Rail to Trails - Tart Trail

That first summer, 2004, is when we discovered the Rails to Trails systems around Michigan.

There are many groups involved in the Rails Trails initiative to take old railroad trails that are no longer in use, and convert them to trails that can be used for many recreational activities.

Many trails have been paved and are great rides. The initiative works to inter-connect these trails across the state and across the country. We have been on Rails to Trails system in Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, Ohio, and even Florida; our Tandem has been in many geographic locations since 2004.

One that we thoroughly enjoyed that first summer was the Tart Trail. It starts up in Traverse City and goes up the Leelenau peninsula to Sutton's Bay. The first five to eight miles was paved, then it turned into a dirt trail for another ten miles. The unpaved part was packed down enough that we had no problem pedaling through the countryside.

The Tart trail goes through many orchards of Cherry trees. There were many wonderful views and quite a mix of open land and wooded areas. This is a linear trail. When we got to Sutton's Bay, we changed into our swim suits, went swimming, took in an art festival, and sat outside eating in a courtyard restaurant. Then, we headed back down to Traverse City. It was a great day and I would love to do this ride again.