Petoskey State Park Hiking Guide

Situated on Little Traverse Bay, this Northern Great Lakes paradise has it all - warm sand dunes, cool breezes, Lake Michigan sunsets and beautiful hiking trails. Petoskey State Park contains 3 miles of hiking trails rich with a mix of hardwoods, picturesque dune formations and views of Lake Michigan

Cost to Enter a Michigan State Park

Entrance Fee for a Michigan Resident: $13.00 for a Yearly Recreation Passport purchased with their vehicle registration. Non residents can purchase a daily pass for $11 and an annual pass for $40 as of 1/1/24.

When you check in, don’t forget to pick up the Petoskey State Park Pamphlet, which contains maps of the trails. Our family of six camped at Petoskey State Park for 5 days over the 4th of July holiday. Loving every minute, we created a guide for camping at Petoskey State Park, which may help you plan your visit.

Dogs

Dogs are allowed on all the trails, campgrounds, and beaches at Petoskey State Park. The only area they are not allowed in is the designated swim area at the beach. Pets must be on a 6-foot leash at all times and visitors are required to dispose of pet waste. Despite the numerous, “no dogs on beach signs”, the park rangers informed us to disregard the signs, besides the swimming area.

Description of the Hiking Trails at Petoskey State Park

Lace up your shoes, grab a map and fill up your water bottle as you set out to explore the trails at Petoskey State Park. If you enjoy hiking, the state park has several trails to hike, ranging from easy to difficult. In total there are 3 miles of trails in the park. The trails are shorter in length so they are ideal for kids and families. You can easily combine trails to add distance.

The trails wind between the two campgrounds, along the shoreline and through the surrounding woods. With a diverse landscape of sandy, forested dunes and dense wooded areas rich with hemlocks, maples and white birch, you can easily escape into nature while visiting this northern Michigan state park.

Portage Trails

Consisting of two trails, one rated easy and the other difficult. The Portage Trail (easy) was marked with yellow squares, while the Portage Trail (difficult) was delineated by yellow diamonds.

Portage Trail Easy (0.90 Miles)

The easy trail leads visitors through a mix of towering hardwoods and sandy foredune paths. Along the trail, Hemlock needles made a soft reddish brown path.

Although we may not be the fastest hikers, I am forever grateful that my children help me notice the simple treasures found along the trail from a slimy slug on a leaf, scurrying squirrels or a unique shaped rock that needs to be added to their pockets.

Steep incline on the Portage Trail at Petoskey State Park

Trailhead Located in the Tannery Creek Campground between the 1st and 2nd loops. A large sign marks the entrance. We gained access to the trail by walking from our campsite to the trailhead.

This out- and-back path first leads through woods and then opens up to an open sandy dune area. Along the path, especially the open fields there are some offshoot paths. After crossing the main campground road, the trail can connect to the Old Baldy Trail to add mileage.

Portage Trail Difficult (0.85 Miles)

Marked with yellow diamonds, the Portage Trail (difficult) is a predominantly shady trail that is less than a mile in length, but it’s elevation changes and steep inclines make it a great workout. The trail follows the ridge line along the eastern edge of the State Park.

The beauty of the white birches, exposed roots and grassy foredunes made this hike quite enjoyable, especially combined with the tranquil bird song and the visible wildlife.

When you’re on the farthest southern edges of the trail, we did hear some traffic noise from M-119 and caught slight glimpses of the buildings between the trees, but the rest of the hike was quiet and secluded since we were the only ones on the trail.

The trail continues up with some steep switchbacks. Once you hit the second ridge the trail begins to descend until you reach the Tannery Creek Campground Road.

Here you have the option of extending your trek by connecting to the Old Baldy Trail or the Campground Trail.

Old Baldy Trail

(0.44 miles, loop trail )

Get ready for stairs, stairs and more stairs. This relatively short hike, is a great workout with a steep incline and numerous flights of stairs that rewards you with a snapshot framed view of Lake Michigan from the top of the stairway platform.

View of Lake Michigan from the top of the stairs at Old Baldy Trail

For the first half the hike is multiple staircases until you reach the top, a total of 700 feet elevation gain. After you conquer the stairs, there is an overlook that has a picturesque view of the bay.

Luckily, there is a picnic table and bench located at the top so you can rest and have a drink of water before you begin the decent. The downhill portion of the trail it is quite sandy. My children tore off ahead down the hill running through the narrow single track, kicking up sand as there laughter echoed through the woods.

Campground Trail (0.43 miles)

A predominately flat trail, this half-mile trail connects the two campgrounds, Tannery Creek Campground and Dunes Campgrounds. Enjoy views of Lake Michigan and the fore dunes along the Little Traverse Bay. One entrance to the hike is off the main campground road as you split off towards the direction of Tannery Creek Campground. The second access point is at the southern end of the Dunes loop.

Fungi on Log

Portage Trail

Climb the Sand Dunes

Grassy Sand Dunes at Petoskey State Park

Petoskey’s picturesque dunes formations were formed over time by melting glacier ice decades ago, which create our current dunes and stunning landscapes along Lake Michigan.

TIP In the intense heat of summer while climbing the dunes, bring socks or hiking sandals since the sand can get toasty on exposed feet.

Boardwalk Paths to Beach

Boardwalk path to the beach from Tannery Creek Campground Loop

If you’re camping at Petoskey State Park, there are boardwalk pathways and overlook platforms that lead from the campgrounds to the beach.

Additional Hiking Trails in the Area

Bear River Recreation Area Following along the river, this scenic trail rewards you with views of the rapids, takes you under bridges and through wooded forested trails.

Thorne Swift Nature Preserve Containing a small nature center packed with interactive nature displays, kids will love learning about wildlife and our fascinating natural world. Additionally, the preserve has multiple trails which include boardwalks, creek crossings and a lovely stretch of shoreline on Lake Michigan.

The Little Traverse Wheelway

A paved biking and walking path that is popular in the area is the Little Traverse Wheelway, it extends for 26 miles and links the charming towns of Harbor Springs, Petoskey and Charlevoix. The Wheelway can be accessed from the back of Tannery Loop at Petoskey State Park.

Where to Stay /Accommodations

Petoskey is an ideal vacation spot for a quick weekend getaway or a longer relaxing week stay. Families will appreciate the wide range of recreation activities, water sports, shopping and hiking trails to enjoy. This lovely harbor town offers a variety of accommodations, plus the beautiful Petoskey State Park on Lake Michigan. Chose from cozy cabins, charming bed and breakfast, or a house by the beach on VRBO. No matter if you’re looking luxury hotel with a spa or a budget- friendly family hotel, you can find deals for at Bookings.com.

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Petoskey, an IHG Hotel Located 7 miles from Petoskey State Park, the Holiday Inn Express makes it easy to enjoy the local area. It features an indoor pool, free breakfast and modern amenities for families.

Crooked River Lodge 15 minutes from the downtown of Petoskey, alleviate stress as you relax at the lodge, enjoy the indoor swimming pool, breakfast, and bonfire pit.

Rental with Panoramic Views of the Bay

Newly renovated home within walking distance of downtown Petoskey. This lovely house is beautifully furnished and sleeps six people.

Find the Best Deals

Camp at Petoskey State Park

Camping at the state park is a wonderful option for families. Surround yourself in nature and be walking distance to the shores of Lake Michigan. Petoskey State Park has two campground areas to choose from with 178 modern sites and 2 mini cabins.

Over the 4th of July, we camped in site 151 for 5 days at Petoskey State Park in the Tanner Creek Campground. Our site had a trees ideal for 3 hammocks in a stacked position and a decent amount of space. We loved being close to the hiking trails, the Little Traverse Wheelway and the fireworks displayed put on by Petoskey and Harbor Springs. Curious about camping, checkout our camp ground review and guide to Petoskey State Park.

Nearby Activities/ Things to Do Near Petoskey State Park

The Little Traverse Bay area is teeming with beautiful towns that offer an abundance of outdoor recreational activities including; beaches, wineries, farmers markets, delicious and restaurants with outdoor seating. You won’t be disappointed when you explore these popular towns along the coast including: Charlevoix, Harbor Springs, Boyne and Mackinaw City while vacationing in this northern Michigan destination.

Tunnel of Trees If you’re visiting in the Fall, this popular drive is must to see the colorful tunnel of trees stretching from M-119 from Harbor Springs until you reach Mackinaw City.

Boyne Mountain Grab a lift up the chair lift during the summer for view of the area. Stop in for a beverage at the top of the mountain or rent a golf cart to see the entire place. One of the newest area attractions is the incredible Boyne Sky Bridge, which extends for 1,023 feet across the sky.

Pond Hill Farm Located in nearby Harbor Springs, explore this lovely vineyard which as something for every age. Kids can hike to find hidden Gnomes, play on the nature playscape and shoot squash cannons at targets. Adults can sample differing wines, try their scrumptious pizza and listen to live bands.

Mackinac Island This iconic island needs no introduction to local Michigan residents. Take the ferry over and enjoy a scenic carriage ride or bike around the island. Hike to Arch Rock, treat yourself to delicious fudge, and learn history at Fort Mackinac for a fun-filled day on the island. Here’s a Guide to visiting Mackinaw Island for the Day.

Petoskey Pretzel Co Located right by the entrance to Bayfront Park, these mouth-watering soft pretzels are a much anticipated sweet treat when visiting Petoskey’s downtown area.

Petoskey Brewing Company Located along the Wheelway trail, stop in and grab your favorite drink or microbrew as you dine on some of the best cheeseburgers in Michigan.

FAQ’s

Cell Reception at Petoskey State Park? Cell service was decent throughout the park

Are dogs allowed at Petoskey State Park Trails? Yes, dogs are allowed on all the trails and campground, but cannot be on the designated swimmers beach area. All pets must be on a 6 foot leash.

Can you bring alcohol into Petoskey State Park? Yes, alcohol is permitted.

Closing Thoughts

Discover the vast abundance of beauty along the Little Traverse Wheelway. This memorable outdoor experience near Petoskey will soon become a favorite activity for the whole family. As you begin planning your vacation with kids to this destination in Michigan, make sure to Pin and Save for later. Follow Discovering Anew for more campground reviews and Michigan adventures. From our family to yours. HAPPY TRAILS!

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