7 Dog-friendly, Hunt-free Hikes

As the blaze orange moves into the woods Up North, you and your best hiking buddy need not stay out. You simply need to know where the safe trails are.

Oct. 21, 2017

Do you deck your dog out in orange from snoot to paw come November 15? Or stay as far away from the woods the last two weeks of November as possible? As thousands of hunters with firearms head out with their sights set on a deer, those looking to take a nice hike with their pooch have to be a bit more strategic, and careful. In the spirit of safety for our canines — and their human companions — the Northern Express sniffed out some of its favorite hunter-orange-free trails, in other words, “No Hunting Allowed.”

The Hike: Pelizzari Natural Area, Traverse City
Why it rocks: A quick three miles from downtown, this 62-acre preserve offers nearly three miles of trails that take both two- and four-legged trekkers through once-farmed open fields, forests and a beautiful stand of giant hemlocks. Senior pups will enjoy the gradual downhills — and the momentum they provide — while the return uphill climbs offer plenty of places for paw breaks. It’s also a terrific trail for running with those young pups — on a leash, of course.
Get there: 6852 Center Road; head out M-37 from Traverse City and you’ll find the trailhead on the right, just past the Unitarian Universalist church. gtrlc.org

The Hike: Whaleback Natural Area, south of Leland
Why it rocks: The expansive views of the Manitou Passage are why most people love this trail, but getting there is easily half the fun. The trail starts its ascent as soon as soon as both feet and paws leave the trailhead. The path features a lot of exposed roots from the hardwood canopy, which keep humans on their toes but also makes it challenging for dogs who aren’t as limber and agile as they once were. Once at the top, and after catching breath and soaking up the views, the flat ¾-mile loop is certainly worth circling more than once!
Get there: Located 1.5 miles south of Leland off of M-22. Look for a sign to turn down a private road. Small parking lot on the right. leelanauconservancy.org

The Hike: Rogers Family Homestead, just outside East Jordan
Why it rocks: This easy 1.5-mile trail moves through mixed hardwoods and conifer swampland along a section of the Jordan River in Charlevoix County. The land was once cultivated using oxen and horses, and its hay was grown to feed the family’s beef and dairy cattle and pigs. Today, your pooch will be entertained by endless sniffing opportunities and, if so inclined, a dip in the river.
Get there: From downtown East Jordan, travel northeast and then south on M-32 for 1.3 miles to Rogers Road. Turn right, and the preserve is a half-mile down on the right. landtrust.org/rogers-dressel-jordan-river-nature-preserve

The Hike: Bubbling Springs Preserve, Petoskey
Why it rocks: Short and sweet, this one-mile trail is great for a quick break when time is limited. Offering a mix of hardwood forest and swampland, the trail is true to its name with natural bubbling springs … if your pup can sniff them out! The property was donated to the Little Traverse Conservancy in 2008 by private landowners as an escape from the growing surrounding development.
Get there: 2295 Intertown Rd., Petoskey; from the intersection of US- 31 and US-131 in Petoskey, drive south on 131 to Intertown Road. Turn right (west), go a mile, and find the preserve on the left. landtrust.org/bubbling-springs-nature-preserve

The Hike: Avalanche Walking Trail, Boyne City
Why it rocks: For those looking for a more challenging outing, this 3-mile trail system is part of the Avalanche Preserve Recreation Area in Boyne City. The majority of the trail is a two-track, starting off with a steep climb to the observation decks at the top of the forested ridge with views of the city and Lake Charlevoix. Continue the panting while hoofing it along the ridge trail.
Get there: 1129 Wilson St.; From US-31 North, take M-75 into Boyne City. Head west on Division, then turn left onto Lake Street and follow the signs to the recreation area. cityofboynecity.com/avalanche-preserve-recreation-area-188

The Hike: Walk of Art Sculpture Park, Elk Rapids
Why it rocks: A perfect option for those looking for less hike and more stroll, the outdoor sculpture park is located within the Elk Rapids Day Park, 15 acres of forest, dune, and frontage along East Grand Traverse Bay. It’s a match made in dog heaven for senior pups, who will enjoy frequent rests while their human companions stop to enjoy the 27 sculptures along the walk. And who knows, Fido may find Amelia or the Blue Dragon particularly interesting!
Get there: The Elk Rapids Day Park is located at 920 S. Bayshore Dr., Elk Rapids; artrapids.org

The Hike: Old Mission Point Park, Traverse City
Why it rocks: Views of both East and West Grand Traverse Bays are among the treats on this easy five-mile loop of foot paths and two-tracks. Much of the 520 acres was cherry orchards before the state purchased it in the 1980s, and eventually leased it to Peninsula Township. The trail adjoins Lighthouse Park with its nearly 150-year-old Mission Point Lighthouse … and water for a quick dog swim.
Get there: Head out of Traverse City on M-37 and drive until the road ends, at the tip of the Old Mission Peninsula. michigantrailmaps.com/member-profile/3/229

 

To Hike or To Hunt?
In case you’re wondering, here’s the scoop on other popular recreational spots:
• Brown Bridge Quiet Area (Traverse City) – While the core area is a no-hunting zone, note that east end of the property features the 70-acrea Grasshopper Creek Permit Hunting Area. This permit-only hunting area is regulated by the City of Traverse City.

• Hunting is allowed on two of Garfield Township’s (Grand Traverse County) parks, the Boardman Valley Nature Preserve and Miller Creek Natural Area, on a permit basis only. 

• Just because land is owned or managed by a conservancy doesn’t mean no hunting. In fact, hunting is allowed on many of the region’s natural areas and preserves. Check the Grand Traverse Area Regional Conservancy, Leelanau Conservancy and Little Traverse Conservancy websites for specifics on hunting areas.