Explore Winter Recreation in Grand Traverse County: Boardman Lake and Hickory Hills

Winter in Grand Traverse County continues to offer a mix of accessible, family-friendly outdoor options from the Boardman Lake loop to Hickory Hills and the VASA Pathway. Close-to-home choices such as the Boardman Lake Loop and Clinch Park access provide short walks, snowshoeing and birding just minutes from downtown Traverse City, while municipal sites like Hickory Hills cater to beginners and children with a range of trails and sledding hills.

The Boardman Lake Loop remains a prime option for quick outings and sunset strolls; many sections are shoveled or compacted by regular foot traffic, making it practical for families and commuters seeking daily activity. Park at the Governmental Center, Clinch Park or the designated lots, and respect private property signs when moving between access points. For icy conditions, wear traction devices such as crampons or spikes and layer clothing for changing conditions.

Hickory Hills Recreation Area offers a mix of beginner to intermediate trails and has historically hosted youth programming and camps. Its family focus makes it a natural spot for new skiers and sledders; check city and parks pages for grooming reports and local lesson options before heading out. The VASA Pathway and adjacent groomed Nordic trails serve the greater Traverse area with loops of varying lengths, popular among classic and skate skiers as well as fat-bikers. Trail etiquette matters: use designated tracks for each activity and start on shorter groomed loops if unfamiliar with the area.

For quieter experiences, Brown Bridge Quiet Area near Kingsley provides forested boardwalks suited to snowshoeing and winter hiking. Parking can be limited on busy weekends, so download an offline trail map and tell someone your return time when exploring remote sections. Neighborhood parks and township sled hills around Traverse City and Kingsley offer convenient sledding and short walks; use helmets and avoid icy slopes for safety.

Practical preparation will improve outings and reduce local strain on resources. Carry a small daypack with water, snacks, a headlamp and a basic first-aid kit. Hypothermia risk rises on windy, wet days, so a windproof outer layer and hand warmers are advisable. Downtown trailheads have limited winter parking; plan to arrive early on weekends and use restrooms and warming shelters at larger trailheads when available. Leave no trace and respect closed areas to protect habitat.

Beyond recreation, these winter amenities feed local economic activity. Regular use of trails supports gear rentals, lessons and retail sales at Traverse City outfitters and sustains volunteer grooming programs. Policy choices about grooming funding, parking management and trail signage will influence winter tourism and neighborhood quality of life in the years ahead. For updates, check Grand Traverse County Parks & Recreation pages, local outfitters and community trail clubs for grooming logs and rental information.

For residents, the message is simple: take advantage of nearby, maintained outdoor options while planning ahead for safety and parking. Continued community support and sensible municipal investment will keep these winter assets open and economically beneficial for years to come.