View of Lake Michigan – Bear River loop from Petoskey

View of Lake Michigan – Bear River loop from Petoskey

Moderate

4.9

(6018)

14,036

riders

View of Lake Michigan – Bear River loop from Petoskey

03:09

64.6km

480m

Road cycling

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: September 24, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Mackinaw State Forest - Gaylord Unit

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

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3.93 km

Lake Michigan view

Highlight • Viewpoint

A lovely spot to take a break off the bike and admire the impressive view of Lake Michigan. Perfect on a summer's day.

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7.31 km

Mud Lake

Highlight • Lake

Mud Lake is 217 square acres in size and is home to panfish and bass. The best views of Mud Lake are from the North Western State Trail.

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7.74 km

South Round Lake Nature Preserve

Nature Reserve

9.99 km

Fochtman Nature Preserve

Highlight • Forest

Nestled along Round Lake, this beautiful preserve spans 243 acres and features a mix of wetlands, shorelines, and uplands. As you ride along the paved North-Western State Trail, you can …

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51.0 km

S.A. Bissell Nature Preserve

Nature Reserve

52.5 km

Kalman Nature Preserve

Highlight • Forest

The Kalman Nature Preserve, owned by the Little Traverse Conservancy, stretches to the shoreline of Little Traverse Bay, containing valuable wetland habitats.

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53.7 km

View of Lake Michigan

Highlight • Viewpoint

Wonderful views of Lake Michigan through the trees. The water is remarkably blue and it's very tempting to stop for a swim!

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54.7 km

Menonaqua Woods Nature Preserve

Highlight • Forest

The Menonaqua Woods Nature Preserve welcomes dogs on a leash, and hikers can explore this untrailed area. There is no designated parking area, and these protected woods are located 5.2 miles from Petoskey.

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60.4 km

Bay View Association and Historic Cottages

Highlight • Historical Site

The Bay View Association is a collection of historic Victorian cottage homes. It operates for six months during the summer and offers educational programs for adults and children, including a …

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62.9 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.

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