Leelanau County has many trail systems, for all kinds of biking and hiking, even some for those that want a mountain biking experience. Leelanau County offers a wide-variety of trails for every kind of nature enthusiast, even some for the thrill-seekers. Hiking and biking thrive through the land and many take to two wheels to explore the county. When describing the state of biking in the county, Nick Wierzba the owner of local bike shop, Suttons Bay Bikes, said it has, “Never been better.”
At this point in time, “there is a bike for everybody due to the technology,” Wierzba stated. Suttons Bay Bikes was one of the first shops in the area to offer E-bikes, both rentals and purchases, which have become increasingly popular throughout the last few years. E-bikes find their way onto the many paved trails in the county, including the Leelanau TART Trail, the Sleeping Bear Dune Trails, and more. E-bikes have found themselves developing, expanding into new territories such as the more rugged and traditional, mountain biking.
In Leelanau, “Mountain biking is really just Palmer Woods. One of the best trails in northern Michigan if not the state,” Wierzba voiced. “It is really, ‘family friendly’ and the parking lot is kind of a hub for social gatherings,” making it the best spot around for dedicated mountain biking.
Palmer Woods Forest Reserve, a Leelanau Conservancy property, is perhaps the best location in the upper half of the lower Peninsula for mountain biking, offering a wide range of trails, from smooth-rolling singletrack, to drops and rock gardens. Palmer Woods really offers something for everyone, even having more than 10 miles of hiking trails throughout the ever-expanding property. Located near Maple City, it is a quiet and beautiful spot to ride, relax, and socialize.
Many would argue that E-bikes ruin the peace and conditions of the trails at spots such as Palmer, and therefore shouldn’t be allowed. Wierzba had this to say about the matter, “the easy answer is to say ‘no’ (to E-bikes), the good answer is to say how.”
At the moment, Palmer Woods only accepts class 1 E-bikes, bikes with simple pedal assist.
“E-bikes make it more accessible,” which can allow more people to experience the trails and joy of biking, which is the whole point,” Wierzba said.
He outlined that there should be some restrictions and that we should, “treat them like cars,” by setting speed limits and making sure everyone respects and follows the rules that come with e-bikes when on trails.
With the extreme abundance of nature trails for all sorts of enjoyment, hiking, biking (e-biking, mountain biking, fattire biking, etc.), and more, visitors and patrons alike should be aware of the options, such as Palmer Woods Forest Reserve, the Leelanau Trail, 45 N Winery Trail, Sleeping Bear Dunes Trail, and many more. There is truly something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you prefer the adventure and speed of mountain biking, or the simple and relaxing E-biking experience, Leelanau is the place to be.
