No salt, no teeth… and no, there has never been a 3,000 pound Great White shark in lake Michigan. The water is not for the weak-hearted, though!  It’s CHILLY, baby – even in August.

The ride from Petosky State Park, through Harbor Springs, to the Tunnel of Trees into Cross Village and back is one of the most amazing rides in Michigan.  52-ish miles of the best Michigan has to offer (if you want more miles, keep heading up 30 N Lakeshore Dr. till you feel like turning around).  If you’re in a camping mood, you can stay right at Petoskey State Park and ride right from there.  If you’re not into camping, try a hotel in Petoskey, or better, rent a house in Harbor Springs.  Pick a time between mid-June and the end of August for your best shot at phenomenal weather.  If you stay in Harbor Springs, at Cross Village, keep going up N Lakeshore Drive to a right on Lakeview which will turn into E Gill, then take a right and head north on Cecil Bay Road and take that to a right on E Wilderness Park Drive (aka E County Rte C-81).  From there, you can easily find your way to Mackinaw City and a place to stop for lunch before you head back.  That’ll be a fairly long day, though.

When you’re done with your ride, take a dip in Lake Michigan before heading into downtown Petoskey for something to eat at one of the local restaurants – there’s a lot to choose from.

Before clicking a route link, you must read the disclaimer:  (here)

You can find the route on Endomondo by clicking (here)

You can fin the route on Strava by clicking (here)

Maps by Google Maps