Little Traverse Wheelway

Little Traverse Wheelway is a 26-mile (42 km) paved, non-motorized recreation trail traversing the scenic coastline of Lake Michigan in Northern Michigan. The trail connects the vibrant resort communities of Charlevoix and Petoskey, passing through Harbor Springs and Bay Harbor. Managed through a partnership between local governments and state agencies, it is a premier destination for cycling, inline skating, and pedestrian use, offering continuous views of Little Traverse Bay and access to numerous parks and beaches.

History

The concept for the trail originated in the late 1980s, championed by local cycling advocates and community leaders inspired by the success of other rail trail conversions like the Kal-Haven Trail. Key early support came from the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, Emmet County, and the City of Petoskey. The first segment opened in 1994 after the acquisition of a former Penn Central railroad corridor. Subsequent development was fueled by federal grants administered by the Michigan Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration's Transportation Alternatives Program. The final segment, completing the continuous connection to Charlevoix, was finished in 2016, marking the culmination of a decades-long community effort.

Route description

The trail begins at the historic Depot Beach in downtown Charlevoix, near the Charlevoix South Pier Light Station. It proceeds north along the shore of Lake Michigan, passing the Charlevoix Municipal Golf Course and offering views of Lake Charlevoix. The route then curves around the southern tip of Little Traverse Bay, traversing the Pond Hill Farm agricultural area. It enters the Bay Harbor development, a master-planned community built on the site of the former Pennsylvania Railroad cement plant, featuring dramatic limestone cliff vistas. The trail continues through Petoskey, skirting the Petoskey State Park and Bayfront Park, before concluding at the Harbor Springs city limits near Zorn Park.

Major intersections and access points

Major trailheads with parking are located at Depot Beach in Charlevoix, East Park, and the Pond Hill Farm market. In Petoskey, primary access is provided at Bayfront Park, the Pennsylvania Park historic district, and near the Petoskey Breakwater Light. The trail intersects several key roadways, including U.S. Route 31 at multiple points, M-119 near Harbor Springs, and M-131 in Charlevoix. Other notable access points include the Bay Harbor Marina and the Little Traverse Wheelway Oden Island Segment near Oden.

Trail management and maintenance

The trail is managed through a cooperative agreement between Emmet County, the City of Charlevoix, the City of Petoskey, and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Daily maintenance, including snow removal for winter use, is handled by county and city road commissions. The advocacy group Top of Michigan Trails Council plays a crucial role in fundraising, volunteer coordination, and promoting the trail as part of the larger North Western State Trail network. Funding for capital improvements and repairs comes from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund, Federal Lands Access Program, and donations from organizations like the Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation.

Recreational use and events

The trail is a hub for year-round activity, popular for road cycling, mountain biking, marathon training, and dog walking. It serves as a key route for several annual events, including the Little Traverse Triathlon and the Tour de Troit charity ride. During winter, the plowed surface accommodates fat tire biking and cross-country skiing when conditions permit. The trail's proximity to attractions like the Petoskey State Park, USCGC *Mackinaw* Museum, and the Odawa Casino Resort makes it integral to the regional tourism economy. It is also a designated segment of the Lake Michigan Circle Tour for cyclists. Category:Multi-use trails in Michigan Category:Trails in Emmet County, Michigan Category:Trails in Charlevoix County, Michigan Category:Protected areas of Michigan Category:Tourist attractions in Emmet County, Michigan