Nestled in the stunning northern Lower Peninsula, Petoskey is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts—and hiking is one of the best ways to take it all in. With its picturesque forests, glacial terrain, and miles of shoreline along Lake Michigan and Little Traverse Bay, this charming town offers trail options for every skill level and adventure style. Whether you’re craving a quiet walk through the woods or a rugged trek with scenic overlooks, Petoskey has the perfect path waiting for you.
Allan and Virginia McCune Nature Preserve
3 ½ miles of trails to explore hardwood forests, red pine plantations, meadow, creek, and a cedar swamp. Two parking areas are available. Allan and Virginia McCune Nature Preserve Trail Map
Bay View Woods
Nearly 4 miles of trails that are well marked and easy to walk. The nature preserve is 168 acres and home to a variety of flora, fauna, and bird life. There are also geological features rarely found in Michigan. Bay View Woods Trail map
Bayfront Park
The park in downtown Petoskey and offers a network of trails that take you along the shoreline of Little Traverse Bay. The trails offer beautiful views of the bay and the surrounding landscape.
Bear River Valley Recreation Area
Just a few miles north of Petoskey and offers a network of trails through a beautiful wilderness setting. The trails wind through a mix of forests and along the Bear River, offering a variety of scenic views. Bear River Valley Recreation Area Parking and Access Locations Map
Bubbling Springs Nature Preserve
A mix of wetlands, uplands, and shoreline. There is a small parking area, and a short trail leads towards the springs portion of the preserve. Bubbling Springs Trail Map
Cherry Lane Nature Center
A combination of two Preserves, Randall Ferguson Preserve and Cherry Lane Preserve. The nature area offers rolling hills, open meadows, and market trails. Cherry Lane Trail Map
Fields Preserve
Close to the headwaters of Schoof’s Creek and has marked trails and parking. The creek is an important Walloon Lake Feeder stream and includes a natural spring as well as hardwood forest with open fields and cedar swamp. Fields Trail Map
Indian Garden Natural Area
This natural area combines the Terrell, Millikan, and Moore Preserves and Woodland Partnership Preserve for a total of 106 acres. The preserve has well-maintained trails, glacially-sculpted hills, a woodland stream, and small open meadow. Ideal for hiking, mountain biking, cross country skiing and snow shoeing. Upland hardwood forest, scattered evergreen with hill terrain and market trails. Season creek along trail. Indian Garden Natural Area Trail Map
Little Traverse Wheelway
Ride the “Bike Path” as it is locally called for 26 miles from Charlevoix to Harbor Springs. The part of the trail between Petoskey’s Bayfront Park to Petoskey State Park follows closely the path of the original Little Traverse Wheelway that went from Petoskey to Harbor Springs in the 1880s and 1890s. Little Traverse Wheelway Trail Map
North Central Michigan College Natural Area
The Natural area can be accessed from the southeast corner of the parking near the Student and Community Resource Center (Lot #6 on campus maps). A dozen different biotic communities, both upland and wetland, can be found within the boundaries of the Natural Area, making it an excellent place for environmental studies, photography, and wildlife observation. North Central Michigan College Natural Area Trail Map
North Country Trail
This long-distance trail passes through Petoskey and offers a variety of hiking opportunities through a mix of forests and along the shoreline of Lake Michigan. North Country Trail Petoskey Area Trail Maps
North Western State Trail
(NWST) offers 32 miles of trails between Petoskey and Alanson. The trail runs along the former Grand Rapids and Indiana line of Pennsylvania Railroad (once known as “The Fishing Line”). The railroad opened in 1882 and continued in some areas until 1992. North Western State Trail Map
Oden Island Nature Preserve
The Preserve has large old-growth trees and fragile wetlands. Parking is at the trailhead. Approximately one mile of foot trails skirt the island’s eastern perimeter. Look for two benches along the way for enjoying lakeside views. Oden Island Trail Map
Petoskey State Park
The state park is just outside of Petoskey and offers a variety of trails that take you through a mix of forests and along the shoreline of Lake Michigan. There are trails for all skill levels, ranging from easy, flat trails to challenging, steep trails. Petoskey State Park Trail Map
From gentle lakefront strolls to rugged forest hikes, the Petoskey area delivers trail experiences as diverse as the landscapes themselves. Whether you’re an avid hiker or simply looking for a peaceful nature walk, the region’s network of preserves, parks, and paths offers something for everyone. Lace up your boots, grab your water bottle, and hit the trail—you’ll find that exploring Petoskey on foot is one of the most rewarding ways to experience its natural beauty.
