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Hartwick Pines State Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 2,161 Google reviews · Running trail in Grayling, Michigan · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- 21 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Hartwick Pines State Park'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.
What runners say about Hartwick Pines State Park
“The restrooms were recently renovated and are very nice and clean.”
“It was early morning and so beautiful with the sun shinning threw the treetop on to the dewy ground ,the smell of the forest, the sounds of the birds.”
“Great Park for peaceful trail among dense pine trees.”
“We love that it's dog friendly!”
It was extremely hot the day I was there, but the Old Growth Trail is pretty shady, and the short length was very doable. I would like to visit again and do one of the longer trails. It was very cool to learn more about the logging history in Michigan and how Hartwick Pines avoided that.
Au Sable Foot trail is a mellow hike with plenty to see and a variety of forest feels. Lots of moss, a little elevation, ancient pines, and of course two passes over the Au Sable. Roughly three miles of forest fun, around two hours at a leisurely pace. 🥾✌🏼
Great place to camp! Enjoyed our stay. We had electrical site. Nice place to fall camp as you can also do some hiking. And you can visit the logging museum. With trails that will also take to you to a chapel in the woods.
Really nice campground and park. Large variety of sites that are well spaced and level. Nice individual showers and clean restrooms. Good hiking trails. Plenty of things for kids of all ages. Dogs are welcome.
Trail conditions & character
“It was early morning and so beautiful with the sun shinning threw the treetop on to the dewy ground ,the smell of the forest, the sounds of the birds.”
“Very nice trails and conditions were great for xc skiing, wish the visitor center/restroom were open during the week, traveled 150 miles but no place to change or warm up.”
“Great Park for peaceful trail among dense pine trees.”
“This quiet park has the best paved paths and very neat Logging Museum.”
“There are accessible lakes, but no real swimming area.”
Plan your run at Hartwick Pines State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- Distance21 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitemichigan.gov
- Phone+1 989-348-7068
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–10 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–10 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–10 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–10 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–10 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–10 pm |
| Sunday | 8 am–10 pm |
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