The hills and wetlands around Bellaire make for great hiking, from flat boardwalks that work for strollers to steep glacial ridges with views over the lakes. Here are the trails we recommend.
Trails at a glance
| Trail | Distance from Bellaire | Trail miles | Difficulty | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glacial Hills Pathway | Just north of town | About 31 | Moderate to hard | Views, workouts, mountain biking |
| Grass River Natural Area | About 6 miles south | About 7 | Easy | Families, boardwalks, wildlife |
| Skegemog Lake Wildlife Area | South of Torch Lake | Several routes | Easy | Birding, lake views, quiet |
Glacial Hills Pathway & Natural Area
Just north of Bellaire, Glacial Hills is a public natural area of roughly 760 to 800 acres with about 31 miles of trail through hardwood forest and steep, glacier-carved hills. The land is owned by Antrim County, Forest Home Township and the Village of Bellaire, protected by the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, and looked after by the Friends of Glacial Hills.
- Best views: the Lake Bellaire overlook trail
- Trailheads: Eckhardt Road, Vandermark Road and Orchard Hill Road
- Shared use: hikers share the trails with mountain bikers, who love it here. Stay alert on descents.
- In winter: sections are groomed for fat bikes, and the trails are open for snowshoeing
Grass River Natural Area
About six miles south of town, Grass River has about 7 miles of trails, including about 1.5 miles of boardwalk over wetlands along the Grass River. It's flat, and the Sedge Meadow and Fern boardwalks work for wheelchairs and strollers. Dogs are allowed only on the Rail Trail, on a leash. Read our full Grass River Natural Area guide.
Skegemog Lake Wildlife Area
South of Torch Lake, this 3,300-acre wildlife area is co-managed by the Michigan DNR and the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, with four parking areas. One popular route is a flat out-and-back of about 1.5 miles each way to views over Lake Skegemog. It's a good pick for birders and anyone looking for quiet.
More trails to explore
The Torch Lake area has several more public preserves with short trails, including Antrim Creek Natural Area, Barnes Park, Torch Lake Nature Preserve and Maplehurst Natural Area. Conserve Torch publishes a hiking trail map covering them.
Easy hikes for families
- Grass River boardwalks: flat and stroller-friendly, with lots to see
- Skegemog Lake Wildlife Area: a flat out-and-back to the lake
- Glacial Hills, short sections: pick a short loop from a trailhead rather than tackling the hills
For more family ideas, see things to do in Bellaire with kids.
Fall color hikes
Antrim County's hardwoods usually peak in early to mid October. Glacial Hills is the standout, with color across the hills and over Lake Bellaire. Grass River's wetlands are beautiful too, with gold grasses and cedars along the river.
Trail tips
- Bring bug spray in late spring and summer, especially near wetlands.
- Wear sturdy shoes at Glacial Hills, where the hills are steep and can be muddy.
- Watch for bikes on shared trails.
- Wear blaze orange in fall. Some natural areas allow hunting in season.
- Check trail maps before you go, since trails are sometimes rerouted.
Where to stay
All our homes are a short drive from these trails, and Overlook Bellaire is just a few minutes from Glacial Hills. Each one has a hot tub for tired legs.
Overlook Bellaire
A 2021 modern home on 10 private acres above Bellaire, looking out over Intermediate Lake. Sauna, cold plunge, hot tub and a game room.
Check dates and book direct →
Alm Haus
A renovated Northwoods chalet 5 minutes from Schuss Mountain, with a hot tub under the pines, triple-queen bunk room, game room and stargazing dome.
Check dates and book direct →
Northwoods Treehaus
A 1960s A-frame in the pines at Schuss Mountain Resort, with three kings, a stone fireplace, a bunk room with arcade and a treetop hot tub.
Check dates and book direct →Frequently asked questions
What is the best hike near Bellaire, Michigan?
For views, Glacial Hills and its Lake Bellaire overlook. For an easy family walk, the Grass River Natural Area boardwalks.
How many miles of trail are at Glacial Hills?
About 31 miles, shared by hikers and mountain bikers.
Are there easy, flat trails near Bellaire?
Yes. Grass River Natural Area's boardwalks and the Skegemog Lake Wildlife Area are both flat and easy.
Sources
Checked October 2026 against Grass River Natural Area, Antrim County, the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy and the Conserve Torch hiking map.