Leland is a region situated on Michigan's Leelanau Peninsula, positioned between Lake Michigan and Lake Leelanau. Its landscape, shaped by glacial activity, features rolling hills, hardwood forests, sandy bluffs, and extensive shorelines. This geographical diversity provides varied terrain suitable for several outdoor activities, including hiking, touring cycling, and road cycling. The area's natural features, such as its lakes and forests, define its character for outdoor pursuits.
Leland offers a range of outdoor activities, with aβ¦
18
Routes
4.9
(8)
Average rating
152
People visited

5.0
(1)
24
hikers
2.24km
00:37
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

3
hikers
2.82km
00:45
40m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

30.1km
07:41
100m
100m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

3.38km
00:51
0m
0m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?

4.7
(3)
6
riders
29.0km
01:46
180m
180m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

3
riders
54.5km
03:21
340m
340m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(2)
5
riders
30.6km
01:53
190m
190m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

10
riders
15.7km
00:56
70m
70m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?

14
riders
57.3km
03:05
340m
340m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

13
riders
26.7km
01:25
170m
170m
Moderate road ride. Great for any fitness level. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

5.0
(1)
6
riders
53.5km
02:50
320m
320m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

16
riders
34.1km
01:51
200m
200m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Leland offers opportunities for Hiking, Touring cycling, and Road cycling. The region features 2 routes, with more than 300 visitors having shared experiences, resulting in an average rating of 4.92 out of 5 stars.
Popular hiking areas include Clay Cliffs Natural Area, Whaleback Natural Area, and Houdek Dunes Natural Area. These locations offer diverse terrain from bluffs overlooking lakes to sandy paths through forests. For detailed routes, refer to the Hiking around Leland guide.
Yes, Leland offers several easy hiking routes suitable for various skill levels. The Houdek Dunes Natural Area has moderate trails, and the region includes options for less strenuous walks. Consult the Easy hikes around Leland guide for specific recommendations.
Leland is known for its quiet back roads and dedicated trails for touring and road cycling. The Leelanau Trail is a 17-mile (27.4 km) paved route connecting Traverse City with Suttons Bay. Other options include the Fish Town Loop - North Manitou Trail and the Stony Point Loop.
Many trails in Leland are suitable for families, particularly those with moderate difficulty and scenic views. The Leelanau Trail, being mostly flat and paved, is accessible for casual riders and families. Specific family-friendly features may vary by natural area.
Policies regarding dogs vary by natural area and specific trail. It is advisable to check local regulations for each preserve or park before visiting with a dog. Leash rules typically apply where dogs are permitted.
Trails in Leland showcase diverse natural features, including bluffs overlooking Lake Michigan and Lake Leelanau, hardwood forests, and sandy dunes. Visitors can experience views of the Manitou Passage and the Manitou Islands from elevated points like Whaleback Natural Area.
Parking is available at various access points for trails such as the Leelanau Trail. Specific natural areas like Clay Cliffs, Whaleback, and Houdek Dunes also provide designated parking facilities. It is recommended to check individual trailheads for parking details.
Komoot offers several guides for the Leland region, including Hiking around Leland, Easy hikes around Leland, Cycling around Leland, and Road Cycling Routes around Leland.
The official website for Leland, Michigan, is townofleland.com. This resource provides additional information about the area and its offerings.
Trail lengths vary significantly in the Leland area. For example, Clay Cliffs Natural Area features a 1.5-mile (2.4 km) hike, while Whaleback Natural Area offers a 1-mile (1.6 km) hike. Houdek Dunes Natural Area has a 3.3-mile (5.3 km) trail system.
Yes, some trails in Leland offer more challenging terrain. Whaleback Natural Area, for instance, includes uphill climbs to a 300-foot (91-meter) bluff. These routes provide rewarding views for experienced hikers.
Fishtown is a preserved historic commercial fishing village where the Leland River meets Lake Michigan. It features weathered shanties and docks, offering a glimpse into the Great Lakes' maritime heritage. It is a notable landmark in the region.

