2 Hour Ebike Tours in the Glen Lake Area

Sleeping Bear Highlights

Hop on and off the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail to visit some of the highlights of the Glen Haven, Dunns Farm, and Sleeping Bear Dunes area. Beautiful views, big hills, and varied terrain. Frequent stops to take in the sights. Great for visitors who are new to the area.

Ability level: easy

Surface: almost all paved

Start: Glen Haven Cannery

Bike recommendations: a 750-watt motor ebike is recommended

North Bar Lake and Empire Farms

Ride through old growth forests and past open fields to visit pristine North Bar Lake. Roll through Empire neighborhoods, swing by Lake Michigan and South Bar Lake, then head out into the countryside past big orchards and small farms. Lots of big rolling hills and lakes. Option to stop for quick eats or gelato.

Ability level: easy

Surface: 99% pavement

Start: Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive parking lot

Bike recommendations: a 750-watt motor ebike is recommended

Otter Creek and Empire Highlands

Explore the big hills and apple orchards just outside Empire then veer off down narrow gravel roads to Lake Michigan and Otter Creek. Lots of big rolling hills, historic farm houses, lakes, and hiking trails. Option to stop for quick eats or gelato in Empire.

Ability level: intermediate

Surface: half paved trail and roads and half gravel roads

Start: Johnson Park in Empire

Bike recommendations: a 750-watt motor ebike is recommended with at least 2 inch knobby tires

Inspiration Point and the Foothills of Big Glen

Explore the beautiful foothills area on a scenic road along the southeast side Big Glen. Pop in to take in the tranquility of a hidden lake then climb into the hilly countryside on backroads and down again along the Hatlem Creek Preserve. Take in the gorgeous vista on Inspiration Point and view Big Glen Lake from several access points. Best in early morning or evening when the traffic is light. Option to get a quick snack or ice cream at Laker Shakes during or after the ride. We also pass several farm stands along the way where you can pick up fresh fruit, eggs, or vegetables.

Ability level: easy

Surface: pavement

Start: Old Settlers Picnic Ground

Bike recommendations: a 750-watt motor ebike is recommended

Port Oneida and Narada Lake

Take in the beautifully preserved farms, fields, and wetlands of the Port Oneida Historic District north of Glen Arbor. Vere off to visit Good Harbor Bay, old restored log buildings, and soak in the tranquility School Lake. Mostly flat and one of the prettiest regions in the national lakeshore.

Ability level: easy

Surface: 50% pavement and 50% crushed gravel trail

Start: Bay View Trail trailhead parking lot

Bike recommendations: any ebike will do

Bohemian Lavender, Cherries, and Horses

Get away from the hustle and bustle of town and ride down pretty country roads past horse farms, cherry orchards, and beautifully displayed lavender fields. Plenty of hilly and curvy roads lined with wild flowers, corn fields, and round bales of fresh hay.

Ability level: easy

Surface: pavement

Start: Miles Kimmerly Park

Bike recommendations: 750-watt ebike recommended for the big hills

School Lake and Bohemian Alpacas

Farm country is never too far from the lakes of Leelanau County. Enjoy the beauty of several inland lakes, historic log cabins, and a picturesque farm teaming with horses, goats, and alpaca. Then ride up to hilly orchards and farms in this lovely region east of Good Harbor Bay.

Ability level: easy

Surface: pavement

Start: School Lake parking lot on Bohemian Road

Bike recommendations: 750-watt ebike recommended for the big hills

Big Glen, Barns, and Brooks

Travel from the shores of Big Glen up and down a series of parallel hills and huge gravel deposits left by the glaciers. Ride past farms and fields then back downhill for different vantage points of our beautiful inland lakes. Pick up local honey, maple syrup, and seasonal fruits as we pass four roadside farm stands along the way. 

Ability level: easy

Surface: 98% pavement

Start: Old Settlers Park on the east side of Big Glen

Bike recommendations: 750-watt ebike recommended for the big hills

Maple City Hill Country

Ride the beautiful country roads surrounding Maple City up the highest hills and down low to the wetlands. Roll past 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 parking lot in Maple City (next to the Maple City Lions Club)

Bike recommendations: 750-watt ebike recommended for the big hills

Cedar River and Holy Rosary

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: 98% pavement

Start: Cedar Park just west of downtown Cedar

Bike recommendations: 750-watt ebike recommended for the big hills

Eight Lil’ Lovely Lakes

Explore eight small inland lakes around the Pearl Lake area, just into Benzie County. Dip your fingers in a variety of peaceful woodland lakes just off the beaten path. Discover lakeside campgrounds and lots of boat launches you can visit later to fish, kayak, or paddle.

Ability level: easy to intermediate

Surface: 50% pavement and 50% gravel (maybe loose sand)

Start: Garey Lake Campground on County Line Road

Bike recommendations: 750-watt ebike with a least 2” knobby tires

2 Hour Ebike Tours in the Suttons Bay and Traverse City Area

Stony Point and Bay View                                                         Suttons Bay

Explore a peninsula within a peninsula just east of the quaint village of Sutton Bay. Break free from the busy traffic of town and ride along peaceful beachfront roads and a pretty little park. Get several views of Lake Michigan from different vantage points then pop up into the hilly cherry orchards and pretty farm houses nearby. Options for snacks or ice cream after the ride in Suttons Bay.

Ability level: easy

Surface: pavement

Start: Sutton Park, aka South Shore Park, the beach just east of the Marina Beach

Bike recommendations: 750-watt ebike

Pineview and Bahle Farms                                                                  Suttons Bay

Ride the scenic country roads southwest of Suttons Bay. Get away from busy highways and cruise up big hills into the quiet highland farm country, past Bahle Farms golf club, and peek in at well-hidden Lawrence Lake. Options for quick eats or ice cream in Suttons Bay after the ride.

Ability level: easy

Surface: 80% pavement and 20% gravel road

Start: Herman Park in Suttons Bay

Bike recommendations: 750-watt ebike

Cedar Lake and Gallagher Farms                                                 Traverse City

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.

Ability level: easy

Surface: pavement  

Start: Ride Leelanau at 13680 W Bay Shore Drive in Traverse City (next to Carter Road)

Bike recommendations: 750-watt ebike

2-3 Hour Ebike and Nature Tours in the Glen Lake Area

Inspiration Point and the Foothills of Big Glen*

Explore the beautiful foothills area on a scenic road along the southeast side Big Glen. Pop in to take in the tranquility of a hidden lake then climb into the hilly countryside on backroads and down again along the Hatlem Creek Preserve. Take in the gorgeous vista on Inspiration Point and view Big Glen Lake from several vantage points. Best in early morning or evening when the traffic is light. Option to get a quick snack or ice cream at Laker Shakes during or after the ride. We also pass several farm stands along the way where you can pick up fresh fruit, eggs, or vegetables.

Ability level: easy

Surface: pavement

Start: Old Settlers Picnic Ground

Bike recommendations: 750-watt ebike recommended for the big hills

*Nature Tour: learn about the geological and natural history as well as the flora and fauna along the way with guest rider biologist Rob Karner.

North Bar Lake and Empire Farms Nature Tour*

Ride through old growth forests and past open fields to visit pristine North Bar Lake. Roll through Empire neighborhoods, swing by Lake Michigan and South Bar Lake, then head out into the countryside past big orchards and small farms. Lots of big rolling hills and lakes. Option to stop for quick eats or gelato.

Ability level: easy

Surface: paved trail and hilly roads

Start: Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive parking lot

Bike recommendations: a 750-watt motor ebike is recommended

*Nature Tour: learn about the geological and natural history as well as the flora and fauna along the way with guest rider biologist Rob Karner.

Otter Creek and Empire Highlands Nature Tour*

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: partly paved trail and roads and some gravel roads

Start: Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive parking lot

Bike recommendations: a 750-watt motor ebike is recommended with at least 2 inch knobby tires

*Nature Tour: learn about the geological and natural history as well as the flora and fauna along the way with guest rider biologist Rob Karner.  

Cedar River and Holy Rosary Nature Tour*

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: 98% pavement

Start: Cedar Park just west of downtown Cedar

Bike recommendations: 750-watt ebike recommended for the big hills

*Nature Tour: learn about the geological and natural history as well as the flora and fauna along the way with guest rider biologist Rob Karner. 

Eight Lil’ Lovely Lakes Nature Tour*

Explore eight small inland lakes around the Pearl Lake area, just into Benzie County. Dip your fingers in a variety of peaceful woodland lakes just off the beaten path. Discover lakeside campgrounds and lots of boat launches you can visit later to fish, kayak, or paddle.

Ability level: easy to intermediate

Surface: 50% pavement and 50% gravel (maybe loose sand)

Start: Garey Lake Campground on County Line Road

Bike recommendations: 750-watt ebike with a least 2” knobby tires

*Nature Tour: learn about the geological and natural history as well as the flora and fauna along the way with guest rider biologist Rob Karner.

3 Hour Bike and Hike Tours

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

Bike recommendations: a 750 watt motor is recommended for the hills

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: partly paved trail and roads and some gravel roads

Start: Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive parking lot

Bike recommendations: a 750-watt motor ebike is recommended with at least 2 inch 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 with some gravel path

Start: Bay View Trail trailhead parking lot

Bike recommendations: any ebike will do

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 (depending on seasonal road conditions)

Surface: mostly gravel roads and trails with some pavement

Start: Bay View Trail trailhead parking lot

Bike recommendations: 750-watt ebike with at least 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: 98% pavement

Start: Cedar Park just west of downtown Cedar

Bike recommendations: 750-watt ebike recommended for the big hills

Hiking trail options:  The Ingraham Preserve trail in the 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 parking lot in Maple City (next to the Maple City Lions Club)

Bike recommendations: 750-watt ebike recommended for the big hills

Hiking trail options: Pat’s Preserve trail

Cedar Lake and Gallagher Farms Bike and Hike                Traverse City

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 at 13680 W Bay Shore Drive in Traverse City (next to Carter Road)

Bike recommendations: 750-watt ebike

Hiking trail options: DeYoung Natural Area