Hickory Hills Recreation Area
Hickory Hills offers year-round recreational opportunities in the heart of Traverse City. This community treasure provides thousands of city residents and the many seasonal visitors who ski, hike, and ride at Hickory all year long with accessible and convenient access to the outdoors. Norte Youth Cycling after-school bike programs utilize these trails to provide a fun, enjoyable place to ride for hundreds of kids each season!
Why We Love It
Norte’s in-town Adventure Bike Clubs and Mountain Bike Clubs are regulars at Hickory Hills, and with good reason! Hickory has invested in new professionally-designed mountain biking trails with more in the works. The expanded and improved trails account for all users, including Hickory Hills’ award-winning disc golf course and hiking trails. For Norte and many Traverse City residents, access to trails in town is a key part of making mountain biking accessible for all families.
Where Is Hickory Hills?
Purchased and operated by the City of Traverse City since 1952, Hickory Hills is located inside the city limits on Randolph Street. As a part of a five-year master plan, the City invested in a new ski lodge and substantial trail improvements to support expanded operations year-round. These improvements are designed to make the property a regional destination for Alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, and mountain biking.
Hickory Hills Ski Area
Downhill skiers and snowboarders can enjoy 16 runs and sweeping views of Downtown Traverse City and Grand Traverse Bay. Hickory is one of two ski hills in Traverse City, with Holiday Hills operating on the east side. The ski area and adjacent Hickory Meadows offer top-notch cross-country ski trails totaling over 15 kilometers. The Meadows is a 112-acre nature preserve that offers skiing, hiking, trail running, and mountain biking.
Ahead of the 2023-2024 season, Hickory Hills became the Lower Peninsula's first homologated cross-country ski trail. This certification allows Hickory to host the Nordic skiing Junior National Qualifiers.
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