Leelanau Trail
The Leelanau Trail is a 17-mile non-motorized trail that connects Traverse City with Suttons Bay. Built on the remains of an old railroad track, this paved trail offers cyclists, runners, and walkers stunning views of pastoral Leelanau County. The Leelanau Trail took decades to approve and complete and wouldn’t have been possible without the persistence of Traverse Area Recreational Trails and many community advocates.
The Details
The trail offers parking lots and access at four points along the route, including Cherry Bend Road, Fouch Road, Shady Lane, and Fourth Street in Suttons Bay.
Location: Leelanau Trail, Cherry Bend Road, Traverse City, Michigan (Google Maps)
Distance: 17 miles
Ascent: Less than 200 feet
Surface: Asphalt, concrete, wooden bridges
Difficulty: Beginner
Amenities: Restroom, maps, picnic area, parking
More details on Trailforks.
Winter Grooming on the Leelanau Trail
TART Trails volunteers maintain and groom the Leelanau Trail all winter long. The trail is groomed for classic skiing, skate skiing, fat biking and snowshoeing as conditions allow. For the best conditions, start and end your adventure near the Fourth Street Trailhead in Suttons Bay.
Bike’n’Ride
TART and the Bay Area Transportation Authority (BATA) operate a Bike’n’Ride program to carry cyclists (and their bikes!) from one end of the trail to the other. Ride to Suttons Bay and get a lift back! For seasonal hours of operation, bus schedules and prices, check with BATA.