Cycling
Cycling in Northern Michigan, Important Rules:
- While drivers are used to seeing cyclists (particularly on the routes outlined below) caution should always be taken. With the hilly terrain and sharp turns, a good mirror and general caution are important accessories for any ride
- Local advice should be taken seriously. For both mountain and road riding, local shops (like No Boundaries in Boyne City) ride the roads and trails for a reason. If a local says riding a road isn’t a good idea, better to believe them. If you are stuck without a place to ride – ask! There is literally nothing but awesome riding in Northern Michigan and any shop or riding club should be more then happy to refer you to several places to ride.
Suggested Road Routes:
All of the below routes are suggested routes with general milage and difficulty. As with all road riding, care should be taken – ride on the shoulder whenever possible, ride with others, and obey the rules of the road.
1.) Charlevoix to Harbor (Bike Path) – 24 miles (one way)
- The most beginner/family friendly and safest route. This follows the bike path from Charlevoix into Petoskey, then to Harbor Springs. The path runs along the lakeshore for many miles providing scenic views and ample places to stop and enjoy local attractions.
2.) Tunnel of Trees, Harbor Springs to Cross Village – 21 miles (one way)
- One of the most beautiful roads in Michigan happens to be a great route to bike as well. Starting in Harbor Springs, the road winds north along the cliffs and bluffs of M-119 through Good Hart and into Cross Village. M-119, while unbelievably beautiful, is very narrow, so caution should be taken. Not reccommended during the fall as a large number of cars and motorcycles come to see the leaves. Some hills, moderate difficulty.
3.) Ride “the Wall”, Boyne City to East Jordan – 24 miles
- This loop, leaving from Boyne City, traveling south to East Jordan, and returning to Boyne, is infamous for it’s 2 mile climb. Named “the wall” this climb tops out at a staggering 17% incline and will challenge even the most seasoned road rider. Not for the faint of heart, but a fun challenge and pretty ride through the backroads south of Boyne City. Challenging for all skill levels.
For more routes from fun to challenging, stop into No Boundaries in downtown Boyne City for personalized ride recommendations or, better yet, a ride with one of our staff!
Suggested Mountain Routes
All of the below routes are routes that require a mountain bike as they are primarily singletrack. With the lack of large mountains, steep descents and drops are not a feature of the local riding scene, but caution should always be taken on unfamiliar trails. The Google maps link indicates where the trailhead is located. Always lock your car, thefts have been reported at some trailheads.
1.) Boyne Highlands 5- ?? miles
- Utilizing sections of the ski resort, public land, and land owned by the Harbor Springs schools, the Boyne Highlands trail is one of the finest in Northern Michigan. Made of a series of smaller loops, the Highlands can be looped together for lots of milage. Someone who knows the trail is the best guide, but the trail is marked with color-coded signs. Depending on the loop, difficulty is generally pretty forgiving with the most difficult trail (orange loop) being located furthest from the trailhead. Twisty singletrack, long descents and fun climbs await!
2.) Kipp Road – 6-7miles (one way)
- Utilizing a section of the North Country Trail, Kipp road is a local favorite mountain bike trail. Kipp road starts with a long sustained climb but features a ton of rolling terrain and a sustained, twisty, and fun downhill back to the parking lot on the return trip. Because of the elevation gain and few sections of gnarly terrain, Kipp Rd. is not recommended for beginners. To ride the full trail, cross the first paved road (Brutus) and continue until the trail ends at a dirt road.
3.) Boyne Mountain – 5-14 miles (depending on route)
- Similar to Boyne Highlands, Boyne Mountain uses ski trails to create several loops of trails at their ski resort facility. Again, with the presence of so many trails, it is helpful to go out with someone who knows the trails (ask at No Boundaries in Boyne City for a good chance at a riding partner) and the distance can vary greatly depending on your route. On weeknights the ski lift is occasionally open, providing the opportunity to get your bike taken to the top of the hill. Boyne Mountain is one of the most climbing-intensive trails in the area but makes up for it with flowy and fun downhill sections.
For more routes from fun to challenging, stop into No Boundaries in downtown Boyne City for personalized ride recommendations or, better yet, a ride with one of our staff! Many more mountain trails are located in and around the Northern Michigan area – these are just a few of what we have to offer!
