BICYCLING
Gorgeous Views along the Island Shoreline
M ackinac Island is a very unique place where bicycles are the main mode of transportation, thanks to the Island's prohibition on motorized vehicles dat- ing back to the early 1900s. The lack of cars makes biking a peaceful and enjoyable way to explore the Island's stunning natural beauty, historic sites, and scenic views. Visitors can easily bring their own bikes or rent them on the Island. With a variety of bike rental shops offering different types of bikes for all skill levels, you can choose the one that fits your needs - whether it's for a leisurely tour or a more active biking adventure. For your first ride, pack a box lunch and pedal along the gor- geous eight mile perimeter shoreline road called M-185. It’s the easiest, most popular ride and a good way to acquaint yourself with the Island's beauty and its layout. The ride around the Island is mostly flat, very scenic, and takes about an hour without stopping. But what’s the rush? You’ll want to go slow, take photos, stop for lunch, dip your toes into the lake and enjoy the beauty, so allow about two hours or more. Mackinac Island isn’t just for casual cyclists - it offers plenty of opportunities for those seeking more challenging rides. The Island's varied terrain, including rolling hills, wooded interiors, and rocky paths, makes it deal for cyclists looking to push their limits. Leslie Avenue provides a scenic, paved rolling bike trail that takes riders through lush cedar forests, making it perfect for those who want to enjoy a more relaxed yet beautiful ride. If you want to explore more, try to find other famous Island landmarks. Arch Rock, Sugar Loaf, Devil’s Kitchen, Fort Holmes, British Landing and Skull Cave are popular des- tinations on mostly paved surfaces and easy to find. Get an Island map and head out. For those with even higher skill levels, Tranquil Bluff trail is a
particularly challenging route. This steep and rugged path is best suited for advanced riders. Similarly , Morning Snack trail features a fun log jump at the bottom of a big hill that push riders to the limits.
42 Inside Mackinac
Made with FlippingBook Digital Proposal Creator