HomeMichiganTraverse City › Keystone Rapids Trailhead

Keystone Rapids Trailhead

4.8 ★★★★★ 219 Google reviews · Running trail in Traverse City, Michigan · Open 24 hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Tree cover
Access
Open 24 hours

Confirmed from Keystone Rapids 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.

Open 24hShadedScenicFlat & fastTrailhead parkingMile markers

Scenic waterfront destination featuring hiking trails and kayaking areas.

What runners say about Keystone Rapids Trailhead

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (219 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 9 mentions

“Beautiful trail along the Broadman River with great views, fishing spots, and scenic overlooks.”

🪧 well-marked 3 mentions

“There's a whole system of trails to explore, and all are well marked.”

Keystone Rapids Trail is a great spot to canoe 🛶 to. We started upriver at Shumsky’s canoe launch and then floated down while fly fishing the Boardman River. Trip time was about 2.5 hours with minimal paddling. We caught some brown trout and a rainbow trout.

★★★★★ — Plum , Sep 2020

One of my favorite hiking trails that isn't far from downtown, but also feels secluded. There's a whole system of trails to explore, and all are well marked. You'll find a few access points to the river as well - just be aware the current can be fast in this area!

★★★★★ — Kaitlyn , Aug 2019

One of my favorite trails in town! A little mucky today from the weather but I had to get my puppy out of the house and the trails were great and the sun was nice!

★★★★★ — Alyssa , Mar 2022

Nice maps and markers along the trail to make sure you know where you are going. Plenty of signs letting you know where poison ivy was. Parking was easy we got there early so might have been tricky later, it's a small lot. Easy to go from trail to trail and hike a bunch.

★★★★★ — Casey , Jul 2019

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 219 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 14 mentions

“Parking can be a bit tight on busy days or weekends but the trail has awesome river views and is easily accessible for kids and families to hike together.”

More trails like this →

🅿️ Trailhead parking 4 mentions

“Parking can be a bit tight on busy days or weekends but the trail has awesome river views and is easily accessible for kids and families to hike together.”

More trails like this →

📏 Mile markers 4 mentions

“Nice maps and markers along the trail to make sure you know where you are going.”

More trails like this →

🌳 Shaded / tree cover 3 mentions

“Trails range from wooded to some open areas along the woods.”

More trails like this →

Flat & fast 2 mentions

“If you’re looking for a fun, intermediated level canoe or kayak trip, this is a great one.”

More trails like this →

Plan your run at Keystone Rapids Trailhead

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.
  • ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
  • At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
  • Phone+1 231-941-0960

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

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Keystone Rapids Trailhead

2500-2668 Beitner Rd, Traverse City, MI 49685

Get directions

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.

Lone Pine Trail

4.8 ★★★★★ 68 reviews

Traverse City, MI

PavedScenic

Nature preserve featuring trails for walking and biking alongside the Boardman River.

under a mile away

Grand Traverse Natural Education Reserve

4.8 ★★★★★ 244 reviews

Traverse City, MI

Scenic

Nature preserve featuring scenic trails, wildlife sightings, and a public restroom.

2.2 miles away

Miller Creek Nature Reserve

4.8 ★★★★★ 49 reviews

Traverse City, MI

LoopBoardwalkScenicDog-friendly

Hiking trails meander through 66 acres of forest, swamps & meadows in a tranquil urban park.

3.3 miles away

Boardman Valley Nature Preserve

4.9 ★★★★★ 43 reviews

Traverse City, MI

LoopScenic

3.6 miles away

Boardman Lake Trail

4.8 ★★★★★ 379 reviews

Traverse City, MI

LoopMixedShadedScenic

Paved, shaded lakeside path for biking and strolling, with bridges and benches.

4.2 miles away

Kids Creek Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 19 reviews

Traverse City, MI

Loop

4.2 miles away

All running trails in Traverse 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.