Just Minutes from Traverse City
If you’re looking for the perfect Northern Michigan adventure during your stay in Traverse City, the Leelanau Trail belongs at the top of your must-do list. This 17-mile paved, off-road pathway connects Traverse City to Suttons Bay, winding through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Leelanau County. Whether you want a leisurely ride, a scenic walk, a family outing, or a full-day biking adventure, the Leelanau Trail offers something for everyone—and you can turn around whenever you like.
A Trail for All Seasons and All Abilities
As part of the TART Trails network, the Leelanau Trail is fully paved, ADA accessible, and ideal for walking, biking, running, in-line skating, and winter recreation. No matter the time of year you visit, the trail is ready for an adventure:
- Spring: Blossoms in the orchards and fresh forest greens.
- Summer: Perfect biking weather with vibrant farmland and vineyard views.
- Fall: A kaleidoscope of foliage, crisp air, and endless photo ops.
- Winter: Groomed sections from DeYoung Natural Area to Suttons Bay’s 4th Street trailhead offer classic and skate skiing, fat biking, and snowshoeing.
Because the trail is off-road and smooth as can be, it’s wonderful for families and newer riders. And with multiple trailheads, you can choose your starting point and your distance—no pressure, just fun.
Scenic Beauty Everywhere You Look
Running along one of the last remaining former railroad corridors in Leelanau County, the Leelanau Trail carries you through a postcard-perfect lineup of Northern Michigan landscapes: rolling hills, forests, vineyards, hay fields, orchards, meadows, peaceful lakes, and small ponds.
Some highlights along the way include:
- DeYoung Natural Area:
A 191-acre gem with a 0.2-mile Universal Access trail leading to Cedar Lake’s fishing and viewing platform. From there, continue onto The Cedar Forest Trail for a short and serene hike through hardwood conifer wetlands. - Leo Creek Preserve:
A seven-acre permaculture preserve with a coldwater stream and outdoor gathering spaces. Often used by school groups, artists, and nature lovers. - Historic Potato Barn:
Between Shady Lane and Whittaker Road, watch for the remains of a fieldstone potato barn—a fun glimpse of agricultural history. - Suttons Bay:
A charming waterfront town filled with beaches, restaurants, wineries, shopping, and even a bike shop if you need a tune-up.
The trail also passes through the Leelanau Peninsula AVA, where vineyards thrive and Riesling grapes grow. If you enjoy wine tasting, you’ll love riding through this part of Michigan wine country.
Trailheads, Parking & Facilities
You have plenty of convenient places to hop on the trail:
Trailheads with Parking:
- Cherry Bend Rd
- Fouch Rd
- Shady Lane
- 4th Street in Suttons Bay
Additional Parking:
- Leelanau Studios, ⅓ mile east of Cherry Bend Rd
(Drivers are encouraged to avoid parking within 100 ft of the trail for better visibility.)
Restrooms:
- Summer portalets at Cherry Bend, DeYoung Natural Area, and near the treatment plant between Richter and Eckerle Rd in Suttons Bay
- Seasonal restrooms at Suttons Bay marina
- Visitors may also use restrooms at the Inland Seas Education Association (ISEA), Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM.
A Trail Deeply Rooted in Community History
The Leelanau Trail exists thanks to decades of community passion. The Leelanau Trails Association purchased the former railbed in 1995 after the corridor had served the Manistee & North-Eastern Railroad and later the Leelanau Scenic Railway. By 2004, TART Trails connected it directly to the TART system at M-22 and M-72, completing the pathway between Traverse City and Suttons Bay.
Today, the trail is the only TART trail fully owned and operated by TART Trails, Inc., and an all-volunteer maintenance crew keeps it in excellent condition all year long.
Ride One Way, Bus Back: The Bike-N-Ride Program
If you love the idea of biking to Suttons Bay but not the idea of biking back, you’re in luck. From May through October, BATA offers the Bike-N-Ride, a bus service designed for trail users. Their Big Bike Bus holds up to eleven bikes and stops at:
- Downtown Traverse City
- Leelanau Studios
- Cherry Bend Park
- Fouch Rd Trailhead (near Farm Club!)
- Shady Lane Trailhead
- Suttons Bay Library
- Leelanau Sands Casino
It’s perfect for families or anyone who wants a flexible adventure.
Part of a Larger U.S. Bicycle Network
The Leelanau Trail is also a section of U.S. Bicycle Route 35, a 501-mile designated cycling route stretching from Sault Ste. Marie to New Buffalo. It provides safe, scenic connections across Michigan and passes right along the TART and Leelanau Trail corridors.
Safety Note: Hunting Season Awareness
While hunting is not permitted on the trail itself, it may occur on adjacent private properties. Wearing bright colors or blaze orange during hunting season is recommended.
Make It Part of Your Traverse City Vacation
One of the great things about staying at Dyer Lake Vacation Home is how easy it is to fit the Leelanau Trail into your itinerary. Start in town, ride as long as you feel like, explore wineries and scenic stops along the way, then turn around—or catch BATA back. Whether you’re visiting with family, looking for a couple’s biking date, craving a solo nature ride, or exploring in the winter on skis or fat bikes, the Leelanau Trail never disappoints.
It’s beautiful, accessible, safe, and endlessly customizable. In other words… it’s a Northern Michigan classic, and a perfect day trip from our vacation rental.
Looking to stay in Traverse City?
Looking for the perfect place to stay in Traverse City? Our vacation home is centrally located, just minutes from Downtown Traverse City and an easy drive to surrounding activities. Whether you’re here to get lost in the fall color, explore local wineries, or explore the art fairs, you’ll be right in the heart of it all.
Skip the extra fees—book direct and save! Or, if you prefer, you can reserve your stay through Airbnb.
📅 Ready to plan your getaway? Book now and experience everything the Traverse City area has to offer!
