HIGH NOTES

So much talk around the canna-curious is about cannabis strains, effects and ways to take it. Not enough discussion goes on about what to do after you imbibe. To me there is no better activity than out in nature at my favorite hiking and biking trails.

For my local hikes I load up my favorite 4 legged hiking partner and go to our favorite local hiking spots. The Grand Traverse Commons always ranks near the top of the list due to the elevation and the overlooks. The hills wind you pretty good, but the bench overlooking the city is a great place to catch your breath. Another of our favorite trails, especially during the warmer months, is Timbers Recreation Area. A converted girl scout camp, and former Armour family summer retreat, offers an easy hike with 2000ft of frontage on Long Lake. With flat terrain and all access trails, this hike is easy to get lost in your thoughts and enjoy the moment. Tossing a hammock up and catching a Long Lake sunset is highly recommended. If we are looking for something a bit more adventurous we will head west and hike Alligator Hill Trail, part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. AHT is a hilly trail, boasting my favorite overlook in all the dunes and also has a fraction of the traffic of Pyramid Point or Empire Bluff Trail (both highly, highly recommended though if you have never been).

All biking in Northern Michigan starts and stops with the Vasa pathway, offering both a technical singletrack loop and a wider pedestrian friendly trail. This system is a great trail to take in all sorts of wildlife and will push your ride as hard as you want.

A new trend in biking is e-bikes. Traverse City’s tourism has made e-bike rentals skyrocket for use all over town and are commonly used on the TART trail. Taking the TART trail North from town gives you miles of Leelanau County to take in on your way to Suttons Bay. This ride is paved, relatively flat and a fan favorite if you just want to go log some miles. If you’re looking for a paved path with a bit more difficulty, the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail does not disappoint, or my personal favorite is riding Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. Get out and about.

Enjoy the unique beauty that surrounds each Dunegrass location.