Trilliam Ridge Trail

Expect a short, low-stress ridge-and-dune walk with frequent lake-and-bay breezes, sandy footing in spots, and a couple of small ups and downs that add up to roughly 100 m (330 ft) of climbing over about 5 km (3.1 mi). The route sits inside Antrim Creek Natural Area, where the trail network threads between Grand Traverse Bay, a small creek corridor, and forested dune ridges. (gtrlc.org)

Getting to the start is simplest from the main parking area for Antrim Creek Natural Area off Rex Beach Rd (near the Rex Beach Rd / Brant Rd area, west of Atwood, Michigan). From the lot you’ll see the signed trail system and can use HiiKER to confirm which junctions keep you on Trillium Ridge Trail versus the other loops (Back Dune, Creek, Nipissing, Pit and Mound, etc.). (gtrlc.org)

By car - Navigate to Antrim Creek Natural Area parking area on Rex Beach Rd (signed access for the natural area). The preserve map shows the parking area and the trailheads feeding directly into the network. (gtrlc.org)

By public transport - This part of Antrim County is rural and typically not served by frequent local transit to the trailhead. A practical approach is to use regional service to the nearest larger towns (e.g., the Traverse City area) and then a rideshare/taxi for the final leg to Rex Beach Rd.

Once you start walking, the character of the hike is “easy but varied”: mostly gentle grades, with short rises where the trail climbs onto the ridge and short dips where it drops toward lower swales and the creek drainage. Because you’re on sandy coastal terrain, the trail can feel softer underfoot than the elevation profile suggests—great for joints, but it can be a little more tiring if you’re used to hardpack.

What the trail feels like underfoot (and why it matters)

You’ll likely move through a mix of packed sand, loose sand, and forest duff. On the ridge sections, sand can ball up under shoes and make descents feel slightly slippery even though they’re not steep. After rain, low spots can hold water briefly, while exposed sandy stretches dry quickly and can be windy.

Plan on a relaxed pace: 5 km (3.1 mi) with ~100 m (330 ft) gain is often 1.5–2 hours for most hikers who stop for overlooks and photos, longer if you’re birding or walking with kids.

Landmarks, scenery, and the best “pay attention” moments

• Scenic overlook(s): The preserve map marks a Scenic Overlook, and this is where you’ll want to slow down—winds can be stronger, and footing can be looser near dune edges. (gtrlc.org)
  
• Dune-and-forest transitions: Trillium Ridge Trail shares the landscape with named routes like Back Dune Trail and Thimbleberry Trail, so watch for junction signage and confirm turns on HiiKER to avoid accidentally switching loops. (gtrlc.org)
  
• Antrim Creek corridor: Where the network approaches Antrim Creek, expect cooler air, more shade, and potentially more insects in warm months—especially at dawn/dusk.

Nature