County parks reopen, local trails offer winter recreation and safety guidance

Grand Traverse County is highlighting its network of winter trails and outdoor spaces as residents seek safe, family friendly recreation during the colder months. Camp Greilick has reopened and is listed as open in a county update dated December 9, 2025. The reopening restores multi use trails, disc golf, waterfront access and family friendly routes that provide close to home outdoor options for Traverse City and county residents.

The Boardman Lake Loop continues to serve as the year round, heavily used corridor for walking and biking with easy access from downtown Traverse City. The loop is maintained by the city and local partners and is commonly used for winter walks and snowshoeing where conditions allow. At the county managed Brown Bridge Quiet Area loop trails are available for winter hiking and cross country skiing, with parking at Corners Road access points. Trail users are advised to check conditions and carry traction devices for icy stretches.

Safety guidance from county parks staff and standard trail practice emphasize layering clothing, wearing traction such as microspikes on icy sections, carrying water and a phone, and checking local forecasts and advisories from the National Weather Service. Verify parking and closure notices on the county parks page before leaving home, particularly after storms or thaw freeze cycles that can change trail passability quickly.

The availability of maintained trails supports public health and local spending by keeping residents engaged in outdoor activity close to home. Family friendly routes and waterfront views at Camp Greilick offer low cost recreation that can reduce winter isolation for older residents and provide safe spaces for children to explore. Heavy winter use also raises operational questions for park managers about grooming, parking management and staffing during high demand periods.

Verify current trail status before setting out, carry traction devices and emergency supplies, and monitor National Weather Service advisories for the Traverse City area. With careful preparation, county trails offer accessible and scenic winter recreation for families and individuals across Grand Traverse County.