Things to Do in Indian River
Hiking & Biking Trails
The Indian River Area offers a trail for every pace and interest. With hundreds of miles of biking and hiking trails, dozens of nature preserves, and thousands of acres of public land to explore, it's a dream destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to experience the best of Northern Michigan.
North Country State Trail
The North Central State Trail (NCST) is considered a premier cycling trail in the Midwest. This 75-mile trail is surfaced with crushed limestone and its flat terrain makes for easy cycling through diverse landscapes of natural beauty. Highlights include the Sturgeon River valley between Vanderbilt and Indian River and the section of trail that runs along Mullet Lake between Indian River and Cheboygan.
The trail runs immediately behind the Indian River Chamber of Commerce office at the trailhead in downtown Indian River. The parking lot and public restrooms next to our building make for a perfect pit stop on your journey!
For more detailed information about the trail, please visit the Top of Michigan Trails website.
Nature Preserves
The Indian River area is home to 300+ nature preserves protected and maintained by the Little Traverse Conservancy (LTC). These remarkable properties provide endless opportunities to explore Northern Michigan's forests, wetlands, shorelines, and wildlife while experiencing the natural beauty that makes this region so special.
A local favorite is the Nature Megaphone at the Boyd Banwell Nature Preserve. The Nature Megaphone transforms the ordinary sounds of nature into an extraordinary experience, inviting you to pause, be still, and let the natural world speak to you.
Mountain Biking
Visit the Melvin Family Hiking and Biking Trails in Topinabee, just outside of Downtown Indian River. These trails provide mountain biking opportunities for all skill levels, with unique trail features like gravity trails, sidewinder segments, skills features, rollers, berms, and more!
An additional 1.5 miles of designated hiking trails also are found here.
Burt Lake Trail
Gentle hills and views of simmering water provide the background for the 18.1 mile Burt Lake Trail. This trail provides a safe recreation and transportation route to bike, walk, and enjoy the gorgeous scenery around the north end of Burt Lake.
With both paved and limestone surfaces, places to view the lake, connections to trails for hiking, and linking the North Western State Trail and the North Central State Trail, the Burt Lake Trail has it all!
