Pathways To Adventure

Michigan’s scenic drives get most of the attention, but some of the state’s best views aren’t seen through a windshield.

They’re found along paved pathways that wind past Great Lakes shorelines, through vineyards and small towns, and across landscapes that reward a slower pace. Whether circling Mackinac Island, following the coast of Little Traverse Bay, or pedaling through wine country north of Traverse City, these trails offer a different way to experience the state.

Few trails offer scenery quite like the Mackinac Island Lakeshore Trail. Encircling the island, the paved route follows the shoreline for more than eight miles, passing limestone formations, dense forests, and sweeping views of Lake Huron. With automobiles prohibited, it remains one of Michigan’s most distinctive cycling experiences. Popular stops include Arch Rock, British Landing, and numerous shoreline overlooks.

In northwest Michigan, the TART Trails network connects communities throughout the Grand Traverse region. While many visitors are familiar with the waterfront path through Traverse City, the system extends well beyond downtown, linking riders to destinations including Suttons Bay, Acme, and the Leelanau Peninsula. Along the way, cyclists pass beaches, vineyards, orchards, forests, and some of northern Michigan’s most recognizable landscapes.

For those seeking a longer adventure, the Fred Meijer White Pine Trail State Park is difficult to beat. Stretching 92 miles between Grand Rapids and Cadillac, it is Michigan’s longest paved state park trail. Following a historic railroad corridor, the route passes through forests, farmland, river crossings, and small communities often overlooked by travelers.

Northern Michigan’s Little Traverse Wheelway delivers another memorable waterfront experience. Stretching roughly 26 miles between Charlevoix and Harbor Springs, the paved trail follows the shoreline of Little Traverse Bay through Petoskey and several of the region’s most picturesque communities. Beaches, parks, marinas, and panoramic lake views line much of the route.

Whether tracing a Great Lakes shoreline, following a former railroad corridor, or winding through wine country, Michigan’s paved trails provide access to some of the state’s most scenic landscapes at a pace that encourages exploration.

PHOTO: Boardman Lake Loop Trail (Credit: Prein&Newhof)