The best cycling routes around Traverse City

Traverse City offers a wide selection of touring cycling routes, with over 35 options available. These routes cater to various skill levels, including 19 easy and 19 moderate trails.

Traverse City stands out for its diverse landscapes, extensive trail networks, and abundant natural attractions. Cyclists can experience everything from the shores of Grand Traverse Bay to rolling hills, forests, vineyards, and cherry orchards. The region's commitment to maintaining and expanding its trail systems, like the TART Trails and Leelanau Trail, provides exceptional opportunities for exploring the area's beauty.

Yes, Traverse City has 19 easy touring cycling routes perfect for beginners. A great option is the Bike loop from Northwestern Michigan College Boardman Lake Campus, which is just 4.7 miles (7.6 km) long and takes about 28 minutes to complete. Another accessible choice is the Boardman Lake loop from Traverse City, a 10.5-mile (16.9 km) trail that leads through urban green spaces and along the lake.

For longer rides, you can explore routes like the Traverse City – Mission Point Lighthouse loop from Traverse City, which is a moderate 45.7 miles (73.5 km) and winds through the Old Mission Peninsula. Another excellent choice is the Suttons Bay Waterfront – Traverse City loop from Northwestern Michigan College Aero Park Campus, covering 41.0 miles (66.0 km) with scenic views along the waterfront and through rural landscapes.

Many routes in Traverse City offer stunning scenery. The Traverse City – Mission Point Lighthouse loop from Traverse City provides breathtaking views of vineyards and both East and West Grand Traverse Bay. The Old Mission Peninsula Loop, while a road cycling route, is renowned for vistas of bays and cherry blossoms in May. The Leelanau Trail also offers scenic views through forests, farmlands, and vineyards.

Absolutely. The Old Mission and Leelanau Peninsulas are adorned with scenic vineyards and cherry orchards, making for idyllic cycling tours that can be combined with wine tasting experiences. Routes like the Traverse City – Mission Point Lighthouse loop from Traverse City traverse these areas, offering opportunities to stop at local establishments.

Yes, the region is well-suited for family cycling. The TART Trails System, including the main TART trail and the Leelanau Trail, offers over 60 miles of paved, non-motorized pathways that are generally flat and safe for all ages. The Boardman Lake loop from Traverse City is another easy, paved option that is great for families.

The primary multi-use trail systems are the TART Trails System and the Leelanau Trail. The TART Trails offer over 60 miles of paved pathways, including the main TART trail along Grand Traverse Bay. The Leelanau Trail is a 17-mile paved route extending from Traverse City to Suttons Bay, winding through natural forests, farmlands, and vineyards. Both are excellent for touring cyclists.

Parking is available at various trailheads throughout the region. For example, the Woodland Sweets, Playground and Trail Parking is a convenient spot. Many sections of the TART Trails and other regional trails have designated parking areas, often near parks or public access points.

Along the touring cycling routes, you can explore diverse attractions. The Traverse Area Recreational Trail (TART) itself offers views of Grand Traverse Bay. You might also pass through the vibrant city of Traverse City, enjoy the West End Beach, or even spot the Vasa Singletrack – Trailhead, popular for mountain biking.

The touring cycling routes in Traverse City are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 10 reviews. Cyclists often praise the region's extensive network of paved multi-use trails, the stunning views of Grand Traverse Bay, and the charming landscapes of vineyards and orchards on the peninsulas.

Yes, Traverse City offers several excellent circular touring cycling routes. A popular option is the Boardman Lake loop from Traverse City, which is 10.5 miles (16.9 km) long. Another is the Traverse City – Boardman Lake loop from Traverse City, a longer 18.8-mile (30.3 km) easy route that also circles the lake.