OE logo
Explore the many active sides of the Petoskey Area, northern Michigan’s unassuming hub for year-round adventure
TRAILSBIKINGWATERSPORTSSNOWSPORTS

TRAILS

Depending on your available time and ambition, the Petoskey Area offers walkers, runners, hikers, and backpackers plentiful options that often provide memorable views for the effort, from short doses of nature to full hauls connecting with the 4,800-mile North Country Trail.

Hiking
Races
+ Refuel

North Country Trail

Shoulder a pack and hide out for a couple days on the 46-mile stretch of North Country Trail that threads through Emmet County. The southern sections roll over some of the hilliest terrain in the Lower Peninsula. Northern sections nudge up to Sturgeon Bay and cross easy miles of forest walking in Wilderness State Park. Camping is allowed on state forest land or in designated wilderness campsites.

Jordan River Valley

Quietude and a big overlook of see-forever forest pay off this 18-mile journey along the Jordan River, Michigan’s first designated Natural River and a pristine fly-fishing dream. Park at Deadman’s Hill to enjoy that expansive view before nine miles of mostly flat trail down the valley to the Jordan’s sole (rarely crowded) 15-site campground at Pinney Bridge. While finishing the loop, add a second-day trail-spur diversion to a federal fish hatchery that raises more than 3 million fingerlings of lake trout, cisco, and rainbows destined for Lake Michigan. Pack the bug repellent that’s needed until mid-August.

Sky Bridge at Boyne Mountain

Chairlift up to gain perspective on what’s proclaimed “the world’s longest timber-towered suspension bridge.” Boyne’s 1,200-foot-long trail through the air delivers views of Boyne Valley and the thrill of 181 exposed feet off the ground, plus colorful lights during the winter season for a nighttime stroll.

More Hiking Hits

Thorne Swift Nature Preserve, Harbor Springs: Though only 30 acres, the preserve features 1.5 trail miles that show off grassy, low sculpted dunes and waves washing an elegant Lake Michigan beach. Offield Family Viewlands, Harbor Springs: This golf course turned nature preserve has 4.5 miles of hiking trails and 5.2 miles of professionally designed mountain bike trails that share views of big water to the west and the Inland Waterway to the east. Skyline Trail, Petoskey: Walk 0.7 miles down a steep ridge to beautiful views of Bear River Valley and Little Traverse Bay, then backtrack to the car. Avalanche Mountain Preserve, Boyne City: Climb the 462 steps to a deck overlooking Lake Charlevoix as it heads into Lake Michigan. Expand the journey with the full 2.6 miles of hiking trail.

Top of Michigan Trails Festival of Races, May 24, 2025

Offering a 5K, 10K, and half marathon along the Little Traverse Wheelway—one of the Petoskey Area’s most beautiful stretches of trail—these out-and-back races begin at Bayfront Park in downtown Petoskey and head either north toward Harbor Springs or south toward Bay Harbor, depending on the race distance.

Dirty Dog Dash at Boyne Mountain Resort, May 31, 2025

This annual race will leave you feeling dirty, tired, and fulfilled, covering five slope-crossing kilometers that challenge competitors to climb, crawl, wade, and slide numerous obstacles. Open to ages eight and up, with post-race festivities that feature live music, a cookout, and more.

Paul Revere 5K Fun Run and 10-Mile Race, July 4, 2025

Celebrate July Fourth with this annual event in downtown Harbor Springs. The course winds through beautiful Harbor Springs with a ten-mile race and an untimed 5K fun run/walk.

Taste of History

Walk around Bay View and time-travel to an 1800s Chautauqua community with gingerbread Victorian homes, or explore the Bay View Woods hiking trails. Take dinner at the period-set 1911 Restaurant at the Terrace Inn, where you can also stay.

BIKING

From paved paths for casually exploring charming towns to committed routes for endurance and adrenaline, the Petoskey Area has biking options for every two-wheeled wanderer.

Mountain Biking
Leisure Biking
Gravel/Snow
+ REFUEL

Boyne Forest Trails

These 15 miles of serpentine singletrack were developed with your family in mind. Loop 1’s 3.5 flowy-but-flat miles ignite the interest for beginners. About six miles of intermediate trail builds the passion. Advanced riders feed the fire with jumps and drops on four forested miles of pro-designed loops.

‍Winter trails: Perfect fat-tire snow riding makes this trail system a year-round locals’ favorite.

Bountiful Singletrack

The ski resorts offer a bountiful mix of mild (paved) to wild (chairlift-access downhill), notably at Boyne Mountain’s 32 miles of trails and the 22 miles at The Highlands. Offield Family Viewlands, near Harbor Springs, has six miles of professionally built trails with dynamite flow. Head farther afield on Offield’s informal connection to the North Country Trail (bikes allowed on this section). All Little Traverse Conservancy preserves allow mountain bikes, and ten have groomed trails. Avalanche Mountain Preserve, near Boyne City, offers 400 feet of elevation on 8.6 miles of pro-developed trails. Earn views of Lake Charlevoix from 45 stories up.

Little Traverse Wheelway

Four of Michigan’s dreamiest harbor towns—Harbor Springs, Petoskey, Bay Harbor, and Charlevoix—dot the Little Traverse Wheelway’s relatively flat 26 miles, giving cyclists fine options for perfect days. Start with scenic ease: Pedal nine miles from Petoskey to Harbor Springs, have lunch, roam the shops, swim at the town park, ride back. Overnighter: Start at one of the terminus towns (Harbor Springs or Charlevoix) and ride to the other with an overnight change of clothes in the daypack; ride home the next day. Stop, wander, and refuel in Bay Harbor and Petoskey along the route. Or, go big and ride the full 52-mile round trip.

‍For lodging: Village Suites in Bay Harbor or the Perry Hotel in Petoskey both have easy on-off access to the Wheelway.

North Western State Trail

Gravel riders find a leisurely pedal over 32 miles of flat rail-to-trail from Petoskey north to Mackinaw City. The southern trailhead at Spring Lake Park is conveniently adjacent to Petoskey Brewing. Ride seven miles of asphalt before the packed crushed limestone begins at Alanson, then shadow U.S. 31 before cutting into forest and wetland in the runup to Mackinaw City.

Off the Map

For gravel grinders going deep on plentiful forest two-tracks, there are few marked and mapped routes. Lean on offline GPS apps for rides into hilly woods where cell service is scant. Local bike shops can point you to the former course of the Michigan Mountain Mayhem race. Depart Boyne City to link multiple-length route options over two separate loops into a full 49-miler that mixes some lung-busting hills with flats, forests, and farmland. Finish the ride at the Back Lot for shrimp tacos and brews.

Go in Snow

Come winter, find a robust fat-tire snow scene, with groomed trails at the ski resorts, Boyne School Forest, Avalanche Mountain Preserve, and ten preserves owned by the Little Traverse Conservancy.

Post-trail Suds

Petoskey Brewing delivers the fresh brews (not to mention cherry seltzer), along the Little Traverse Wheelway, which runs from Charlevoix to Harbor Springs. Don’t leave without a smashburger. Brandy’s Harbortown, on the water in Bay Harbor, also packs some culinary surprises along with its views.

WATERSPORTS

With lakes and rivers surrounding—and connecting—the communities of northern Michigan, there’s on-water adventure for every taste, from family-friendly floating and boating to high-action sportfishing and serene fly-casting, not to mention the variety of paddling trips that cater to every season.

boating & Jet-skiing
fishing
Paddling
+ REFUEL

Pontoon the Inland Waterway

Launch from Crooked Lake for a day (or days) on this lush 38-mile waterway that ends in Lake Huron. This historic Indigenous travel corridor utilizes 15 miles of twisting, cattail-narrowed rivers that connect a string of clear northern lakes, including Burt Lake and Mullet Lake, each a 25-plus-square-mile bowl of H2O. Pitch a lure for smallies, pike, muskie, or panfish. Bring binos for birds. Rent a float and tow the kids all day. For eats, pull up at tiny towns Alanson and Indian River to wander the sidewalks. Rent pontoon boats at Crooked Lake’s Windjammer Marina, and when the day is done, lay your head at Crooked River Lodge, where all rooms overlook the river.

Other great pontoon floats: Lake Michigan’s Little Traverse Bay (on a calm day), Pickerel Lake, and Walloon Lake.

Buzz Lake Charlevoix

At 12 miles long, Lake Charlevoix lays out a shimmering cobalt runway for a day on the water. Rent powerboats and source provisions in Boyne City, at the lake’s southeast end. Add water skis and a tube to boost adrenaline and laughs or tackle for hot fishing spots. (Hint: the weed-covered shallows of Horton Bay host loads of smallmouth bass.) The tiny burg of Horton Bay is also where Ernest Hemingway first married; grab one of his books at the Horton Bay General Store.
‍
‍Boat and jet-ski rentals: Boyne Watersports, Boyne City.

Fish Lake Michigan

Hoist a 25-pound Chinook (a.k.a. king salmon) and know the photo will travel. A half- or full-day charter on Lake Michigan can also help you hook an eight-to-ten-pound Atlantic salmon, steelhead, or lake trout. Just pack snacks, a fishing license, plus a bicep and a grip primed to reel. Captain and crew handle the rest. Consider Plumber’s Helper Charters out of Bay Harbor.

Bonus: a gorgeous day riding waves of the planet’s fourth-largest lake. 

Fly-Fish the Jordan River

This cold and twisty stream with thicketed shore hides many a big brown, and they lure ardent anglers who know the river’s ways. Start by floating the Jordan’s six-mile middle run from Graves Crossing to Webster Bridge. Not great for wading, the stretch is swift and known for deep and clay-slippery holes, says guide Brian Kozminski of True North Trout.

‍Best results: Lace that fly in tight to the structure.

Extra Lake Action

Target smallmouth bass that fill virtually all the area’s lakes. Curious and aggressive, they’re great to top-fish summer mornings and evenings. Try crankbait lures at Walloon Lake, Lake Charlevoix, and Crooked Lake.

‍Added adventure: Hike out along Waugoshance Point in Wilderness State Park and fly-cast the Sturgeon Bay shallows for monster smallies.

Cruise the Inland Flats

Pair a simple canoe, kayak, or SUP with the quiet protected waters around Oden Island Nature Preserve on Crooked Lake. Slip in at the boat launch on Channel Road and trace the shore west. Loop the bay formed by island and mainland for a three-mile paddle, or stretch to nearly five miles by circling the island. Generally flat water and endless birding make this a vibrant and comfortable tour for beginners. Bigger inland lakes like Walloon Lake and Lake Charlevoix offer more miles. If gusty, seek a stretch of wind shadow cast by a valley bluff.

Kayak and SUP rentals:  Bahnhof in Petoskey, and the Outfitter in Harbor Springs.

Tour the Sturgeon Bay Shore

Pick a flatwater evening with no winds on the radar and slide your paddlecraft into Lake Michigan at Sturgeon Bay Beach, north of Cross Village. Paddle north along the bluffs of Wilderness State Park to watch golden hour reflect on the water. Roll out a blanket to picnic on the beach. But get back before dark, as this fabulous excursion demands caution. Beyond the remote area—no houses, no roads, no people—this northern water can stay dangerously cold well into June.

‍Heads Up: Discuss safety with local outfitters and paddle safely. Check the weather forecast, dress for water immersion, and always wear a life jacket.

Tamer Tastes of Big Water

Launch a canoe, kayak, or SUP at Josephine Ford Park in Harbor Springs. Stick to the harbor, heading either west along nearby Harbor Point or east along the Wequetonsing shoreline. Both directions allow you to admire the area’s stately historic homes. (Safe paddling principles plus inclement weather and cold-water precautions still apply.)

Rafting the Sturgeon River

Swift and remote, the Sturgeon’s feisty spirit makes for a lively and refreshing trip in a guide-led raft. While summer trips provide a sure shot of adrenaline, rafting in winter is an unequaled experience. Enjoy surreal river travel through snowy woods by dressing warm (consider hand and foot warmers) to tackle moderate Class II rapids.

‍Book it: Contact Big Bear Adventures in nearby Indian River, or Jordan Valley Outfitters for winter rafting on the Jordan River (pictured).

Where to Dry Off

Pond Hill Farm, the cafe-winery-brewery north of Harbor Springs, boasts delicious pizzas, renowned fresh salads, plus a family vibe with year-round activities (hello, corn maze and sledding hill!). Want to stay on the water? Launch a romantic two-hour sunset cruise with Little Traverse Bay Ferry Co. as a relaxing way to end the day.

SNOWSPORTS

Winter fun starts with the trifecta of ski resorts that form the centerpiece of Midwest downhill: Boyne Mountain’s energy and edge, Nub’s Nob’s renowned savants of snow-making, plus the laid-back family vibe of The Highlands. Drop hundreds of feet dressed in deep, natural snowpack and buried by hundreds of snow guns.

Alpine Skiing
SNOWBOARDING
Cross-Country Skiing
and Snowshoeing
Snowmobiling
+ REFUEL

The Highlands at Harbor Springs

The soft vibe and classic Euro persona of the Highlands’ lodge entices families year after year. Keeping the whole crew happy is the greatest vertical in Lower Michigan—552 feet—and 55 ski trails split well between difficulty.
‍
Off-mountain: Mix up your ski days with a 1,350-foot zip line, swimming pool, and horseback riding in the snow.

Nub’s Nob

With no lodging at Nub’s, all devotion is focused on the snowy hill. Locals concur: the best snowmaking around, uncrowded slopes, and warm-hearted staff. The 53 runs, weighted to blue and green, have enough challenging black slopes to satisfy experts, balanced by freeskiing on the bunny hill. Don’t miss the cafeteria’s famed curly fries.
‍
‍Lodging picks: Consider bunking at the adjacent Trout Creek Condominium Resort or the newly renovated Otis Harbor Springs, both with complimentary shuttles to and from Nub’s.

Boyne Mountain

With the steepest slopes (thanks to 500 feet of vertical, substantial for the Midwest) and a bevy of big resort offerings and events (on-site water park, spa, restaurants, hotel), “the mountain” serves a distinct downhill vibe that draws winter acolytes. High-speed chairlifts—including an eight-person megalift—keep the lines moving.
‍
‍Stay over: Reserve a room at the Boyne Mountain Resort for a ski-in, ski-out resort experience. 

Boyne Mountain

To send it here in the Mitten, drop into Boyne’s seven terrain parks to jam on 30 features that riders rave about for size, variety, and expert construction. Beginners can enjoy the Burton Riglet Park.
‍
Terrain nearby: Nub’s Nob puts its efforts into one main terrain park and a bunny hill park, while the Highlands constructs three terrain parks.

The Highlands of Harbor Springs

The hilliest realm in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula makes ideal terrain for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The Highlands grooms ten miles of cross-country ski trails for skate and classic, a good mix for novice to advanced, the hardiest of which earn it on the trail that tops the Lower Peninsula’s highest mountain.

Wildwood

Find your groove on the devoted groomers (for classic only) and 11 miles of trail that make Wildwood Hills, just 15 minutes east of Petoskey, a locals’ go-to. Rolling terrain, deep hardwood and pine forest, and enough trail ensure it’s not too crowded. Snowshoeing on trails is allowed, but avoid set tracks.

Snowshoeing at Tanton Preserve

Follow seven snowy miles of trail to the top of Christmas Mountain. Your gift: winter views of Little Traverse Bay (west) and the Inland Waterway (east) that open up when leaves vanish. At 1,300 feet above sea level, the preserve’s hilltop is among the highest points in Lower Michigan.

Jordan Valley Snowmobile Trail

Obsessive 24/7 trail grooming and pristine old-growth forest make this 2.5-hour out-and-back cruise a heart-of-winter ride. Find it extra snow-globe creamy when fresh powder loads the pine boughs. Throttle through open stretches or pull over to the riverbank for a serene listen. The trailhead is at Larry’s Seven-Ski Inn—a hopping Elmira spot to finish the day as well. Explore more snowmobiling options, plus self-guided trail rides from Boyne Recreational Rentals.

Moose Jaw Trail System

Head north to this 100-mile network that covers a deeply forested realm adjacent to the Straits of Mackinac, where Great Lakes Michigan and Huron meet. Pick a route to Mackinaw City to gawk at the five-mile-long Mackinac Bridge, one of the world’s longest suspension bridges when it was built in the late 1950s. After exploring the curving trails, groomed and maintained by the Harbor Springs Snowmobile Club, pull up to Beach’s Up North Tavern in Pellston for renowned wings and karaoke crooning (on Fridays).

Elevated Après

Get comfy with the ski décor at Pierson’s Grille & Spirits in Harbor Springs, which offers a big menu if you stray beyond the burgers. Or enhance your après experience with a winery tour at Boyne Valley Vineyards and Burnt Marshmallow Brewstillery & Rudbeckia Winery—just two of 16 local vineyards in the picturesque Petoskey Wine Region.