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    Bear River Recreation Area

    4.7 (6 reviews)

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    Bloss C.

    Nice little trail easily accessible from the waterfront of Little Traverse Bay in Petoskey. The trail isn't very long, probably 1-2 miles, but it's a nice walk and Bear River provides some nice views along the way. The trail is well maintained and fairly flat, so I would recommend it for anyone who wants to stretch their legs a little and is not looking for something challenging.

    Start of the main rapids section

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    4 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    15 years ago

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    13 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    15 years ago

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    Thorne Swift Nature Preserve

    Thorne Swift Nature Preserve

    4.6(16 reviews)
    7.4 mi

    I'm not much of a nature walking person, but it's been a very long time since I've been up to this…read morepart of Michigan. We discovered this place while on our way to the tunnel of trees, and I said "hey, let's stop here and check it out!" So we did. Pulling in, the parking and area isn't all that huge, but it's cute none the less. It's kind of an off shoot of the Tunnel of Trees, and we also wanted to catch a glimpse of the water if possible. There was a nice gentleman who greeted us and told us about the paths. He said to stay on the trails, check out the water and it's about a mile and a quarter of a walk. So, off we went. There's a nature center at the front with bathrooms and some educational stuff, but we skipped it and went right to the trails. They have a little map area at the front, but basically this place is one big circle and a designated path so you can't really get lost here. While it is cool to look at, it's also a lot of dead and down trees. They have signage throughout about what you're looking at, and tells you a little bit about it. Things like flowers, trees, bugs and birds. It was pretty busy even for a cooler September day, which was impressive. The coolest part of the walk was getting to see Lake Michigan. It was really super cool and you walk right onto the beach. It's not a huge area at all, literally enough to have one person at a time. There's some great photo opportunities along with a view of the lake and boats, which was fabulous to see. Overall, the place is a good stop to get some exercise at if you've been cooped up in the car and start getting antsy like me. LOL. There is a bathroom along the trail, but it's not a flushing toilet one of those holes in the ground with very little privacy. No doors just walls. Kind of weird because I was afraid someone was going to walk in. Anyway, go check it out, you can do this in less then an hours time!

    Beautiful well keep preserve. Worth the visit however It's so unfortunate that this organization…read morerestricts visitors from exploring the beautiful Lake Michigan Lakeshore. This lakeshore belongs to all Michiganders and restricting access is a sign of elitism!

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    Thorne Swift Nature Preserve
    Thorne Swift Nature Preserve
    Thorne Swift Nature Preserve

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    Avalanche Preserve Recreation Area - Trail

    Avalanche Preserve Recreation Area

    4.7(6 reviews)
    12.2 mi

    We love this spot for a bit of a view and some great stairs! You can also choose to go the 'back…read moreway' and hike through the woods to get to the overview which is what we do! I prefer going down stairs than up them so that is my secret hiking too! Always a lovely time to hike here as there is quiet and lots of tree cover so it is cooler and restful. The hike is not too strenuous but also not just a walk which is perfect. We didn't get many bugs which was also nice and could go without a walking stick too. I love that they have separate trails for biking and hiking as well as a disc golf course that meanders through the woods. We are usually almost alone when hiking which is perfect if you want to just focus on nature. The overview tends to be a bit busier so we did meet up with more people toward the end, but everyone is very kind and friendly. Love this spot and we go as often as we can!

    The hike starts off rough if you're unable to walk up 450+ steps. It definitely makes you wonder…read morehow good of shape you're in. There's plenty of benches along the large staircase to assist your travels. The overlook at the end of the stairs makes it worth it. Absolutely stunning. The view of all the house, trees, and lake blew me away. I could sit up there for hours. Once you reach the overlook, the hikes starts. It's a beautiful 2+ miles hike. Plenty of trees, animals, and plants to keep you company on the walk. I would live in the woods here If I was able.

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    Avalanche Preserve Recreation Area
    Avalanche Preserve Recreation Area - Overlook

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    Avalanche Preserve Recreation Area - Top of Avalanche with fall colors

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    Top of Avalanche with fall colors

    Bear River Recreation Area - parks - Updated September 2026

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