Outdoor Recreation

Northern Michigan has numerous biking and walking trails that connect many different sections of the area together. These trails are non-motorized, multi-purpose trails that can ordinarily be used for running, hiking, bicycling, in-line skating, snowmobiling, and equestrian activities. Many of these trails can be used year round, either bicycling in the summer or cross-country skiing in the winter. Learn more about Charlevoix recreation opportunities here. 

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• Lake to Lake Trail     
  The Lake to Lake Trail is a three-mile trail that connects Lake Charlevoix to Lake Michigan. This trail is non-motorized and can be
• accessed at either Fisherman's Island State Park or a trailhead located on M-66.
• Little Traverse Wheelway     
  The Little Traverse Wheelway is a 26 mile, non-motorized paved trail that extends from Charlevoix to Harbor Springs. This trail offers a unique boardwalk bridging a wetland area rich with wildlife, and direct water access at several points along the Lake Michigan shoreline, including two roadside parks that are perfect for a picnic or scenic resting spot.
• Top of Michigan Trails Council Trail Network     
  This organization oversees 180 trail miles that run along old railroad corridors. These multi-purpose trails that can ordinarily be used for running, hiking, bicycling, in-line skating, snowmobiling, and equestrian activities.
• Glacial Hills Pathway and Natural Area     
  Just outside of Bellaire, Glacial Hills offers beginner, intermediate or advanced trails covered by 800 acres of moderately dense forest.

• Mt. McSauba Recreation Area  

  

  Winding through a diverse 27-acre dune and wooded area, the trails that offer opportunities to enjoy the forest, open and wooded dunes, and 2,800 feet of Lake Michigan shoreline. The trails provide access to the beach and wooded back dunes. This diverse recreation also boasts of a challenging 18 hole disc golf course that's perfect for testing your skills.

• Charles Ransom Natural Preserve      
  A mix of open fields and northern Michigan hardwoods, commanding one of the most spectacular views in northern Michigan, the Ransom Preserve is well worth a visit.  From its highest elevation of 320 feet above Lake Michigan, viewers can see much of western Charlevoix County, a broad expanse of Lake Michigan, four islands, and the distant Leelanau Peninsula on a clear day.

• Fisherman's Island State Park      

  

  Located just a few miles south of the City of Charlevoix, Fisherman's Island State Park is not actually just an island, but a 2,678-acre park with five miles of unspoiled Lake Michigan shoreline. The park encompasses a tiny island, Fisherman's Island, currently connected to the mainland, due to low lake levels.

• Rex Beach and Antrim Creek      
  Antrim Creek Natural Area is a 156-acre tract that lies just south of the Charlevoix/Antrim County Line and only 1.5 miles from US-31. It’s most notable feature is the nearly one mile of Grand Traverse Bay shoreline, the longest stretch of undeveloped coastline remaining within the entire 132 miles of the bay between Norwood and Northport.
• Charlevoix Birding Trails     
  Charlevoix is home to a variety of rare and hard to find birds. Local parks, nature preserves, and natural areas make prime birding locations easily accessible and also highlight local conservation efforts