The Vasa Pathway winds through beautiful Michigan State Forest land with a series of loops, so runners can choose a round trip of 3k, 5k, 10k, or 25k. The dirt double track is well-groomed, but hilly, so choose the length of your challenge wisely. The trailhead is located off Bartlett Road in Williamsburg, where the path heads south along Acme Creek. It reaches the first loop after about half a mile. For longer routes, keep bearing right. When you’re ready to loop back, take a left.
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Essentials
- 3k, 5k, 10k, or 25k options
- Hilly
- Bartlett Road
- Route 72
Current Weather & Forecast
Traverse City, US
4:00 pm,
Jun 3, 2026
25°C
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H: 25°
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Other Routes in Traverse City/Northwest Michigan
The cornerstone of the massive TART network, this 10.5 mile multi-use trail cuts across downtown Traverse City with great views of the West Bay. We’ve mapped a 5 mile out and back along the most scenic section, with an add-on along the Boardman Lake Trail.
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These former hospital grounds turned public activity and recreation area have 140 acres of unpaved trails behind Building 50. Runners can create a DIY route of about 2.5 miles on these wooded paths.
This main strip through downtown Traverse City includes a festive row of shops, restaurants, and galleries. Start in Slab Town and make your way east towards Old Mission Peninsula.
Quiet wilderness trails around Lake Ann and the Platte River. 3.4 mile and 5-mile circuit options start from the trailhead off Reynolds Road.
The incredibly scenic Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a don’t miss destination. Out of the many trails here, the best for running is the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail. We’ve mapped 7 miles out of the 20 mile multi-use path.
The 8-mile loop run along the shores of car-free Mackinac Island is a must-do, passing beautiful lake vistas, rock formations, and historic buildings of the port area. Accessible by ferry from Mackinaw City. Lots of interior trails on the island as well. Famous for laurels in May.
Quiet lakeside nature preserve with shady forests and trails through the dunes. The best locations for a run are the paths from Green Point Dunes to the Beach and the Overlook Trail at Arcadia Dunes.
Home to the Charlevoix Half/Full Marathon, this paved, multi-use path runs for 26 miles between Charlevoix and Harbor Springs. The most scenic section is the ~3 miles along Little Traverse Bay from Michigan Shores State Park past the Loeb Nature Preserve.
A 61-mile asphalt trail from Gaylord to Mackinaw City. The best sections for running are around Mullett Lake and the Sturgeon River. See detailed trail map with segment distances.
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