Little Traverse Wheelway

The trail is predominantly flat and fully paved with 8 to 10-foot-wide asphalt or 6-foot-wide concrete sidewalks, making it ideal for road cycling. You'll encounter occasional gradual hills, including a notable 1.4-mile section called the "Resort Bluffs" with elevated views. There's also a ¾-mile boardwalk over a wetland near Charlevoix, and sections that dip into woodlots and small forest tracts.

Yes, the Little Traverse Wheelway is consistently described as "Easy" and "family-friendly." Its paved, non-motorized surface and generally flat terrain make it suitable for cyclists of varying skill levels, including beginners and families with children.

The trail offers incredible scenery, particularly along the Little Traverse Bay shoreline. Key highlights include the continuous views of Lake Michigan, direct water access points, and the 1.4-mile "Resort Bluffs" segment (often called the "Miracle Mile") between East Park in Bay Harbor and Magnus Park in Petoskey, which provides stunning elevated views above the bay. You can also enjoy the boardwalk through a wetland near Charlevoix and visit the Susans Creek Nature Preserve.

You'll find various amenities along the trail, including parking at several parks in the towns it connects: Charlevoix, Petoskey, and Harbor Springs. These parks often provide convenient access points to the Wheelway.

The Little Traverse Wheelway is best enjoyed during the warmer months, typically from late spring through early fall. This period offers pleasant weather for cycling and allows you to fully appreciate the scenic views of Little Traverse Bay and the surrounding natural beauty.

Yes, the route shares sections with other trails. You'll find it overlaps significantly with the official Michigan trail network and also includes portions of the North Country National Scenic Trail (MI).

While the trail is non-motorized and generally welcoming, specific rules regarding dogs can vary by municipality or park along the route. It's always best to check local signage or websites for the specific section you plan to visit, but typically, leashed dogs are permitted on multi-use trails.

No, there are generally no permits or entrance fees required to access and use the Little Traverse Wheelway. It is a public, non-motorized trail connecting the communities of Charlevoix, Petoskey, and Harbor Springs.

The trail passes through several parks and communities, offering convenient access to amenities. You can expect to find restrooms, water fountains, and picnic tables at various points, particularly within the parks along the route.

Yes, portions of the trail, especially between Petoskey's Bayfront Park and Petoskey State Park, follow the original Little Traverse Wheelway, which dates back to the 1880s and 1890s. You might even spot replica gates along the path proclaiming "No Teaming or Driving," a nod to its historic past when horses and horse-drawn carriages were prohibited.

It's important to note that some sections of the trail have experienced erosion issues in the past, which can lead to occasional closures or require detours. For the most current information on trail conditions and any potential closures, it's advisable to check updates from the Top of Michigan Trails Council before your ride.