Explore the best rated trails in Petoskey, MI, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Leelanau Trail and Traverse Area Recreation and Transportation Trail (TART) . With more than 13 trails covering 299 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
Though the posted speed limit is 10 mph at each end, the remainder of the trail is 15 mph. Having experienced first hand last month, out there on a manual pedal bike, we were passed all day long by speeding eBikes. At times we got up to 13-14 mph and still they sped by. Belonging to several FB bike trail pages, I've recently seen postings regarding "bragging" about "turbo mode" and traveling at 20 mph. On this trail as well as others. Pedal assist may have gotten out of hand. If you cycle on this trail, be prepared it's like a drag strip. There are a lot of rental places offering eBike rentals and wondering if they don't explain to these customers about trail courtesy and the speed limit or the people that rent just are out there for a thrill ride.
We bicycled from just outside of Traverse City to Suttons Bay and back. Had lunch in Suttons Bay. Uphill both ways! it seems the highest point is around mile markers 8-9ish. Beautiful scenery of many orchards and farmlands. Not much shade except for an occasional stretch of trees. Trail surface paved in very good condition. The volunteers were actually sealing cracks on this particular day. And for a weekday, the trail was very busy and traveled mostly a lot of many very beefy "e-Bikes". Some of them were literally like small motorcycles and looked very heavy and cumbersome. They weren't typical looking electric bicycles. As we struggled to pedal uphill at about 9mph, we were passed by many fast moving machines that didn't announce like the signs indicated at the Fouch Rd trailhead. Even when we were manually pedaling at 12-13 mph, we were passed as if we were standing still on this 15mph speed limit trail. Seems these group of "cyclists" of fast moving "machines" traveled in very large groups or packs. I am no Dick Tracy but some of these "bicycles" may have exceeded the ebike classes permitted on this trail unless this one is a free-for-all. Would probably not ride this trail again too many traveling at unsafe speeds.
We got on the trail at the Fouch Road trailhead and rode north to Suttons Bay. It was an easy 12 miles up and back. The trail is well maintained with slight elevation changes. You pass by many corn fields and cherry tree orchards. The shade from tree canopies is great. There is one spot you think you are about to enter a tunnel but it is just thick trees. There are many humorous signs along the way so look out for them. We saw a couple of trail signs pointing out where you can grab a bite but we didn’t stop. If we had more time I would have stayed in Suttons Bay to eat and view Travis Bay.
7/22/25 Rode trail north from Alanson to Mackinac City today. The conditions were GREAT! We did see some remnants of damage the ice storm, but the trail was clear and leveled. The ride was very enjoyable and scenic!
The North Eastern State Trail is a beautiful crushed gravel adventure. It is a low use trail that allows for wildlife viewing. During the 48 mile trip I only saw 6 people. Trail shelters in Metz and Millersburg were fantastic. The trail surface had some spots of deeper and looser gravel. I was happy to have 650bx47 tires on my Surly Bridge Club. Thank you to everyone who helped clear the trail post winter storm. This trail is 100% clear and open…no downed trees remain. Happy trails!
Rode this trail for the first time and loved it! Didn’t love all the crossings or that there were no warning blinkers to activate at busier crossings. BUT, the scenery and trail conditions were great. Visited The Hive Cafe and had a superb iced coffee. Then stopped at Shady Lane winery for a sampler flight of wines. All in all, an awesome afternoon!
I'm writing this review because I want other to really know the condition of this trail. (The DNR opened this trail recently after the major ice storm they had) We started in Mackinaw city about a mile or so is paved then the horrible conditions start, the Crush stone was heavy and made riding very hard some area at least 3 inches deep and my husband and I almost wiped out on a few them, every road crossing the crush stone was very deep and very loose the tree limbs and the pine needles all over the trail made it a very miserable ride, it got better in Alanson to Petoskey for 7.7 miles was paved. They really need to do something about that crush stone, the whole trail it was the loose. I took many pictures I will try and submit them here as well
May 20 on the trail we were plagued by stretches with fallen trees. This was a big problem for us bike packing.
We checked the trail from Gaylord to Mackinaw City on Sunday 05/11/25. Gaylord to Topinabee still has alot of trees down on the trail due to the ice storm but Topinabee to Mackinaw City has been cleared.
We checked the trail from Gaylord to Mackinaw City on Sunday 05/11/25. Gaylord to Topinabee still has alot of trees down on the trail due to the ice storm but Topinabee to Mackinaw City has been cleared.
It is a gem of a trail, but during tourist season, it can be busier especially on weekends. Road crossings are generally pretty chill, but closer to TC be more cautious with drivers. If you park in Suttons Bay, you can cool down with a nice walk after the ride at the Leo Creek Preserve, which has beautiful gardens in the summer.
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