Things to do / Travel Guide
Biking is one of the best ways to see and experience the quiet tranquility of the more remote parts of northern Michigan. The gravel and dirt roads that make driving difficult in the Upper Peninsula become perfect routes for the biking enthusiast, and because automobiles are not allowed on Mackinac Island, biking there is convenient and hassle-free. All over northern Michigan you will discover literally hundreds of trails suitable for bikers at all levels.
Throughout the region trails are well-maintained and well-marked for easy access. Mountain biking and road biking is best from spring to fall, as winter snowfall and ice make it a difficult and even dangerous way to get around. Bike rentals are available in bike and ski shops, and resort areas throughout the region. Here are a few of the most recommended trails:
Road Biking
- Traverse Area Recreational Trail (TART): A 10-mile, paved, urban trail appropriate for riders of all levels. The trail runs between Bunker Hill Road and the intersection of State Roads 22 and 72 in Traverse City, and follows the Grand Traverse Bay.
- Circle Mackinac Island: An 8.1-mile paved loop on mostly flat land through woods and coastline tracing the island's perimeter. No cars are allowed on Mackinac Island so bikers enjoy quiet roads, with views of the Mackinac Bridge and Fort Mackinac.
- Pere Marquette Rail-Trail: A 22-mile, paved, and very wide trail that begins in downtown Midland near the Tridge (a pedestrian footbridge), follows Saginaw Rode, passes by the Dow Historical Museum, and ends in Averill and Sandford.
Mountain Biking
- Schuss Mountain Golf Club: This area near Shanty Creek, half an hour south of Charlevoix, has more than 19 miles of interconnected trails suitable for novice and expert bikers. One-third is single track and two-thirds are double-track. Trails weave through woods, meadow, and sandy terrain. The championship course offers a 783-foot climb.
- VASA Singletrack: Located in the Pere Marquette State Forest, there are tracks for riders at every level. The 13 miles of curved trail are very well-groomed (these are cross-country ski trails in the winter). Two thousand mountain bikers gather here every November for the Iceman Cometh Challenge.
- Harlow Lake Sampler: This popular and challenging trail system offers the best views of Lake Superior and Presque Island in the Marquette area. Part of it is dirt road. The route winds through forest, up a rocky hillock, and down to Lake Superior. Riders should be prepared for sandy and extremely rocky portions, particularly near Wetmore Landing.
- Seney, in the central Upper Peninsula: This area provides 100 miles of gravel and dirt maintenance roads virtually car-free. This is flatland, making easy terrain, with well-marked trails amidst pristine wildlife. The roads are suitable material for riders of all levels. No off-road riding is permitted.
- Hanson Hills: Just outside of Grayling, this is very challenging terrain with three loops of 4.5, 5, and 7 miles. There are sandy stretches and views of Wakely Lake.
Cross Country
Michigan Cross Country Cycle Trail: This trail is shaped like a horseshoe and runs 750 miles including southern and northern areas of Michigan. Access to a northern stretch begins near Grayling at Military Road, half a mile north of the North Higgins Lake State Park exit, U.S. Highway 27. This is a technical, single track.
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