Written Directions
From Kalkaska, MI:
M-72 West to Valley Road {4 miles} turn right {North}.
Valley Road North {15 Miles} all the way into Rapid City and turn right onto Rapid City Hwy.
Stay on Rapid City Hwy to Alden, MI. {6 miles}
Stay on Alden Hwy North and it turns into SE Torch Lake Drive on stay left then it turns into NE Torch Lake Drive. {10 miles}
Stay on NE Torch Lake Drive {12 Miles} to M-88 and Turn Left.
M-88 to US-31 {1 mile} turn Right.
US- 31 to Charlevoix {25 miles}
US-31 to Petosky. {30 miles}
At this point you are at the end of this route.
From here I suggest you turn left onto M-119, through Harbor Springs, then on to the Tunnel of trees. End in Cross Village. Stop at Leggs Inn.
Scenery
Valley Road is very scenic with old farms, and wooded hillsides on each side.
The remainder of the route is through cottage country in a tree canopy covered road with lots of gentle turns. US-31 is rather straight and open.
Drive Enjoyment
The first half has many gentle sweeping turns with good road conditions.US -31 is in very good condition though rather straight. Watch for loose sand on curves and tar used to patch the roads.
(If you continue on to Tunnel of Trees Road and follow M-119, those roads speak for themselves as they are among the most beautiful riding in all of the midwest.)
Tourism Opportunities
There's many tourist type activities along the way. Alden Michigan is a nice small community with local shops.
Fisherman's Island is a beautiful beach to walk along.
If you continue on to Tunnel of Trees Road, I suggest you check out Leggs Inn at Cross Village ... well worth the stop. Wonderful food and a beautiful overlook of Lake Michigan.
