😊💕. It's so prettyful ^.^ and like so many different ways to go hike it too ❤. Totally a hot spot as well among locals 💖 but also a place tourists go too =b.
Trail conditions & character
“Trails lead hikers & cyclists past meadows, through forests & over gentle streams and provide beautiful views from the hills.”
Plan your run at Grand Traverse Commons Natural Area
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- 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.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitegarfield-twp.com
- Phone(231) 941-1620
- Social Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Traverse City
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Clinch Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 2,984 reviews
Beach on West Grand Traverse Bay featuring picnic tables, restrooms & seasonal lifeguards.
Boardman Lake Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 379 reviews
Paved, shaded lakeside path for biking and strolling, with bridges and benches.