The Trails
300 miles to explore
Non-motorized, multi-purpose trails for running, hiking, cycling, skating, and more — across the Top of Michigan.
Overview
Dedicated, multi-use, and connected
The Top of Michigan Trails Council oversees about 300 miles of existing or soon-to-be constructed trails. About 180 of these trail miles run along old railroad corridors. TOMTC “Trunk Line” Trails are non-motorized (except for snowmobiles) multi-purpose trails that can ordinarily be used for running, hiking, bicycling, in-line skating, snowmobiling (December–April), and equestrian activities.
Except where noted, the trails are “dedicated,” that is they do not share the right of way with automobiles, motorcycles etc. There are some segments where snowmobiles and horses are prohibited and others where activities such as in-line skating and road bicycling are impractical because of the rough trail surface.
Most of the Huron Sunrise Trail and Presque Isle County, the City of Alpena Bi-Path, and the Little Traverse Wheelway in Emmet and Charlevoix Counties are suitable for smooth surface activities extending to the use of baby strollers. In general, TOMTC trails can accommodate hybrid bicycles.
In winter, cross country skiing and showshoeing are permitted but are only suitable in areas where snowmobiles are prohibited, such as the Little Traverse Wheelway. However, some stretches of the LTW tend to be windswept and icy during much of the winter and currently no grooming is done on this trail. For a complete rundown on winter trails in our entire area click on “Trails in Winter.” (December-April)
Don’t forget that even though the trail descriptions seem to be written mostly for bicyclists (about 2/3 of our users ride bicycles), the trails are open for all appropriate uses as indicated.
By the Numbers
A growing network
The Whole Network
Every trail on one map
Pan and zoom the full Top of Michigan trail network — from Lake Michigan to Lake Huron, Charlevoix to Alpena.
The Trails
Explore each trail & its map
Pick a trail for its route map, trailheads, and one-tap directions in Apple or Google Maps.
TOMTC network trails
Charlevoix · Petoskey · Harbor Springs
View trail →Waters · Indian River · Mackinaw City
View trail →Rogers City
View trail →Boyne Falls · Boyne City
View trail →Boyne City · Charlevoix
View trail →Brutus · Burt Lake · Topinabee
View trail →Petoskey · Alanson · Mackinaw City
View trail →Cheboygan · Onaway · Alpena
View trail →More trails in the region
Partner, city, and DNR-managed trails across the Top of Michigan — not maintained by TOMTC, but well worth the trip.
Alpena
View trail →Alpena · Lachine · Hillman
View trail →Onaway · Black Lake · Cheboygan
View trail →Central Lake · Bellaire
View trail →Cheboygan
View trail →Vanderbilt · Pigeon River Country
View trail →Charlevoix · Traverse City
View trail →Petoskey · Bear River Valley
View trail →Rogers City · Posen
View trail →Indian River
View trail →Plan & Prepare
More trail resources
Interactive maps of every trail in the network.
View maps →Road and gravel routes from the Top of Michigan Cycling Map, with GPX on Strava.
View routes →Multi-day itineraries, camping and lodging across the Northern Lower Peninsula.
Start planning →Where you can safely park overnight on our network trails.
View options →Shared-trail habits, e-bike rules, and permitted uses.
Read the rules →Ownership, maintenance, funding — the questions we hear most.
Read the FAQs →Share the Trail
Trail rules & etiquette
Most of it comes down to one idea: these trails are shared.
E-bikes and motorized use
- Class 1 e-bikes are permitted. Class 2 and 3 are not.
- Motorcycles and ORVs are not permitted.
Shared-trail etiquette
- Keep right; pass on the left with an audible signal, at a courteous speed.
- Bikes yield to walkers; everyone yields to those with mobility needs.
- Keep dogs leashed and pack out pet waste.
- Pack out everything you bring in.
- Respect adjacent private property; stay on the trail.
See prohibited vehicles or behavior that puts people at risk? Report it.
Know the Signs
Trail etiquette at a glance
Observe posted speed limits
Be aware of others and trail conditions.
Yield to pedestrians
Pedestrians always have the right of way.
Announce yourself
Call out “passing on your left” or use a bell.
Pets on a leash
Pets must be on a 6-ft leash; please pick up after your pet.
Be considerate of others
Respect other visitors on this multi-use trail.
Keep right, pass on left
Treat the trail like a highway — all traffic keep right.
Don’t block the trail
Travel no more than two across and step off the trail if you stop.
E-bike classification
Class 1 pedal assist permitted; Class 2 and Class 3 not permitted.
Our trails are multi-use
Good to Know
Trails FAQs
Answers to the questions we hear most about the trails.
Does it cost money to use the trails?
No, the trails are free and open to the public. User groups may on occasion charge a fee or accept a donation for participants in their event. TOMTC would be pleased to accept a donation to support its advocacy efforts. We also are delighted to accept new members.
Once the trails are built, who is responsible for their maintenance?
In general it is an assigned unit of government that is responsible, especially for any repairs that have to be made to the roadway or other major structures. As for trash control, TOMTC encourages people living and making their living along the trails to keep them clean. We also support efforts of civic-minded groups to assist in this endeavor.
How does TOMTC seek to realize its goals?
We try to keep the public informed about trail news and developments through press releases, presentations to service clubs and groups, and encouragement of local trail committees. We respond to hundreds of requests for information. We sponsor trail rides and fund-raising activities. We write grants to obtain needed funds. We network with other like-minded organizations.
Is TOMTC part of the government?
No, but we partner with all units of government to achieve our goals. We have assisted MDNR in acquiring new corridors for trails and MDNR and MDOT in constructing them.
Where does TOMTC get its money?
Operational and endowment funds come from memberships and donations. Much of our other money comes from grants from public or private sources and is designated for a specific use.
Where does the money go?
Designated funds go for their designated purposes. Other income supports our advocacy facilitator activities, salaries, building expenses and office supplies, telephone and utilities, printing costs etc. We have a full-time Executive Director and a full-time administrative assistant.
If TOMTC doesn’t own trails who does?
Trails are “owned” by various entities. Most of ours, either in their entirety or in segments, are owned by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR). Others are owned by units of local government such as the City of Petoskey or Cheboygan County. Some are owned by private parties who have given permission for the trail to pass through their property. TOMTC continues to work toward obtaining more easements to fill in the gaps in the trails and to encourage more public ownership of the rights-of-way.