The best cycling routes around Torch Lake

This guide features 5 touring cycling routes around Torch Lake, offering a variety of experiences from easy to difficult.

Yes, there are two easy routes perfect for beginners or families. You can explore the Glacial Hills Trails loop from Forest Home Township (9.2 km) or another Glacial Hills Trails loop from Forest Home Township (8.6 km), both offering gentle terrain.

The routes around Torch Lake offer diverse terrain, from scenic lakeside views to countryside farms, orchards, and rolling hills. While some routes are relatively flat, others, like the longer options, include more challenging ascents. The region is known for its lush forests and varied landscapes.

Yes, for experienced riders seeking a challenge, the Old Baldy loop from Elk Rapids Township is rated difficult. This route covers 88.1 km with significant elevation gain, providing a demanding yet rewarding experience.

The best time for touring cycling around Torch Lake is typically spring, summer, and fall. Spring brings wildflowers, summer offers warm weather for lakeside rides, and fall showcases vibrant foliage. The annual 'Ride Around Torch' event, usually held in summer, highlights the area's appeal during this season.

Yes, all 5 routes in this guide are circular loops, allowing you to start and end your ride at the same point. Examples include the Outer Loop Trail – Glacial Hills Trails loop from Forest Home Township and the Old Baldy loop from Boathouse Storage and Transport.

Torch Lake itself is a major attraction, famous for its exceptionally clear, turquoise waters. As you cycle, you'll encounter expansive shoreline views, lush forests, and rolling hills. The Grass River, part of the Chain of Lakes, also offers scenic routes with opportunities to spot wildlife like otters and swans.

Yes, the Torch Lake area hosts the annual 'Ride Around Torch' (RAT) event, a popular one-day bicycle tour. It offers various distances, including a 63-mile option that circumnavigates the entire lake, and is known for its well-marked routes and scenic views.

The komoot community highly rates the touring cycling experience around Torch Lake, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the stunning natural beauty, particularly the clear turquoise waters, diverse landscapes, and the well-maintained routes that offer a mix of lakeside views and countryside charm.

While this guide focuses on touring cycling, the routes often utilize a mix of paved roads and well-maintained paths. The region offers varied terrain, and for those interested in off-road experiences, nearby areas like the Glacial Hills Pathway and Natural Area provide extensive trail networks suitable for mountain biking, which can include gravel sections.

Specific parking information for each route is usually detailed on its individual komoot page. Generally, you can find parking near trailheads or in the charming villages around the lake, such as Alden or Eastport, which serve as common starting points for rides.