The Inland Waterway is a 40-mile long historic water route that begins north of Petoskey and with a series of rivers and lakes connects Conway, Oden, Alanson, Indian River, and Cheboygan to Lake Huron. A coastal route, part of the Huron Shores Blueways, connects the City of Cheboygan to Mackinaw City and the Straits of Mackinac.
The water trails connect 7 state parks; numerous campgrounds, day-use parks, and resorts; 20 Little Traverse Conservancy Nature Preserves, and six communities. Combination paddle and pedal trips are possible since the North Central State Trail, North Eastern State Trail and North Western State Trail all parallel segments of the water trail.
Paddle enthusiasts can access sites, parks, campgrounds, nature preserves, historic sites, birding, outfitters and rentals, marinas, waterfront camping and waterfront resorts.
Harbor Springs Michigan is a jewel of North America, a small quaint town nestled in a protected harbor filled with magnificent sailboats and yachts from around the world, Harbor Springs offers a wide array of dining, shopping and adventure experiences. Harbor Springs beauty is second to none. Whether on the piers or along the shore, up the bluff, in the woods, or skydiving from above, the views are magnificent.
Harbor Springs has beaches in town (Zorn Park Beach), a dog beach (Zoll Street Beach), and by boat or paddle board you can beach at Harbor Point.
At night, Harbor Springs comes alive with bands and street life. Shop the di$tinctive downtown stores for the finest livery anywhere, as well as more casual shops and galleries for those of more modest means. Restaurants offer fine dining and cocktail atmospheres. Sandwich and pizza shops line the streets and the local movie theater hosts first run films.
The harbor offers complete marine services, repair, storage, and maintenance. Weekly sailboat races, sailing classes, resort sportsmen and grand yachts worthy of Monaco Harbor make the vista from shore a splendor unequaled. Harbor Springs host racers and crews for the Mackinac races as well as the local Ugotta Regatta. The namesake beach is a lovely summer spot to catch some rays and dip in Lake Michigan where you can feel the ice cold springs cool your feet as you swim.
Harbor Springs presents an Art Fair and one of the most spectacular Fourth of July Celebration events in the country. Weekly Shopper’s Nights include lining the streets with buskers and bands so music mixes with the wafting smells of fresh sweets and magnificent treats of the ice cream and specialty stores.
For bikes, classic vehicles, and family rides, Harbor Springs in the jump off point for the fabulous Tunnel of Trees Tour, or spend the day in the inland villages for the Antique Treasure Hunt Tour. Harbor Springs is a stones throw from golf, frisbee golf, nature trails, zip lines and mountain parks. With boat rentals, skate park, a small airport and skydiving, Harbor Springs offers something for everyone.
Start (or end) in Harbor Springs to take a beautiful ride along the Sacred Coast north, home of the famous Spirit Cove and Tunnel of Trees.