Biking in the Lakeshore

Bikers enjoy the paved trail.

NPS credit

Where can you bike in the Lakeshore? On public roads or the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail but not on any other park trails. 

Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail: easy to moderate. This hard-surfaced, multi-use trail runs 20 miles between Empire and County Road 669, connecting to park attractions and the town of Glen Arbor along the way. Park your car and use your bike to get around! Lauded as one of the most beautiful bike trails in the nation, it offers both hilly and flat sections, many suitable for even the youngest children. 

Port Oneida Rural Historic District: easy. These quiet country roads, a mix of
gravel and pavement, wind between farms, barns, and wetlands. 

Platte Plains Roads: moderate. Close to the Platte River Campground. Use these back roads to experience nature away from the highway. 

Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive: strenuous. For experienced bicyclists only. This 7.5 mile loop, with heavy summer traffic and steep hills, provides overlooks of Lake Michigan and the dunes.

You can rent bicycles in Glen Arbor and Empire.

Details

Activity

Biking

Age(s)

All ages

Pets Allowed

Yes

Must be on six-foot leash at all times

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Location

Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail

The Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail has several trailheads: Bar Lake Road, Pierce Stocking, Dune Climb, Glen Haven, Alligator Hill, Crystal River, Bay View, and Port Oneida.

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Time of Day

Day, Dawn, Dusk

Accessibility Information

This trail is handicap accessible and is designed for walkers, runners, skiers, people on bicycles, in wheelchairs, and babies in strollers. Some stretches have steep grades, and these are noted on trailhead signs and are marked with warning signs on the trail. Because people will be using the trail in a variety of ways, please be aware of others going at different speeds.