Bike and Hike Tours
Combine the best of both worlds in one outing. Choose from a combination of bike tours and hiking trails to see the beauty of the area from different vantage points. Ride a ways, take a short hike, then ride some more.
Sleeping Bear Highlights Bike and Hike
Hop on and off the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail to visit some of the highlights of the Glen Haven and Sleeping Bear Dunes area. Beautiful views, big hills, and varied terrain. Combine ebike riding with a hike on one of the four hiking trails nearby.
Ability Level: Easy
Surface: Almost All Paved
Start: Glen Haven Cannery, Glen Arbor
Bike Recommendation: 750W Ebike
Hiking Trail Options: Alligator Hill, Sleeping Bear Point, Windy Moraine, or Shauger Hill Trails
Otter Creek and Empire Highlands Bike and Hike
Explore the big hills and apple orchards just outside Empire then veer off down narrow back roads to Lake Michigan and Otter Creek. Lots of big rolling hills, historic farm houses, and hiking trails. Option to stop for quick eats or gelato.
Ability Level: Intermediate
Surface: Mostly Pavement/Some Gravel
Start: Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive Entrance Parking Lot, Empire
Bike Recommendation: 750W Ebike (2”+ Knobby Tires)
Hiking Trail Options: Empire Bluffs, Treat Farm, or Otter Creek Trails
Port Oneida and Narada Lake Bike and Hike
Take in the beautifully preserved farms and fields or the Port Oneida Historic District north of Glen Arbor. Vere off to visit Good Harbor Bay, old log buildings, and soak in the tranquility School Lake. Mostly flat and one of the prettiest regions in the national lakeshore. Three different hiking trails to choose from.
Ability Level: Easy
Surface: Mostly Pavement/Some Gravel
Start: Bay View Trailhead, Maple City
Bike Recommendation: Any Ebike
Hiking Trail Options: Bay View, Good Harbor Bay, or Pyramid Point Trails
Port Oneida Backcountry Farms Bike and Hike
Go way back up and down the steeps gravel roads of the Port Oneida Historic District to see lots of well-preserved farms and buildings, big open fields, and dense hardwood forests. This ride takes you up and down the rugged and hilly gravel roads of Port Oneida, along the lakeshore, with a brief stint on the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail. Hike up the Pyramid Point trail to a fabulous lookout partway through then finish the ride.
Ability Level: Intermediate – Difficult
Surface: Mostly Gravel/Some Pavement
Start: Bay View Trailhead, Maple City
Bike Recommendation: 750W Ebike (2.5”+ Knobby Tires)
Hiking Trail Options: Pyramid Point
Cedar River and Holy Rosary Bike and Hike
Explore Victoria Creek as it flows into the Cedar River before emptying into Lake Leelanau. These protected wetlands, called the Cedar River Preserve, are also known as “the everglades of the lower peninsula”. Roll past farms, orchards, stately Holy Rosary Church, and beautiful gardens as we ride up and down the hilly terrain of the interior of Leelanau County. Options for quick eats at a Polish Food truck, farm stand, or ice cream stand.
Ability Level: Easy
Surface: Almost All Paved
Start: Cedar Park, Cedar
Bike Recommendation: 750W Ebike
Hiking Trail Options: The Ingraham Preserve Trail in Cedar River Preserve
Maple City Hill Country Bike and Hike
Ride the beautiful country roads surrounding Maple City up the highest hills and down to the wetlands. Check out Lime Lake, pass cherry orchards, and horse farms. Then glide through the big valley past huge fields and the open skies of the old “Bohemian Settlement”. Option for quick eats in Maple City.
Ability Level: Easy
Surface: Pavement
Start: Kasson Township Park, Maple City
Bike Recommendation: 750W Ebike
Hiking Trail Options: Pat’s Preserve Trail
Cedar Lake and Gallagher Farms Bike and Hike
Ride up and down country roads past horse farms, a one room school house, lovely country homes, and orchards just northwest of Traverse City. See gorgeous views of East Bay and Power Island before descending down to Cedar Lake, a marina full of beautiful boats, and a quick stop at the colorful Cherry Bend Grocery store. Stop to hike partway through then ride back.
Ability Level: Easy
Surface: Pavement
Start: Ride Leelanau, Traverse City
Bike Recommendation: 750W Ebike
Hiking Trail Options: DeYoung Natural Area