Brown Bridge Canoe Launch

This is one of my favorite hiking trails near Traverse City. I like to park near the canoe launch instead of the more traditional parking area a few hundred yards further down the dirt road. The photos that I've captured were between October 2019- December 2019. The trail stays true to it's name and is typically very quiet after you get away from the parking area and the dirt road where folks travel. This area has seen a lot of restoration after the dam was removed. The trail goes through a huge loop if you have the time and determination to see everything. If you do this, plan on at least 4-6 hours to make it all the way around depending on your pace and how much you like to stop and look. There are two pretty good lookouts on the west side of the trail that look out over the river. These are great spots to stop and take a seat and relax. The northern part of the trail can be mucky in The spring when things are thawing so be sure to watch out for that. When I was out here last time, I found a few new unsanctioned trails that led to the river bank. Please remember to stick to the designated trails and practice "pack it in, pack it out" leave no trace hiking. Enjoy the trail!

Really great trails with many choices to take. Especially beautiful in the fall with all these colors!

Such a beautiful spot! The steep hill is a bear to climb with kayaks, but the paddles from Scheck's to Brown Bridge is absolutely beautiful! Super clean portApotty also!

I tried to leave a review for Brown Bridge Quiet Area, but I couldn’t. That being said, this is a beautiful area to go hiking or canoeing 🛶
The trail loop is like 5 miles or so depending on if you take any detours, but you can walk through forests 🌳 and grassy areas, paaaing through swamps and over bridges as you pass over the Boardman River. What makes this cool 😎 is the variety of landscapes that you get within a few miles.

Great float! About 4 hours to Beitner landing, great section of river. Family friendly and safe for inexperienced paddlers. Highly recommended.

Love it here. The trails are beautifully maintained and the whole 5mi loop only takes about 1.5 hour. The loop wraps around a beautiful section of the Bordman River and has spectacular colors in the fall. Highly recommended. I haven't taken the kayak here yet, but will do so next year. The launch looks a little steep, but accessible.

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The first spring flower of the forest floor, Trailing Arbutus also known as the May flower, is now in bloom along the hiking trails of Brown Bridge Quiet Area.

Visited with my college science class. Beautiful day, gorgeous landscape. The story surrounding the location is fascinating! When we were there, the staircase to the bridge was being repaired. It was only a short walk to go around.

Very beautiful location and tremendous River and valley restoration project. Great view of the old dam that has been breached. It began to rain and we did not complete the 6 mile loop. Will return soon to fully explore the Brown Bridge trail system.

It is beautiful and amazing to me. The bridge the trails the water 💦. Going back again

Great launch site, Beautiful section of the Boardman, quick but clean and clear.

We actually took out here. Boardman River is a great paddle. Many options for whatever length of trip you want to take. We never saw a soul once on the river. Very scenic.

Great place to take a run or a dip! The terrain is varied with grassy Meadows and wooded hills.

Beautiful area, and great trails!

Nice place to take the dog for a walk

It is beautiful I had a great time out in the water.

Easy access to the river. Beautiful views.

Clean and beautiful area.

One of our favorite places in the county!

I really love this place it's Epic