Hippie Tree
A vibrant, graffiti-covered fallen tree in Traverse City, Michigan, offering a unique art experience and a short, scenic hike.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour light on art
Hippie Tree
Best Time
Golden hour light on art
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant, graffiti-covered fallen tree in Traverse City, Michigan, offering a unique art experience and a short, scenic hike.
"A unique outdoor experience with a constantly changing, colorful art installation."
🎨 Contribute to the Art
Bring spray paint to add your own touch to the fallen tree!
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The trail can be muddy and has a stream crossing.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Painted Tree
Main clearing
A massive, fallen tree adorned with vibrant graffiti, constantly evolving with new art.
The Trail Experience
Surrounding woods
A scenic, often muddy, out-and-back hike through the woods, with a small stream.
Local Legends
Near old asylum
Steeped in local folklore, adding a layer of mystery to the artistic display.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Etiquette & Contribution
Navigating the Trail
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎨 Contribute to the Art
Bring spray paint to add your own touch to the fallen tree!
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The trail can be muddy and has a stream crossing.
🗺️ Use Navigation
Follow signs for 'HT' and stay right at the trail divide.
📸 Perfect for Photos
The colorful tree and surrounding nature make for great shots. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
🎨 Contribute to the Art
Bring spray paint to add your own touch to the fallen tree!
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The trail can be muddy and has a stream crossing.
🗺️ Use Navigation
Follow signs for 'HT' and stay right at the trail divide.
📸 Perfect for Photos
The colorful tree and surrounding nature make for great shots. +1
🌳 Respect Nature
Only paint the fallen tree, not living plants.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Hippie Tree as a unique and colorful art installation nestled in a pleasant, short hiking trail. It's a family-friendly spot that encourages creative contribution, though some note the trail can be muddy and advise on navigation. The ever-changing nature of the art keeps it interesting for repeat visits.
"Short hike maybe .5 miles. It's an out and back. The trail has water channel flowing thru it which is cool. Muddy in places. The tree is amazing..bring a can or 2 of spray paint to contribute! Unfortunately some ppl paint living things instead of just the dead tree. Also be aware that halfway down the path the trial had a divide. Stay to the right. It's unmarked. We went straight at the divide which was the wrong way at first."
Christee Regalado
"Pretty neat, just a painted tree. Quick three to five minute hike to get to it, just have to follow the signs labeled HT."
Inspiration87
"Our recent visit to the Hippie Tree was an absolute delight, especially for our 2 and 4-year-old children. The trail itself is beautifully maintained, providing a clean and welcoming escape into nature. The kids had an incredible time exploring the path, surrounded by lush greenery and the charming ambiance of the forest.
The trail is perfect for young adventurers, offering a manageable hike that kept them engaged without being too strenuous. The highlight, of course, was reaching the Hippie Tree itself. Watching our children’s faces light up with excitement as they approached the vibrant, artistically decorated tree was priceless.
Overall, the Hippie Tree Trail provided a serene and enjoyable outdoor experience for our family. We left with wonderful memories and two very happy kids. This trail is definitely a gem for families seeking a fun and clean nature escape."
Tabetha Weeks (TWTravelTricks)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Hippie Tree is located in Traverse City, Michigan. You can use Google Maps to find it, often accessed from near Oleson's on North Long Lake Rd.
It's a short hike from the parking area. Many visitors use Google Maps for navigation.
Yes, there is parking available near the trailhead, often mentioned as being off North Long Lake Rd.
Yes, the Hippie Tree can be visited year-round, offering a unique winter adventure.
The trail is generally easy, but can be muddy. It's suitable for families with young children.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Hippie Tree is a natural attraction and does not require tickets for entry. It's free to visit.
The Hippie Tree is accessible during daylight hours, as it's an outdoor natural site.
There is no entrance fee to visit the Hippie Tree. It's a public space for exploration.
Yes, visitors are encouraged to bring spray paint and add to the art on the fallen tree.
Please respect the environment by only painting the fallen tree and not living plants.
📸 📸 Photography
Late afternoon often provides beautiful lighting on the colorful art. +1
Drone usage policies can vary; it's best to check local regulations before flying.
Expect vibrant, colorful shots of the graffiti-covered tree and the surrounding natural scenery. +1
The unique backdrop of the painted tree makes it an interesting location for portraits.
While generally allowed, it's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors and the environment.
🎫 🌲 Onsite Experience
It's a large, fallen tree covered in colorful spray paint graffiti, creating a unique art installation in nature. +1
The hike is short, typically around 0.5 miles, taking about 3-5 minutes.
The area offers walking trails and is near the old Traverse City State Hospital grounds, which have their own history. +1
Yes, the natural setting makes it a pleasant spot for a picnic, though facilities are limited.
The tree is a local art project, with visitors contributing to its ever-changing painted surface. It's near the former Traverse City State Hospital. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
The highlight for kids is undoubtedly the vibrant, painted tree itself, which sparks excitement and wonder.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts & Photographers
Bring your spray paint to become part of the living art installation! Remember to respect the space by only painting the fallen tree and avoiding any living plants.
🚶♀️ Hikers & Nature Lovers
It's a great spot for a quick nature escape and a chance to contribute to a unique local art project. The calming ambiance of the woods makes it an ideal place for a peaceful walk.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of the Hippie Tree
While the tree itself is the main attraction, the surrounding area also holds a certain charm. The trail leading to the tree is often described as scenic, with a small stream and the general ambiance of a Michigan forest. Some visitors note that the area around the tree is also adorned with painted branches, extending the artistic influence beyond the main trunk.
It's important to remember the spirit of the Hippie Tree: contribution and respect. While adding your own art is part of the fun, Redditors emphasize painting only the fallen tree and avoiding any living flora to preserve the natural environment.
Navigating the Trail and Surroundings
A key piece of advice from visitors is to be mindful of a trail divide about halfway to the tree. Staying to the right at this unmarked junction is crucial for reaching the Hippie Tree.
Beyond the Hippie Tree itself, the surrounding woods offer a peaceful natural escape. The calming ambiance and scenic views make it a pleasant spot for a short hike, photography, or even a quiet picnic.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit