Hike Old Mission Peninsula Park

Traverse City, Michigan

Save

View all 13 photos

All 13 photos

Save Review Directions Add Photo

Details

Distance

6 miles

Elevation Gain

183 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Holly Mandarich

Hike, snowshoe, XC Ski, or fat tire bike at the end of the infamous Old Mission Peninsula! All trails are dog and horse friendly too!

At the end of the Old Mission peninsula sits Mission Point Lighthouse. The lighthouse is surrounded by 5 acres of wooded township and many acres of state land! Upon arriving you can explore the shores just below the lighthouse - there can intriguing iceberg islands forming at the edge of the water on the cold winter days.

After taking in some views of West Bay and the lighthouse, head into the woods on some of the hiking trails. Signs are posted throughout the trail system - so you can choose your own adventure at the start! The trails allow dogs, bikes, cross country skiing, fat bikes, horses and more!

You have your choice of venturing on trails that follow the beach, or ones that head more deeply into the woods. Some of the trails head out onto abandoned orchards as well. Totaling around 6 miles of hiking opportunities!

More information on the trails here! No fees are required for this area.

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Fitness

Chillin

Photography

Mountain Biking

Running

Skiing

Snowshoeing

Hiking

Beach

Dog Friendly

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

Forest

Groups

Lake

Picnic Area

Romantic

Scenic

Wildlife

Reviews

Have you done this adventure? Be the first to leave a review!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Explore Mission Point Lighthouse

Mission Point Lighthouse is situated between the East and West Grand Traverse Bays, about 20 minutes north of downtown Traverse City. This historic lighthouse offers stunning views of Grand Traverse Bay in Lake Michigan. There is a parking lot located a few hundred feet away where visitors can park their cars. The lighthouse includes exhibits and a museum among other things for visitors to exp...

Camp on South Manitou Island

South Manitou Island is situated off of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Lake Michigan. The island is only accessible by a two-hour ferry ride, which leaves once a day from Leeland.Upon arriving at the island boat dock, you'll soon realize this isn't an ordinary experience. South Manitou is designed for back-country camping and does not allow vehicles or motorized transportation on...

Paddle Board Lake Michigan from Leland Harbor

For a day on the water, off the shores of Lake Michigan head to Leland. Park in the marina and load onto your paddle boards from the boat ramp. You'll quickly find your way out of the marina, in which you can head right, left or to open water. Either way you'll find accessible beaches and clear sand on the waters bottom. Heading right out of the marina you'll find a private beach, heading left ...

Ski Schuss Mountain at Shanty Creek Resorts

Just about an hour north of Traverse City in the village of Bellaire lies Schuss Mountain at Shanty Creek Resorts! The mountain offers 53 runs with several base areas. The terrain is applicable for any type of skier, whether you are a beginner or a more advanced rider. We spent the majority of our time lapping the red chair in the trees, while taking a few runs through the terrain park on the p...

Whiskey Blending at Mammoth Distillery

Now, this is something you probably haven't tried yet. Whiskey blending! The experience with Mammoth Distillery was stimulating, educating and so much fun! Technically we were actually blending bourbon - which we learned all bourbon is whiskey but not all whiskey is bourbon. You’ll sit down with a group of five to six people, in front of you will be three rows of six glasses. The first and seco...

Fat Tire Biking on the Vasa Pathway

If you’re looking for a place to fat bike ride in the area, then this is the spot for you! To access the Vasa Pathway you’ll want to head to Timber Ridge Resort, feel free to park in the main area. From the southeast corner of the Timber Ridge Resort, you will be able to jump on the pathway. You will access this pathway from behind the main lodge building, look for a path that follows under a b...