Local Rides
Whether you're training for a race or getting a ride in
with the kids, you'll enjoy the trails available in our area.
Below is a list of just a few of the rides Emmet County has to offer. The inland roads north of Harbor Springs can be turned into beautiful century rides, endless climbing (literally), or a nice 10 mile spin in the country without traffic. The riding is the same on the outskirts of Petoskey. Call any of our members, a local bike shop, or join one of our group rides. All of us are more than happy to share our roads and trails!
These are excellent mountain biking, trail running, and hiking trails. They are part of a system running from North Dakota to New York and are maintained by local volunteers who do a wonderful job. The different sections of trails offer a variety of climbs, descents, and can be made as hard or easy as you would like. These trails are all singletrack and are a blast to ride. Be sure to watch for others on the trail and practice the “Leave No Trace” code so everyone can enjoy them. Check the website for trail info or call one of the local bike shops. They will be able to set you up.
Both of the local Boyne Resorts host some of the best mountain biking in the state. The trails are well marked and maps are available. Both resorts offer different loops based on your ability and either place can be made into a solid hour of singletrack without repeating the same trail. There are quite a few races held at Boyne Mountain throughout the summer so be sure to check those out as well!
The bike path is a great addition to Emmet County and gets used by everyone walking, running, and biking. The path runs from Harbor Springs all the way to Charlevoix and has many spectacular sights of Lake Michigan along the way. The path is paved the entire way and is 26 miles long. It is perfect for a day ride with friends, toting the kids in a trailer, going on a run, or enjoying some ice cream!
The Tunnel of Trees is a ride talked about all over the country. It starts in downtown Harbor Springs and continues out M-119 toward Sturgeon Bay. The entire ride sits on a bluff following the Lake Michigan shoreline and is a must-do for any cyclist. The terrain is rolling with a couple of solid climbs that will make you remember you're riding! Along the way you will pass through Good Hart, 14 miles from Harbor Springs, where you'll want to stop and grab a drink or homemade sweet roll. After Good Hart comes the lovely and historic town of Cross Village, 20 miles from Harbor Springs. If you want to continue along to Sturgeon Bay, it's only 30 minutes up the road and offers some amazing beaches and sand dunes. This is a great out and back ride and never gets old no matter how much you ride it. There isn't a shoulder on the road so take care; ride double without traffic and switch to single file with cars on the road. The traffic is minimal and moves slowly so it's not a danger as long as proper care is taken.
