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Susans Creek Nature Preserve – Petoskey Bayfront Breakwater loop from Lake to Lake Trailhead Parking Lot

Susans Creek Nature Preserve – Petoskey Bayfront Breakwater loop from Lake to Lake Trailhead Parking Lot

Moderate

3.1

(21)

riders

Susans Creek Nature Preserve – Petoskey Bayfront Breakwater loop from Lake to Lake Trailhead Parking Lot

03:31

64.1km

270m

Road cycling

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: April 30, 2026

Tips

Includes movable bridges

Check opening times.

After 3.06 km for 68 m

After 61.0 km for 68 m

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

10.3 km

Susans Creek Nature Preserve

Highlight • Forest

The trails through Susans Creek Nature Preserve take you past hardwood forests, meadows, black ash swamp and cedar thickets. It's a fantastic place to spot wildlife.

In winter, it's a great place for easy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Tip by

31.4 km

Petoskey Bayfront Breakwater

Highlight • Structure

The Petoskey Bayfront Breakwater, located in Michigan, serves as a protective barrier for the harbour. It has played a vital role in facilitating commerce and ensuring safe navigation along the …

Tip by

31.7 km

Bear River

Highlight • River

Starting as the outflow of Walloon Lake, the upper 13 miles offer calm, flat water flowing through wetlands and marshes. It's ideal for peaceful canoeing, kayaking, and wildlife watching.

Tip by

33.3 km

Bear River

Lake

64.1 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

40.5 km

8.82 km

6.37 km

6.30 km

2.07 km

< 100 m

Surfaces

56.5 km

6.02 km

1.32 km

314 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Friday 19 June

19°C

11°C

-- %

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Description

If you're looking for a road cycling route that perfectly blends natural beauty with classic Michigan waterfront views, the Susans Creek Nature Preserve – Petoskey Bayfront Breakwater loop from Lake to Lake Trailhead Parking Lot is a solid choice. This moderate 39.8-mile (64.1 km) ride, with 884 feet (269 metres) of elevation gain and an estimated duration of 3 hours and 31 minutes, is ideal for experienced recreational cyclists seeking a scenic tour of the Petoskey area.

What to expect on Susans Creek Nature Preserve – Petoskey Bayfront Breakwater loop from Lake to Lake Trailhead Parking Lot

Expect mostly well-paved surfaces as you likely utilize sections of the Little Traverse Wheelway, offering smooth riding and expansive views of Lake Michigan. The route takes you past the Petoskey Bayfront Breakwater, a great spot for direct lake views, and skirts the diverse habitats of Susans Creek Nature Preserve, where you might spot wildlife like black ash swamps and cedar thickets. While generally smooth, the 884 feet (269 metres) of elevation gain means you'll encounter some rolling hills, making this a ride best suited for those with good fitness who appreciate a mix of natural and urban scenery.

Planning your visit

Your journey begins from the Lake to Lake Trailhead Parking Lot, providing convenient access to the route. Given the scenic nature of the ride along Lake Michigan, spring, summer, and fall are all excellent times to visit, with fall offering vibrant foliage. Always check local conditions before heading out, especially for potential wind along the bayfront, and ensure you carry enough water for the 3 hours and 31 minutes on the road.

Trail details