During your visit to the Petoskey Wine Region, be sure to leave a little time for an outdoor adventure after making your stops at the local wineries. There are many ways to enjoy the pristine lakes, rivers, and forests of Northern Michigan. Here are just a few.
Canoe the Bear River
The easy-flowing Bear River meanders through an idyllic Northern Michigan forest teeming with wildlife. Put in at the Bear River Canoe Livery, where they have canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards for rent. One, two, and four-hour trips are available. During your trip, you will likely see beavers and turtles along the river. Numerous birds, including blue herons, will delight bird watchers. You can even fish for rainbow and brook trout in season.
Bring a cooler packed with your favorite foods, and enjoy a meal after your trip down the Bear River. Grills and picnic tables are provided on the grounds. Bring along some Northern Michigan wine to sip while you relax in a comfy Adirondack chair. There is also a fire pit to gather around for good conversation and s’mores. If you want to spend the night along the river, one first-come, first-served rustic cabin is available. Book your paddle at Bear River Canoe Livery.
Hike the Old Baldy Trail at Petoskey State Park
The Old Baldy Trail at Petoskey State Park is one of the best short hikes in the area. Old Baldy is a sand dune that was covered with trees, ferns, and other greenery over time. The hike is a ½-mile loop. Some of it is uphill on a sandy trail. It does feature some moderately difficult terrain. There are several steep drop-offs on the side of the trail as well. There’s a picnic table at the summit where you can rest or eat a packed lunch. There are stairs on the downhill portion of the trail. You can see spectacular views of Little Traverse Bay from the viewing platforms. There are several photo ops along the way. Bring your bathing suit and cool off at the park’s sandy beach after your hike.
Rent a Bike and Go for a Ride
The Little Traverse Wheelway is a 26-mile paved path that runs from Harbor Springs to Charlevoix. The trailhead in Charlevoix has parking and restrooms available. The segment that takes you through Bay Harbor features panoramic views of Lake Michigan. Farther up the trail, the Magnus Park segment runs through the city of Petoskey and crosses the Bear River. Another segment runs through Bayfront Park and Bay View. This section has several places to stop, including Petoskey’s Gaslight District, filled with unique shops and restaurants. There are several other parks along the entire route to stop and rest. A small portion of the trail is currently closed due to erosion. View a map of the Little Traverse Wheelway here and plan your route.
Raft or Tube the Sturgeon River
A trip down the Sturgeon River is a memorable adventure. If you want to really relax, float down the river in a tube. Spending a warm summer afternoon lazily drifting down a cool, clear river is a great way to leave all your worries behind. They also have five or seven-person rafts available. There isn’t any whitewater on this river, so it’s still a fairly relaxing trip. You won’t need to do a lot of hard paddling since the current does most of the work for you. Whatever mode of transportation you choose, you’ll enjoy the beautiful scenery and wildlife along the river. Trips end at beautiful Burt Lake State Park, where there is a swimming beach and picnic area.
Plan your Petoskey Wine Region tour today.
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