Leelanau Trail
A scenic 17-mile paved trail connecting Traverse City to Suttons Bay, perfect for biking, walking, and wine tasting.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temps, fewer crowds
Leelanau Trail
Best Time
Cooler temps, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic 17-mile paved trail connecting Traverse City to Suttons Bay, perfect for biking, walking, and wine tasting.
"The Leelanau Trail is a must-do for its stunning views, wineries, and charming towns!"
🎯 E-bike for ease
Rent an e-bike to conquer the 17 miles with ease and enjoy more stops! :electric_plug:
🚌 One-way transit option
Use BATA transit for bike shuttles to avoid backtracking. :bus:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Scenic Winery Stops
Along the trail between Traverse City and Suttons Bay
Pedal between charming wineries, enjoying tastings and vineyard views. A perfect blend of activity and indulgence.
Suttons Bay Village
Northern end of the Leelanau Trail
Arrive in this picturesque village for boutique shopping, delightful lunch spots, and harbor views.
Traverse City Waterfront
Southern end of the Leelanau Trail
Start or end your ride with beautiful bay views and easy access to Traverse City's amenities.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Bike Rentals & E-bikes
One-Way Trip Logistics
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 E-bike for ease
Rent an e-bike to conquer the 17 miles with ease and enjoy more stops!
🚌 One-way transit option
Use BATA transit for bike shuttles to avoid backtracking.
🍇 Winery hop along the way
Many wineries are accessible directly from the trail.
🍎 Scenic fruit orchards
Enjoy views of cherry and apple trees, especially in season.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 E-bike for ease
Rent an e-bike to conquer the 17 miles with ease and enjoy more stops!
🚌 One-way transit option
Use BATA transit for bike shuttles to avoid backtracking.
🍇 Winery hop along the way
Many wineries are accessible directly from the trail.
🍎 Scenic fruit orchards
Enjoy views of cherry and apple trees, especially in season.
❄️ Winter wonderland hikes
Groomed trails offer beautiful winter hiking and cross-country skiing. :snowflake:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Leelanau Trail's scenic beauty, smooth paved surface, and convenient access to wineries and charming towns. Many highlight the ease of e-bike rentals for exploring the full 17 miles. Some mention that popular spots can get crowded during peak season, and parking can be challenging at busy trailheads.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Leelanau Trail is accessible from multiple trailheads. The southern end is in Traverse City, often near the waterfront, while the northern end is in Suttons Bay. You can also access it from various points in between, such as near wineries or farm stands. +1
Yes, there are parking areas at various trailheads, including in Traverse City and Suttons Bay. Popular spots can fill up, especially on weekends during peak season.
BATA (Bay Area Transportation Authority) offers transit services that can be helpful for one-way trips on the Leelanau Trail. They have options for bike shuttles, allowing you to ride one way and catch a bus back.
The Leelanau Trail is a paved multi-use path, making it ideal for biking, rollerblading, and walking.
Popular starting points include Traverse City for easy access to amenities and Suttons Bay for a charming village destination. Many choose to start near wineries or farm stands for a scenic route.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Leelanau Trail is a public access trail and does not require an entrance ticket or fee for general use.
While the trail itself is free, there may be fees for bike rentals, parking at certain trailheads, or if you choose to visit wineries or shops along the route.
The Leelanau Trail is generally open from dawn to dusk year-round. However, specific amenities like bike rental shops or wineries will have their own operating hours.
Typically, dogs are allowed on the Leelanau Trail but must be kept on a leash. Always check local regulations for the most current information.
Yes, the paved surface of the Leelanau Trail makes it accessible for wheelchairs and other mobility devices.
🎫 🚴 Onsite Experience
The main Leelanau Trail is approximately 17 miles long, stretching from Traverse City to Suttons Bay. Some users report riding longer distances by connecting to other trails. +1
You'll experience a mix of beautiful waterfront views of Grand Traverse Bay, rolling hills, and picturesque vineyards and orchards.
Absolutely! The trail passes by numerous wineries, breweries, farm stands, and restaurants, especially as you approach Suttons Bay.
Biking is the most popular activity, but walking, running, and even cross-country skiing or snowshoeing in winter are great options. Many visitors combine biking with wine tasting. +2
Yes, the paved and relatively flat terrain makes it family-friendly. Consider renting an e-bike or using a trailer for younger children.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of Grand Traverse Bay, the rolling vineyards and orchards, charming small towns like Suttons Bay, and the trail itself winding through scenic landscapes.
Golden hour, both in the early morning and late afternoon, offers beautiful light for capturing the landscape and vineyards. Midday can be bright but still offers great views of the bay.
Look for scenic overlooks of the bay, unique winery architecture, and the picturesque village of Suttons Bay. The changing colors of the orchards in spring and fall also make for great photos.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for details in the vineyards or distant bay views. A smartphone camera is perfectly adequate for most visitors.
It's best to pull over to a safe spot to take photos to avoid accidents. Many visitors stop at scenic points or wineries for photo opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider a shorter out-and-back ride or utilize the BATA transit for a one-way adventure. Stopping at farm stands for fresh fruit or enjoying a picnic lunch are great ways to keep kids engaged. While the trail itself is free, factor in costs for bike rentals and potential treats along the way. The village of Suttons Bay offers a charming destination with ice cream shops and parks for a post-ride treat.
🍷 Wine Enthusiasts
Many wineries offer beautiful settings for a mid-ride break. Remember to drink responsibly and consider using the BATA transit for a safe return if you plan on extensive tastings. Beyond wine, the region also boasts excellent breweries and farm-to-table dining options accessible from the trail. This makes the Leelanau Trail a perfect destination for a culinary and scenic adventure.
+1🚶♀️ Walkers and Hikers
For those seeking more rugged hiking, explore the numerous Leelanau Conservancy trails which offer diverse terrain and natural beauty, distinct from the paved bike path.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Leelanau Trail by Bike
The trail is part of the larger TART Trails network, connecting various recreational routes in the region. Its popularity stems from the stunning scenery, which includes picturesque views of Grand Traverse Bay, rolling hills dotted with cherry and apple orchards, and lush vineyards. This makes it an ideal route for both leisurely rides and more active cycling tours.
For those looking to make a day of it, the trail is perfectly suited for a one-way trip. By utilizing the BATA transit system, you can arrange for bike shuttles, allowing you to explore the trail from end to end without needing to retrace your steps. This flexibility enhances the experience, enabling you to focus on enjoying the journey and the destinations.
Wineries and Culinary Delights
Beyond the wineries, the trail also passes by charming farm stands offering fresh, local produce. This is a fantastic opportunity to sample seasonal fruits like cherries and apples, or pick up artisanal goods. Many visitors enjoy fueling up with these local treats during their ride.
Upon reaching Suttons Bay, you'll find a delightful village brimming with cafes, restaurants, and shops. It's the perfect place to enjoy a well-deserved lunch or browse for souvenirs after your cycling excursion. The combination of outdoor activity and culinary exploration makes the Leelanau Trail a truly unique experience.
Year-Round Appeal: Beyond Summer Biking
The Leelanau Conservancy also manages numerous other trails in the area, offering diverse hiking opportunities. While not directly part of the Leelanau Trail bike path, these conservancy trails provide access to different natural landscapes, from forests to dunes, catering to hikers seeking varied terrain and wildlife viewing.
Even outside of peak summer, the shoulder seasons of spring and fall offer pleasant conditions for biking and hiking, with fewer crowds and beautiful natural scenery. The changing colors of the orchards in spring and the vibrant foliage in autumn provide unique visual experiences for visitors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit