Grass River Natural Area Surprised Me With Over a Mile of Boardwalk Hikes

If you’re into hiking, especially the kind that takes you on scenic boardwalks through gorgeous northern Michigan landscapes, Grass River Natural Area is about to be your new happy place.

When I first visited, based on the name of the place, I thought it’d be a typical hiking spot. Grass River proved me wrong, though.

Tucked away in Bellaire, it’s a surprisingly large space with around 7 miles of trails that wind through all kinds of beautiful terrain, from dense forests to riverside views. You could easily spend hours exploring, and it’s the kind of place where every trail feels a little different.

Boardwalk Adventures

One of the highlights for me was the boardwalks—there’s about a mile or more of them, and each section has its own character.

Some parts take you right over Finch Creek, which is flowing pretty fast, and you cross it a few times as you go.

The weathered rustic wooden paths, surrounded by nature, really helped me slow down and soak up the pine fresh air. So refreshing.

I should mention that they are replacing old bendy parts of the boardwalk path section by section. I can understand why they’re doing it, but the old greyed boards are pretty neat, too. Get out there before they are all updated if you can.

Explore the Trails

The trails themselves are flat, making them an easy hike for most. Just keep an eye out for roots along the way!

If you’re a nature lover like me, you’ll love how diverse the area is. This is one place where I can find my favorite trees—hemlocks—along the trails, and the mosses here are worth a mention, too. Yeah, that’s right. I’m nerding out over mosses. But really, there’s something about the intricate, almost otherworldly types of moss that make the forest feel extra special and had me thinking of fairy worlds and magical places.

It’s different from your typical hardwood forest hikes, and that’s part of what makes Grass River stand out to me.

Neat Hands-On Center

Hiking isn’t the only thing to do here. Grass River also has a nature center that’s perfect for families, school groups, or just about anyone looking to learn more about the world outside our doors. The center is bright and welcoming, with interactive exhibits that are both fun and educational.

There’s this quirky “know your scat” station that got my attention, and microscopes ready for anyone curious about the tiny details of nature. And that’s just a short mention of the interactive experiences available inside.

And here’s a neat touch—there’s a wildlife sightings board where visitors can jot down what they’ve seen during their hike. It’s a great way to connect with other hikers and learn about the animals that call the area home.

It’s a great spot to take a break from the trails and dive deeper into the ecosystem you’re exploring. Plus the drinking fountain, restroom, and helpful staff are not to be overlooked.

If I had a class or a scout group looking for a field trip, this place would be on my list.

Kayak Adventures and More

If you’re up for more than just hiking, Grass River also offers kayak experiences and other guided interactions. They’re a nice way to see the area from a whole new perspective, paddling through the peaceful river waters.

Classes and experiences are listed on their website and change with the seasons.

Plan Your Visit

If you’re thinking about stopping by (give it a try, you’ll like it!), here’s what you need to know:

• Admission is free. Donations are welcomed.
• There are about 7 miles of trails open from dawn to dusk.
• Dogs are only allowed on a couple of the trails.
• The Grass River Center is open and staffed daily from 10 AM to 4 PM from May through October, and on weekends from November through April.
• You’ll find Grass River at 6500 Alden Hwy, Bellaire, MI.
• Have questions? Call them at (231) 533-8576 or email info@grassriver.org.
• For more info, check out their website at grassriver.org.
• Grass River Natural Area is on the Paddle Antrim Chain of Lakes River Trail

See You There?

I know everyone calls all sorts of things a hidden gem these days, but Grass River Natural Area is truly one of those hidden gems up north worthy of the title. With boardwalks, trails, and new-to-you nature, you’ll probably think this spot is worth coming back to again.

Next time you find yourself up north, check out Grass Lake Natural Area for peaceful hike, a family outing, or a little adventure on the water. It might just become your next Happy Place!