Northern Lower Michigan Bike Riding Trails

Regardless of your level of ability, Michigan's Northern Lower Peninsula has a biking trail for every level of biker. One of our family's favorite pastimes, and a great way to get out and enjoy nature, we have taken the opportunities that surround us to get out and explore some of the biking trails in the area.

If a paved wheel way is your preference you will really enjoy The Little Traverse Wheelway, a nine mile, paved bike trail from Charlevoix all the way north to By Shore. This is actually less than half of a wheel way system that stretches a full 26 miles from Charlevoix to Harbor Springs. You can access the trail at Waller Road and US 31 north of Charlevoix. There is ample parking for cars at the Charlevoix township Park, located at Waller Road and old Orchard. At the 9 mile point of the trail you can park your vehicles in Bay Shore at the Emmet & Charlevoix county line. The trail does run parallel to the highway, but is a considerable distance from the road.

This paved biking trail follows some unbelievably beautiful shoreline. The bike trail weaves in and out of tree covered areas along the shore and over a lovely wooden boardwalk that carries you over the wetlands. There is a very nice roadside park about 3 miles into the ride. We like stopping here for lunch with the kids. There are restrooms and tables available. Make it a point to stop along the way and wade in the great Lake Michigan. If you are new to the area, you must know in advance that this one of the few places you will find Petoskey stones. This is Michigan's state stone. It is actually a fossil formed some 360 million years ago, a fragment of the Devonian Period coral reefs. These are very special stones. Be sure and stop for a few minutes and look for Petoskey stones!

The Northern Lower Peninsula of Michigan is home to many mountain biking trails. It was very difficult to decide which to review for you. I have discovered some phenomenal trails, but will stick with the 2 that I ride most often.

For a long mountain bike ride without the kids, we head to the North Country Trail. One amazing aspect of this biking trail is that it is only a small section of a 4,000 mile trail that, when complete, will reach from North Dakota to New York. The North Country trail is approximately 52 miles long; however, I must admit that I have only done the 29 mile stretch from High Bridge Trailhead to Marilla. This bike trail will carry you through some very beautiful areas along the Manistee River. The wildlife is abundant on this trail and I have actually spotted many deer and a Bald Eagle while biking. I must add that there is no water along this biking trail, so pack plenty of water. There are restroom facilities at the trailheads. This area is open to the public for hunting, so I would strongly suggest contacting the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for the hunting locations and schedules.

If you are vacationing in the area, and staying at one of the rental properties at Boyne Mountain in Boyne Falls, be sure and check out their bike trails. We have done this often and it is still a great favorite. Grab your bike and jump on the chairlift. It will take you to the top of the mountain, where you will be able to see for miles. It is truly an awesome view from the top. To get back down the mountain you have a choice. You can follow the 7 mile long bike trail that winds down the backside of the mountain through the wooded hills and around the manicured golf courses and on to Mountain Pass Road. You can also choose the paved trail that runs a shorter path, but just as pretty. It winds through the woods and ends back up in the resort village. Be cautious with kids on Mountain Pass Road. There is minimal traffic on this road, but it is winding and cars tend to go faster than they should. Adults will be fine staying on roads edge.

If mountain biking is your forte', you will be able to access the 32.5 miles of biking trails at Boyne Mountain. I would suggest picking up a map at the front desk of the Mountain Grand Lodge located in the resort village. There are many trails and you can pick and chose, plotting your own course depending on ability and time. This is a beautiful, wooded area, lots of hills and many levels of challenge. You don't have to be a guest on property to take advantage of the trails, but there will be a fee to ride the chair lift. You can also access the bike trails from Mountain pass Road for no charge. The map is free of charge as well and I would suggest using one regardless of you biking trail choices. There is a restroom at the top, but none on the trails. you will also need to take your own water.

List of Emmet County Trails
List of Charlevoix County Trails
Enjoy yourself, but leave no footprints.