Avalanche Preserve Boyne City Michigan
Breathtaking summit views of Lake Charlevoix await after a rewarding climb through scenic trails, perfect for hiking, biking, and disc golf.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak fall colors, crisp air
Avalanche Preserve Boyne City Michigan
Best Time
Peak fall colors, crisp air
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Breathtaking summit views of Lake Charlevoix await after a rewarding climb through scenic trails, perfect for hiking, biking, and disc golf.
"Spectacular view! Especially during the fall season. Well worth the drive to find this place."
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Trails can be challenging, especially the ascent. Good hiking shoes are a must for comfort and safety.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Especially during warmer months, stay hydrated on the trails. The climb can be strenuous.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lake Charlevoix Overlook
Summit of Avalanche Preserve
Panoramic, unobstructed views of Lake Charlevoix await. Absolutely stunning, especially during fall foliage.
The Grand Staircase
Ascent to the summit
A challenging but rewarding climb of 462 steps, offering resting benches along the way.
Disc Golf Course
Throughout Avalanche Preserve
A fun, nature-filled disc golf experience with some challenging long-distance holes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Heights (and the Steps!)
Trail Variety for Every Adventurer
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Trails can be challenging, especially the ascent. Good hiking shoes are a must for comfort and safety.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Especially during warmer months, stay hydrated on the trails. The climb can be strenuous.
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic vistas are incredible. Don't forget your camera or phone for stunning photos!
⬆️ Hike the Backside First
For a different experience, hike up the backside and take the stairs down.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Trails can be challenging, especially the ascent. Good hiking shoes are a must for comfort and safety.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Especially during warmer months, stay hydrated on the trails. The climb can be strenuous.
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic vistas are incredible. Don't forget your camera or phone for stunning photos!
⬆️ Hike the Backside First
For a different experience, hike up the backside and take the stairs down.
🥏 Disc Golf Strategy
Be prepared for a hike between some disc golf baskets, especially on the latter half of the course.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the spectacular, unobstructed views of Lake Charlevoix from the summit, calling the climb a rewarding experience despite its challenging nature. The well-maintained trails for hiking, biking, and disc golf are also highly praised, making it a versatile outdoor destination. Some find the disc golf course's basket spacing quite spread out, requiring a significant amount of walking.
"Beautiful views of Lake Charlevoix from the top of the hill. 462 steps to the top! They do have benches to rest on as you go up. So worth the hike to the summit. They have bike trails and hiking trails, as well!"
Kathy S
"We took the Trail Head near the warming building up to the lookout. The trail was well marked and in good shape considering the recent ice storm/rain.
The first 1.5 miles were easy with a few inclines. The remaining 1mile was a pretty consistent rise in elevation which was more of a challenge for our casual hiking experience. The end result was worth every bit of the short hike. There are 2 decks with seating and also stand alone park benches. The views were amazing long range and unobstructed angles."
Jack Schmitt
"2.9mi hike around the park. Great outlook spot! Mountain bike trails and frisbee golf course as well."
K M
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Avalanche Preserve is located in Boyne City, Michigan. It's accessible by car, with ample parking available. The preserve is well-marked from the main roads.
Yes, Avalanche Preserve is located near Boyne Mountain Resort. While they offer different experiences, they are in close proximity, making it possible to visit both.
From Boyne City, head towards Boyne Mountain Resort. The preserve is typically signposted from the main access roads. It's recommended to use GPS for precise directions.
Public transportation options directly to Avalanche Preserve are limited. It's best to plan for travel by car.
The trails are generally well-marked. For hiking and biking, it's advisable to download an offline map or use a trail app.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Avalanche Preserve is a recreation area and typically does not require an entrance fee for hiking and general access.
The preserve is generally open from dawn to dusk, allowing visitors to enjoy the natural beauty throughout the day. Specific hours may vary seasonally.
There is usually no separate fee for using the disc golf course at Avalanche Preserve, as it's part of the general access to the park.
While there aren't typically guided tours offered by the preserve itself, local outfitters or groups might offer guided hikes or bike tours.
Standard park rules apply, such as staying on marked trails and respecting nature. Check local regulations for any specific restrictions.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The main attraction is the stunning panoramic view of Lake Charlevoix from the summit, accessible via a challenging climb including 462 steps.
Avalanche Preserve offers well-marked hiking trails, dedicated mountain biking trails, and a disc golf course.
The hike to the summit is considered moderately challenging, with a significant elevation gain and a long staircase. It's a good workout!
Restroom facilities are typically available near the main trailheads or warming buildings.
While the views are great, the strenuous hike and stairs might be challenging for very young children. However, shorter, flatter trails are available.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit overlook offers the most spectacular photo opportunities with expansive views of Lake Charlevoix. The staircase itself also makes for dramatic shots.
Golden hour, during sunrise or sunset, provides beautiful lighting for landscape photography. Fall colors are particularly vibrant.
Drone usage may be restricted in natural areas. It's essential to check local regulations and park rules before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A telephoto lens can be useful for details.
In winter, the preserve offers a serene, snow-covered landscape. Snowshoeing provides unique photographic perspectives.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
👟 Active Adventurers & Hikers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Hiking and Climbing the Summit
For those seeking a different approach, one tip suggests hiking up the backside of the preserve and then taking the stairs down, offering a varied experience.
Mountain Biking and Disc Golf
The separation of hiking and biking trails is a significant plus for safety and enjoyment, preventing unexpected encounters. The disc golf course is a significant draw, offering a challenging round amidst the natural beauty of the preserve.
Seasonal Beauty and Activities
In winter, the preserve becomes a serene wonderland, perfect for snowshoeing.
The preserve's year-round appeal makes it a destination worth revisiting throughout the year. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit