Treetops Resort is your premier gateway to outdoor activities just outside Gaylord, Michigan. This expansive resort offers more than just lodging — it provides direct access to a landscape actively engaging visitors with its rugged personality. From hiking through rich mixed forests to challenging yourself on mountain bike trails, the terrain reflects the seasons' moods and invites exploration beyond the front door.

One of the standout features is the diverse trail system. Hikers can expect routes ranging from manageable 2-3 mile loops to more demanding 7-9 mile treks with elevation gains around 400 feet. Trails weave through towering hardwoods, pines that sway and creak in the wind, and open ridges offering sweeping views of the surrounding valleys that dare you to pause and take it all in. The soils vary—firm dirt underfoot in dry spells, but roots and rocks can demand sharp attention after rain or snowmelt.

For bikers and runners, the well-marked singletrack cuts fluidly through the landscape, delivering bursts of speed and technical sections that test endurance and control. Along the way, streams murmur constantly as if prodding adventurers to keep moving forward. Fall colors explode in a vivid display that is best experienced mid-September to October, while late spring showers coax fresh greenery and wildflowers to brighten the understory.

Planning a trip here requires practical preparation. Wear sturdy hiking shoes with confident tread and consider moisture-wicking layers adapted to shifting weather. Hydration packs come highly recommended—water sources exist but can be sparse or inaccessible on longer loop trails. Arrive early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms, which can be sudden and fierce, turning trails slick and challenging.

Even in winter, Treetops emerges as an outdoor hub, with cross-country skiing and snowshoe paths inviting guests to traverse snow-packed forests where quiet falls with a crispness that sharpens the senses. Throughout your visit, be ready to engage with a landscape that is fiercely itself—dynamic, occasionally demanding, and always rewarding.

Beyond trails, the resort provides guided options and equipment rentals, making outdoor activities approachable for all skill levels. Whether it’s your first hike or your hundredth, the blend of natural challenge and accessible infrastructure makes Treetops a true outdoor destination at the heart of Michigan’s natural wealth.