The land and waters we now share is the ceded land of Odawa (Ottawa), Ojibwe (Chippewa), and Potawatomi. By acknowledging this, we also recognize the connection that exists between the land and water and the people who share it. But access to outdoor spaces is not evenly distributed. Over 300,000 acres of public land in the upper Midwest is inaccessible because of the private land that surrounds it. In Michigan alone, 85% of Black and People of Color and 90% of low income communities live in nature deprived areas. Additionally, time, awareness, cost, availability, distance, safety, and equipment keep people away.
Instead of creating barriers, we are committed to people of all walks of life feeling empowered to live healthier lives outdoors. Our nearly 500 acres of wildlife habitat and lakeshore along 3 lakes are freely open to all outdoors enthusiasts for common activities like hiking, biking, wildlife watching, etc. Want to get started? Come hike or snowshoe our trails. Throw your frisbee through our 18-hole disc golf course. Or bring your family and experience the beautiful Up North woods and waters.
Trail Conditions
- The Wildlife has awaken, come see who you see
Weeks have passes and we have been working hard both inside and out to get ready for the beauty of spring and our eager hope that you’ll come visit. Hike, bike, learn and adventure here with us. We’ve been working to clear the trails and prepare for new signage to make it even more enjoyable. But come see for yourself.
A wonderful rustic ski. GO•REC’s is a nature lover’s ski trail. 2021 is our inaugural track setting season for cross country skiing with a 5K trail, 3K option, and a novice .4K loop set on a wide multi-use woody rolling trail. We have other wilderness skiing and snowshoeing options on nearly 500 acres of woods just 10 miles southeast of Traverse City. Snow bike, snowshoe, or simply hike in our winter wonderland. It is a unique ski trail, safe for beginners with a bit of intermediate trail… without flats, so it has a high entertainment value.
GO•REC is a natural area with natural weather conditions. With at least 6″ of snow accumulation and temperatures below freezing, we groom our trails. Check back here for the latest trail conditions. Snow covered or not, trails are open for you to #getoutside.
Hiking
Take off from the pavilion just south of the main parking lot, wrap Rennie Lake, then explore the whole perimeter of the GO•REC property to Ranch Rudolph Road and back. We have 5+ miles of elementary hiking and biking, skiing and snowshoeing trails connecting to public land for all skill levels. Brown Bridge Quiet Area and the state forest are immediately adjacent. The North Country Trail is 2 miles away.
Snowshoeing
Snowshoe is welcome along any trail, off-side any groomed trail. Snowshoes require at least an 8″ depth of snow or they’re just awkward, oversized crampons. 🙂 Don’t snowshoe on grooming or classic tracks. But you’re really welcome anywhere no one has gone before. Cumulative snowfall permitting, hit any of our blanketed trails.
Fat Tire Biking
Fat tires welcome here! Snow bikes are allowed on grooming both Blue and Green trails. Don’t leave ruts on groomed trails. Don’t ride over classic ski tracks. From the main parking lot, proceed past the yellow gate. Find grooming left and right of the second lamp post marked by blue and chartreuse signs.
Cross-Country Skiing
GO•REC grooms and maintains cross-country trails for all ages and skill levels. From the main parking lot, proceed past the yellow gate. Grooming and classic tracks begin to the right of the second lamp post marked by blue signs. From here choose the 1/4 mile beginner loop, or the 3K or 5K intermediate loops. Don’t ski over classic tracks.
Bird / Wildlife Watching
Forests of mixed oak, maple and pine. Part of the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy and managed for wildlife habitat. Black bear, bobcat, deer, and turkey roam our 500 acres. Our pine barrens to watch for tanager.
Fishing
Fishing along the shoreline of Spider, Bass, and Rennie Lakes. Bass is reputedly the best fishing, but we’ve seen some big boys pulled from Rennie. We’ll rent you a pole and tackle, if you need, which helps us provide more outdoor education and safety.
Kayaking & Canoeing
We’re nestled between jewel-like, sandy-bottomed Spider, Bass, and Rennie Lakes. Come with a dry boat and/or use our boat washing station before putting in to our shorelines or main water front. Need a boat? Rent ours and support more outdoor education more adventure, outdoor skills, and recreational safety.
Mountain Biking
GO•REC has a basic, elementary-level 3-mile loop connecting to Muncie Lakes Pathway, the VASA Trail, and the Boardman River Pathway. We’re opposite Traverse City on a 14-mile connecting all three.
Disc Golf
Traverse City’s newest disc golf course! 18 holes. Tournament grade. We repurposed tent platforms into astroturf tees. The first fairway begins beside the pavilion just south of the main parking lot. The front nine wraps the campground. The back nine winds through some of the most gorgeous woods of GO•REC.
Climbing
GO•REC’s 40-foot climbing tower was provided by the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa. We hope to offer public climbing post-pandemic in 2021.
Picnic Areas. Pets Allowed on Leash. Swim at Your Own Risk. Public Toilets in Season.
Events
GO•REC instructors are learning too. We’ve trained in cross-country skiing with Professional Ski instructors of America to teach you and pass on what we know. We’re partnering with VASA Ski Club to offer opportunities for you to get on the snow and learn more.
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