Mackinac Island on Two Wheels: Your Complete Biking Adventure Guide
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When you think of Mackinac Island, visions of fudge, horse-drawn carriages, and rich history likely come to mind. But one of the most unique and rewarding experiences on the island is exploring the island on two wheels.
The relatively flat, 8.2-mile trail is accessible to all skill levels and offers breathtaking views of Lake Huron, the Mackinac Bridge, and the island’s lush landscapes.
For those looking for a more adventurous ride, the island’s inland trails wind through dense forests, past historic landmarks, and up to scenic overlooks that offer stunning panoramic views.
Whether you’re a casual rider or an avid cyclist, biking Mackinac Island is an absolute must-do!
Preparing for Your Mackinac Island Biking Adventure
If you’re planning to explore Mackinac Island by bike, a little preparation can enhance your experience.
Bringing your own bike is a great option, especially if you have a favorite ride. The ferry companies serving the island allow bicycles for a small fee, making it an affordable way to bring a piece of home with you.
If you don’t have your own bike or prefer to travel light, plenty of rental options are available on the island. Rental shops offer everything from single-speed cruisers to multi-gear mountain bikes and even tandem bikes for a fun and unique way to ride with a partner. If you’re traveling with young children, baby carts and tag-along attachments make it easy to include them in the adventure.
Insider Tip: For the main Mackinac Island bike trail loop, one gear is enough for that adventure. If you plan to head to the top of the island for biking trails on Mackinac Island, renting a mountain bike is more expensive, yet worth the investment.
When planning your ride, consider how much time you want to spend on the trails. The full island loop can be completed in about an hour at a steady pace, but if you want to stop and explore the various landmarks along the way, setting aside two to three hours is a better option.
The Mackinac Island Bike Loop (M-185)
One of the most popular and accessible bike routes on the island is the 8.2-mile loop that follows the shoreline.
This paved path, officially called M-185, offers a smooth ride with minimal elevation changes, making it perfect for families, beginners, and those who simply want to enjoy the island’s stunning coastal views.
Along the way, you will pass historic landmarks, scenic overlooks, and peaceful picnic areas. Since motorized vehicles are not allowed on Mackinac Island, the only traffic consists of fellow cyclists, pedestrians, and horse-drawn carriages, creating a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere.
Riding counter-clockwise from the ferry docks, the first half of the loop takes you past key attractions such as Arch Rock, a natural limestone arch that rises 146 feet above the ground. If you want a closer look, park your bike at the designated area and climb the 207 steps to reach the scenic overlook.
Continuing along the route, British Landing offers a great halfway point to take a break. Here, you’ll find a small snack shop, picnic tables, and access to a rocky beach where you can skip stones or dip your toes in the cool waters of Lake Huron.
As you near the end of the loop, the final stretch offers sweeping views of the Mackinac Bridge before leading back into town. If you’re interested in venturing beyond the perimeter, Mackinac Island has plenty of inland trails to explore.
Exploring Mackinac Island’s Inland Trails
For those seeking a more adventurous biking experience, the island’s interior offers a network of forested trails, providing a stark contrast to the bustling shoreline. The climb to the top of the island can be challenging, but the effort is well worth it for the rewarding views and peaceful surroundings.
One of the most popular inland stops is Sugar Loaf, a striking 70-foot limestone rock formation that stands out against the surrounding forest. This spot is perfect for a quick break or a short hike to explore the area.
Nearby, Skull Cave holds a fascinating place in Mackinac Island’s history as it was once a refuge for fur traders and Native Americans.
For mountain biking enthusiasts, Tranquil Bluff Trail offers a more rugged and technical ride through the island’s wooded interior. This unpaved trail follows the eastern bluff of the island, providing glimpses of Lake Huron through the trees. The solitude and natural beauty make it a favorite among experienced riders looking for a break from the more crowded areas.
My Mackinac Island Biking Experience
Awesome Mitten Creator Team member Shalee Blackmer biked Mackinac Island in 2015 and shared her experience with us…
When we began our bike ride around the island, the sun was out and the water was calm – a perfect summer day for a bike ride!
For our adventure, we tried to see all that we could. I recommend that your stops along the route should include Mackinac’s natural spring, a small woodland hike to a peaceful creek for a break along the first section of the trail.
At the halfway point, there is a rocky beach and concession shack to grab some much-deserved grub. Grab some of the smooth rocks on the shoreline and see how many times you can skip them! I failed at the challenge, but it was still a blast.
Continuing along, you’ll pass picnic tables, benches, and footpaths which are the perfect place to take a small hike or relax along the shore.
Just when you have almost finished, you’ll have the opportunity to pull off to view Arch Rock on Mackinac Island from below. The famous natural landmark towers above the path and shoreline.
Another couple hundred feet down the path, there is a bike parking area and stairs to lead you 207 steps up to the arch for a vantage point above the formation.
After the gentle Mackinac Island bike ride and relaxing adventure, you’ll land back in town where you can switch out your one-gear bike for a mountain bike.
Now is the time to head up Fort Hill towards the peak of the island. Brace yourself – the hills can be killer! Once at the top, hang a right to pass by the top of the fort.
At the intersection just past Fort Mackinac, take a left on Garrison Road. Skull Cave will be the first point of interest on this route. Once you have learned its history, stay right on Rifle Range Road until you hit a path known as Sugar Loaf Road.
Along this trajectory, Mackinac Island’s Sugar Loaf will appear and you will most likely stand in awe at the massive 70-foot cliff-rock that towers above the surrounding forest. There is a cave that runs through the rock, although an adult can’t fit through it, it is still fun to try climbing to the cave to sit and relax.
According to island historians, during wartime, soldiers would come to the rock for honey. Millions of bees would create their hives and produce so much honey it would drip from the rock. No one knows exactly what happened to the bees, but today more bats call the rock and crevasses home.
Next, you should take a quick stroll up the west staircase to the lookout point that provides an elevated view of the rock and forest. It’s a must-do!
Now, you have to put that mountain bike to good use right? That’s what I thought!
That means it’s time to get off the pavement and onto the skinny, bumpy, and sometimes muddy bike paths. There are dozens of trails similar to this on the island, so pull out your map (available at multiple places on the island) and pick one that looks thrilling!
Tranquil Bluff is a good choice and it gives you views of Lake Huron along the way.
The crowds on the inner paths of Mackinac are a complete contrast to town. Getting to the top takes work, and most people prefer to stay on the flat shoreline. This means space to roam, woods to relax, and bluffs to reflect.
Mackinac Island is the best of both biking worlds. The flat, family-friendly path is fun, relaxing, and energetic. The hilly central part is peaceful, adventurous, and crowd-less. I would say that is pretty impressive for an island that is only a few miles wide!
Biking Safety & Etiquette on Mackinac Island
While Mackinac Island is a biking paradise, it’s important to keep a few safety tips in mind. Since bikes share the roads with pedestrians and horse-drawn carriages, always stay alert and yield to those on foot or horseback.
Helmets are not required but are highly recommended, especially for children. If you’re exploring the inland trails, be prepared for some steep and uneven terrain – having the right bike can make a big difference in comfort and control.
A word of caution: Biking selfies may seem like a fun idea, but they are one of the top causes of accidents on the island. Avoid the temptation to snap a photo while riding – there are plenty of scenic spots to safely stop and capture the moment.
More Ways to Enjoy Mackinac Island
Once your biking adventure is complete, there’s still plenty to see and do on Mackinac Island.
Treat yourself to a meal at one of the island’s waterfront restaurants, take a leisurely stroll through the historic downtown area, or visit Fort Mackinac for a deeper dive into the island’s past.
If you have time to stay overnight, you’ll get to experience the island’s quieter side once the day-trippers leave, making for an even more magical visit.
No matter how you choose to explore Mackinac Island, biking remains one of the best ways to soak in its natural beauty, history, and charm. So grab a bike, hit the trail, and enjoy the ride!
An bicycle option not mentioned is the chariot tricycle. Basically a one seat tricycle with a bench seat taking the place typical basket. This is an excellent alternative to the standard tandem if your partner is not comfortable on a bicycle seat. Yes, the rider does all the work, while the passenger is along for the ride. On a visit with a family group, I made the circuit on a 2-wheeler with 3 grand-children, and spotted the chariot as we were returning the 2-wheelers. Convinced my wife to take a ride and made the full circuit with only a short uphill walk at the north end of the island.