While Michigan rightfully gets its share of outdoor attention, travelers looking for adventurous outings shouldn鈥檛 look past the top of The Mitten. There, in the northwest corner of Michigan鈥檚 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鈥檚 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.
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.
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鈥檚 best spring and summer adventures below.
Connect the Dots Along the Little Traverse Wheelway
Four of Michigan鈥檚 dreamiest harbor towns鈥擧arbor Springs, Petoskey, Bay Harbor, and Charlevoix鈥攄ot the 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 . 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鈥檚 ski resorts offer a bountiful mix of mild (paved) to wild (chairlift-access downhill) trails, notably at 32 miles of trails and the 22 miles at . , near Harbor Springs, also has six miles of professionally built trails with dynamite flow track.
Trek the Trails
Hide out on the 46-mile that threads through Emmet County, highlighted by some of the hilliest terrain in the Lower Peninsula. One of these NCT links is the best known for quietude and big overlooks (check out Deadman鈥檚 Hill) along the 18-mile journey.
Looking for a day hike? Tackle Boyne City鈥檚 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 on Crooked Lake. Generally flat water and endless birding make this a vibrant and comfortable tour for beginners. A stone鈥檚 throw away, you鈥檒l also find Lake Charlevoix and Walloon Lake for longer coastline routes.
Tour Lake Michigan
For a wilder excursion, experienced paddlers can launch at and paddle north along the bluffs of Wilderness State Park to watch golden hour reflect on the water of a remote area鈥攏o houses, no roads, no people.
Floating Fare
Don鈥檛 want to paddle? to tour the lush 38-mile 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 in nearby Indian River can lead the way.
Rushing Whitewater
The thrill of whitewater in Michigan is just a paddle-stroke away at the 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 鈥淒ucky鈥 from , a super stable, lightweight kayak designed to bounce off rocks, and get ready to conquer the rapids.
Added Speed
Michigan鈥檚 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 and source provisions from 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鈥檚 first designated , with the help of who can point you to the right honeyholes.
Go Big on the Big Lake
Beyond plentiful smallmouth bass that fill virtually all the area鈥檚 lakes (notably at Walloon Lake and Lake Charlevoix), a half- or full-day fishing on Lake Michigan can help you hook a healthy Atlantic salmon, steelhead, or lake trout during a memorable day on the planet鈥檚 fourth-largest lake. Bay Harbor is a popular jumping-off point for many area charters and a stop at 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 .