Northern Trails Tour

Introduction

Petoskey - Charlevoix - Mackinaw City

2026 Northern Trails Tour

This 160-mile tour is designed on traffic-free rail trails and is about 80% rail trail, and about 75% crushed limestone. Starts & ends in Petoskey, MI.

Explore the scenic beauty of northern Michigan as you travel through charming towns like Petoskey, Charlevoix, Mackinaw City, Cheboygan, and Indian River. Enjoy a mix of rail trails, lakeside views, and local hospitality on this fully supported cycling adventure.

Tour Highlights

At a glance

2026 Northern Trails Tour

Map

Day 1 - Travel to Petoskey and Orientation

Arrive in Petoskey and Join Orientation

Travel to Petoskey

DepartureYour home location

DestinationPetoskey, MI

Travel to Petoskey to begin the Northern Trails Tour.

Orientation & Guest Reception

Orientation and guest reception at 5:30 p.m. with light refreshments.

Terrace Inn

1549 Grandview Ave, Petoskey, MI 49770

Hotel check in at 4 p.m. at Terrace Inn, 1549 Grandview Ave, Petoskey, MI 49770.

Tour Dinner

Tour dinner tonight for all guests.

Day 2 - Out & Back to Charlevoix on the Little Traverse Wheelway

Cycle the Little Traverse Wheelway to Charlevoix

Out & Back to Charlevoix on the Little Traverse Wheelway

Ride out and back to Charlevoix on the Little Traverse Wheelway, covering 38 miles with 866' elevation gain.

Lunch in Charlevoix or Sag Lunch

Many lunch options in Charlevoix or enjoy our famous sag lunch.

Dutch Treat Dinner

Dutch treat dinner.

Terrace Inn

1549 Grandview Ave, Petoskey, MI 49770

Day 3 - Overland via Rail Trail to Mackinaw City

Cycle Rail Trail to Mackinaw City Adventure

Overland via rail trail to Mackinaw City

Overland via rail trail to Mackinaw City, 35 miles, 470' elevation gain.

Mackinaw City is a fun destination

Mackinaw City is a fun destination with many restaurants for dinner.

Lodging tbd

Day 4 - Layover, Optional Riding or Mackinac Island

Layover Day with Optional Rides or Island Visit

Layover, optional riding to Wilderness State Park or visit Mackinac Island

Layover day with optional riding to Wilderness State Park or a visit to Mackinac Island.

Dinner on-your-own

Dinner on-your-own.

Day 5 - Rail Trail to Cheboygan and Indian River

Cycle Rail Trail to Cheboygan and Indian River

Head southeast on the rail trail to Cheboygan, then west to Indian River

Head southeast on the rail trail to Cheboygan, then west to Indian River, 34 miles, 497' elevation gain.

Tour Final Dinner at Vivio's

Tour Final Dinner in Indian River, at Vivio's.

Waterway Inn

6800 M-68, Indian River, MI 49749

Day 6 - Ride to Petoskey and Tour End

Final Ride to Petoskey and Tour Conclusion

Ride to Petoskey

Ride to Petoskey, 21 miles, 490' elevation gain.

Tour ends with arrival in Petoskey

Tour ends with our arrival in Petoskey, about noon. No tour lodging tonight.

Loading Map…

Map

1. Terrace Inn

1549 Grandview Ave, Petoskey, MI 49770

2. Comfort Inn Lakeside

611 S Huron Ave, Mackinaw City, MI 49701, USA

3. Waterway Inn

6800 M-68, Indian River, MI 49749