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Little Traverse Wheelway
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The Little Traverse Wheelway is a 26 mile, non-motorized paved trail that extends from Charlevoix to Harbor Springs. It was officially dedicated to the people of the State of Michigan on October 24, 2002. The Charlevoix County segment of this trail is approximately 9 miles long and runs along the north side of US-31 from Charlevoix to the Emmet County line at Bay Shore. This trail offers a unique boardwalk bridging a wetland area rich with wildlife, and direct water access at several points along the Lake Michigan shoreline, including two MDOT roadside parks that are perfect for a picnic or scenic resting spot.
Trail users may bike, skate, ski, walk or run (pick your favorite sport for any season) on the trail. However, snowmobiles and horses are NOT permitted anywhere on the trail.
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![Summer Views on the Charlevoix County Segment of the Little Traverse Wheelway [Click here to view full size picture]](media/recreation/tn_photomergetrailweb.jpg "Summer Views on the Charlevoix County Segment of the Little Traverse Wheelway [Click here to view full size picture]")
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Charlevoix Trailhead & Trail Map
Boardwalk Information
Big Rock Point Restoration Project
MDOT Roadside Park
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Charlevoix Trailhead & Trail Map
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![Trailhead at Charlevoix Township Hall [Click here to view full size picture]](media/recreation/tn_chxtownshiptrailheadweb.jpg "Trailhead at Charlevoix Township Hall [Click here to view full size picture]")
In Charlevoix, the trail head is located at the Charlevoix Township Hall at 12491 Waller Road. Trail users will find parking, restrooms and safe trail access here. The first mile of the trail (from the trail head east to US-31) shares the right-of-way along Waller Road (shoulder is extended and paved).
At the Waller Road/US-31 intersection, you will proceed northeast and will pass the Charlevoix Community Pool and the Charlevoix Country Club. Shortly thereafter, you will reach the boardwalk that bridges a wetland area.
For a trail map of the Charlevoix County segment of the Little Traverse Wheelway, please click on the document link below. A trail map and guide for the entire trail may be purchased from the Top of Michigan Trails Council. Please call the Trails Council office at (231) 348-8280 or visit their website by clicking on the web link below.
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Related Links:
Top of Michigan Trails Council
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Documents/Forms:
Charlevoix County Segment of the Little Traverse Wheelway Trail Map
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Boardwalk Information
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![Boardwalk Scenes [Click here to view full size picture]](media/recreation/tn_boardwalkphotomergeweb.jpg "Boardwalk Scenes [Click here to view full size picture]")
As noted above, the boardwalk is approximately 3/4 mile long and was established to protect the wetland ecosystem in the area. Keep your eyes open for deer and other wetland wildlife!
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Big Rock Point Restoration Project
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![Big Rock Point Restoration Project [Click here to view full size picture]](media/recreation/tn_bigrockweb.jpg "Big Rock Point Restoration Project [Click here to view full size picture]")
Big Rock Point, for many years easy to spot by its unique green sphere and red and white striped tower, was a nuclear power plant operated by Consumers Energy from 1962 until 1997. It was located between Charlevoix and Bay Shore along the Lake Michigan shoreline. The plant closed in 1997 at which time Consumers Energy began a decommissioning process (Big Rock Point Restoration Project) to dismantle the facilities and return the site to green space.
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MDOT Roadside Park
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![MDOT Roadside Park Picnic Area [Click here to view full size picture]](media/recreation/tn_mdotroadsidepicnicareaweb.jpg "MDOT Roadside Park Picnic Area [Click here to view full size picture]")
The Little Traverse Wheelway runs through two MDOT roadside parks between Charlevoix and Bay Shore. These parks are perfect for picnics and scenic walks on the beach.
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This page last updated on 6/22/2006.
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![Summer Views on the Charlevoix County Segment of the Little Traverse Wheelway [Click here to view full size picture]](javascript:showPic(new picObj('media/recreation/photomergetrailweb.jpg', 'Summer Views on the Charlevoix County Segment of the Little Traverse Wheelway',600,450)); "Summer Views on the Charlevoix County Segment of the Little Traverse Wheelway [Click here to view full size picture]")
![Trailhead at Charlevoix Township Hall [Click here to view full size picture]](javascript:showPic(new picObj('media/recreation/chxtownshiptrailheadweb.jpg', 'Trailhead at Charlevoix Township Hall',600,450)); "Trailhead at Charlevoix Township Hall [Click here to view full size picture]")
![Boardwalk Scenes [Click here to view full size picture]](javascript:showPic(new picObj('media/recreation/boardwalkphotomergeweb.jpg', 'Boardwalk Scenes',600,457)); "Boardwalk Scenes [Click here to view full size picture]")
![Big Rock Point Restoration Project [Click here to view full size picture]](javascript:showPic(new picObj('media/recreation/bigrockweb.jpg', 'Big Rock Point Restoration Project',500,505)); "Big Rock Point Restoration Project [Click here to view full size picture]")
![MDOT Roadside Park Picnic Area [Click here to view full size picture]](javascript:showPic(new picObj('media/recreation/mdotroadsidepicnicareaweb.jpg', 'MDOT Roadside Park Picnic Area',500,375)); "MDOT Roadside Park Picnic Area [Click here to view full size picture]")