While Michigan rightfully gets its share of outdoor attention, travelers looking for adventurous outings shouldn’t look past the top of The Mitten. There, in the northwest corner of Michigan’s lower peninsula, the Petoskey Area quietly harbors a surprising amount of outdoor activities linked by a handful of lively gateway communities: Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Boyne City, Boyne Falls, Alanson, Bay Harbor, and Bay View.
This 30-mile lakeside corridor along U.S. 131 near Lake Michigan’s Little Traverse Bay, features dynamic terrain, deep woods, and freshwater byways in every inland direction. While each season has its perks, spring and summer both offer a striking showcase of opportunities to experience the region and explore beyond the shore.
Spring brings an undeniable sense of renewal as it’s the time of firsts in the Petoskey Area. Get out and enjoy that first hike or first bike ride of the year, also keeping a look out for elusive trillium flowers and morel mushrooms.
Summer delivers longer days, warmer water, drier trails, and event-loaded weekends. Easy access to the water makes this region a playground for all ages with a myriad of lakes all within steps from one another.
From interconnected waterways to varied trails with payoff views well worth the effort, sample 12 of the Petoskey Area’s best spring and summer adventures below.
Connect the Dots Along the Little Traverse Wheelway
Four of Michigan’s dreamiest harbor towns—Harbor Springs, Petoskey, Bay Harbor, and Charlevoix—dot the Little Traverse Wheelway’s relatively flat, paved 26 miles, giving cyclists fine options for perfect days, from scenic ease, overnight tours of neighboring towns, or endurance hauls on the full 52-mile round trip.
Gravel Grinding
Riders can leisurely pedal over 32 miles of flat rail-to-trail north from Petoskey to Mackinaw City on the North Western State Trail. For added adventure and mileage, plentiful forest two-tracks offer multiple-length endurance routes that mix lung-busting hills with flats, forests, and farmland.
Downhill Summer Turns
The Petoskey Area’s ski resorts offer a bountiful mix of mild (paved) to wild (chairlift-access downhill) trails, notably at Boyne Mountain’s 32 miles of trails and the 22 miles at The Highlands Bike Park. Offield Family Viewlands, near Harbor Springs, also has six miles of professionally built trails with dynamite flow track.
Trek the Trails
Hide out on the 46-mile stretch of North Country Trail that threads through Emmet County, highlighted by some of the hilliest terrain in the Lower Peninsula. One of these NCT links is the Jordan River Valley Pathway, best known for quietude and big overlooks (check out Deadman’s Hill) along the 18-mile journey.
Looking for a day hike? Tackle Boyne City’s Avalanche Mountain Preserve with two ways to approach: a 462 stair climb or a 2.6-mile uphill trail. Trust us, the views of Lake Charlevoix are worth it.
Cruise Inland Lakes
Pair a simple canoe, kayak, or SUP with the quiet, protected waters around Oden Island Nature Preserve on Crooked Lake. Generally flat water and endless birding make this a vibrant and comfortable tour for beginners. A stone’s throw away, you’ll also find Lake Charlevoix and Walloon Lake for longer coastline routes.
Tour Lake Michigan
For a wilder excursion, experienced paddlers can launch at Sturgeon Bay Beach and paddle north along the bluffs of Wilderness State Park to watch golden hour reflect on the water of a remote area—no houses, no roads, no people.
Floating Fare
Don’t want to paddle? Rent pontoon boats to tour the lush 38-mile Inland Waterway that ends in Lake Huron. This historic Indigenous travel corridor utilizes 15 miles of twisting, cattail-narrowed rivers that connect a string of clear northern lakes.
Remote Rafting
The swift Sturgeon River makes for a lively and refreshing trip in a guide-led raft. While rafting trips in the winter months offer an unequaled experience, the prime summer trips provide a sure shot of adrenaline through moderate Class II rapids. Guides at Big Bear Adventures in nearby Indian River can lead the way.
Rushing Whitewater
The thrill of whitewater in Michigan is just a paddle-stroke away at the Bear River Recreation Area in downtown Petoskey. Flowing over a mile, it has drops and rapids that flow from Class I up to Class III. Paddle on an inflatable “Ducky” from Bahnhof Sport, a super stable, lightweight kayak designed to bounce off rocks, and get ready to conquer the rapids.
Added Speed
Michigan’s 3rd largest inland lake at 12 miles long, Lake Charlevoix lays out a shimmering cobalt runway for a day on the water. Rent power boats or jet skis from Boyne Recreational Rentals and source provisions from Provisions in Boyne City. Add water skis and a tube to boost adrenaline and laughs.
Fly-Fish Local Rivers
The thicketed shores of the twisting Jordan River hide many a big brown. Float or wade the swift waters of the Jordan, Michigan’s first designated Natural River, with the help of knowledgeable local guides who can point you to the right honeyholes.
Go Big on the Big Lake
Beyond plentiful smallmouth bass that fill virtually all the area’s lakes (notably at Walloon Lake and Lake Charlevoix), a half- or full-day fishing charter on Lake Michigan can help you hook a healthy Atlantic salmon, steelhead, or lake trout during a memorable day on the planet’s fourth-largest lake. Bay Harbor is a popular jumping-off point for many area charters and a stop at Brandy’s Harbortown for local eats on their outdoor patio makes the perfect reward.
For travelers who want experiences that are equal parts indulgence and fulfilling, the Petoskey Area is an easy getaway that rejuvenates your soul with a unique blend of natural beauty and eclectic communities, including Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Boyne City, Bay Harbor, Alanson, Boyne Falls, and Bay View. To learn more about the Petoskey Area, find area event information, or to start planning your trip, visit PetoskeyArea.com.
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