Northern Michigan transforms into a serene snow-covered paradise each winter, offering outdoor enthusiasts an unforgettable snowshoeing experience. From towering pines and frozen waterfalls to lakeside vistas and wildlife encounters, snowshoeing in Northern Michigan is one of the most peaceful and accessible winter activities in the Midwest. Snowshoeing in Northern Michigan offers more than exercise. It’s a chance to step into a world of stillness, beauty, and reflection. Whether you're gliding along a lakeside path or ascending a forested hill, each step brings you closer to nature and peace.
Snowshoeing is one of the best ways to see Traverse City in winter: rentals are affordable, you get a great workout, and there are tons of places to explore. Unlike skiing or snowmobiling, snowshoeing requires minimal equipment and causes very little disruption to the environment.
Getting Started with Snowshoeing
A well-fitting pair of snowshoes is important to fun in the snow. Be sure to get a pair that corresponds with your height and weight and try them on with the boots or hiking shoes you plan to wear. At least 6 inches of snow is ideal.
Snowshoe Rentals in Traverse City
When it comes to snowshoe rentals, we have good news-you can rent snowshoes almost anywhere in town! And, if you’re staying at one of our local resorts, you can probably find some rentals on property!
Snowshoeing Etiquette
There aren’t a ton of rules when it comes to snowshoeing, but there are a few dos and don’ts. For example, avoid walking on paths that are groomed for cross-country skiing-snowshoes can mess up the tracks and make it harder for skiers to navigate. Keep an eye out for deeper snow patches and stick to the spots where you can accurately judge depth.
Read also: Winter Wonderland Snowshoeing
Guided Snowshoe Tours
A guided snowshoe is a great way to get to know the area on foot. Try the Vine to Wine Snowshoe Tour offered by Grand Traverse Bike Tours or the Winter Tours at Michigan Legacy Art Park. Let our expert guides take the guess work out of snowshoeing!
How-to-Snowshoe: Learn the basics from the experts | L.L.Bean
Snowshoeing Spots in and Around Traverse City
Did you know there are plenty of snowshoe spots within the city? Looking for an adventure just outside of civilization? You can test out your snowshoe skills at places like Rove Estate, Black Star Farms, Bowers Harbor Vineyards, 45 North Vineyard & Winery and more. When you’re done, a tasting at the winery awaits!
Snowshoeing at Brys Estate
Experience the best of Brys Estate’s 155 acres in the wintertime! Snowshoe or hike one of our 2 Winter Trail options that each boast beautiful views of a quiet vineyard and snowy, wooded valleys. The Green Trail (casual) is a 1-mile loop that starts at the tasting room and takes you through scenic vineyard vistas, past the farmhouse, and back. Add on the Purple Trail (intermediate) to enjoy an additional 1/2 mile trek through wooded valleys to the Secret Garden’s snow-covered lavender fields before reconnecting with the Green Trail. The marked, ungroomed trail takes ~30-40 minutes to complete.
Your first official stop! Begin by ordering drinks and soup in our inviting brick and mahogany tasting room, then head out to explore the Winter Trail or relax by the outdoor fire pits. If you’d like to stay longer, enjoy table service indoors with wine flights and additional food options. Reservations are recommended and can be made online at BrysEstate.com or with the host upon arrival.
Exclusive Snowshoe Wine & Brew specials:
Read also: Explore White Pass
- 20% off bottles
- 20% off wine by the glass
- $5 cups of soup
Snowshoeing Wine Tours
Head out on a snowshoe adventure through the vines to three distinct wineries while taking in the views and magical scenes of a winter wonderland! Led by one of our knowledgeable local guides, on this tour you will enjoy a casual snowshoe hike stopping at our favorite wineries along the way. The private vineyard trail connects 45 North and BluStone wineries. Warm up with a chili or soup lunch while overlooking Vineyards. Visit two stunning wineries, featuring the best of the Leelanau Peninsula. Lounge by the fireplace at 45 North or take in the sweeping views at Blustone Vineyards. Enjoy a catered lunch from MI Market while overlooking beautiful Leelanau Vineyards. Snowshoe the Vines! Scenic trail, fun wineries. Warm up with wine and soup overlooking the vineyards. Join us for this truly unique winter wine country experience.
Other Notable Trails
- Vasa Pathway: Located on state forest land, the Vasa Pathway features a series of loops (3K, 5K, 10K, 25K) that offer users a variety of challenges from easy to difficult.
- Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail: The Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail is a non-motorized trail that showcases destinations within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and the two Lakeshore towns of Glen Arbor and Empire.
- 15K Winter Sports Singletrack: The 15K Winter Sports Singletrack is groomed by the Northern Michigan Mountain Bike Association (NMMBA) from December through March.
- Boardman/Ottaway River Trail: For the winter season, the Grand Traverse Conservation District’s Nature Education Reserve portion of the Boardman/Ottaway River Trail is open to trail users.
Enjoy the Serenity of Northern Michigan
There are endless places to explore up north.
Northern Michigan offers dense forests, rolling hills, frozen lakeshores, and national parks blanketed in fresh powder.
Read also: Unforgettable snowshoeing adventures
tags: #snowshoeing #in #traverse #city