Vasa Pathway

The Vasa Pathway is where Traverse City goes to ski. It is a network of loops through the state forest east of town, groomed for classic and skate in winter and used for hiking, running and mountain biking the rest of the year.

Pick your loop by ambition. The main trailhead, at 4450 Bartlett Road off Bunker Hill Road, has parking and restrooms, and it serves loops of 3K, 5K, 10K and 25K, so a beginner and a racer can start from the same lot. The long loop is the course of the North American Vasa, the February race weekend held here since 1977.

Snowshoers have their own loops, about 2.5 miles in all. Stay to the side of the groomed trail and step over the classic tracks, not on them. Some snowshoe sections cross wetland and are usable only in winter.

Riders have options too. The Vasa Singletrack mountain bike trails start from Supply Road, and in winter the 15K Winter Sports Singletrack there is groomed for fat bikes.

This is state land, and hunting is allowed. In hunting season, wear blaze orange or another bright color. Check the signs at the lot for whether a Recreation Passport is needed (see licenses and passes); TART Trails also asks for donations toward grooming.