Overall Route Rating
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3.86 out of 5 Rider Rating 3.86
7 Reviews

East Torch Lake Up Toward Tunnel of Trees Road

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By ras4460 (5 McR Points) on Jan 11, 2015

Rider Reviews

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dmellor4
2 McR Points
February 9, 2016
This trip is fun and beautiful from April through…
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nihao76
21 McR Points
August 2, 2015
Stumbled across this road while riding old route…
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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.
 

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dmellor4
February 9, 2016
2 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring
This trip is fun and beautiful from April through November. One suggestion. Don't stay on US 31 North of Eastport. Go west at Old Dixie Highway and follow the roads along the Lake Michigan shoreline until you are forced back on 31 south of Charlevoix. Unless you want to go all the way east to Boyne City, you have to cross the draw bridge in Charlevoix and you might as well stay on 31 from there through Petoskey where you can turn northwest onto M119 for the Tunnel of Trees ride.
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nihao76
August 2, 2015
21 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring
Stumbled across this road while riding old route 72. I was happy I found it. You can keep a fast pace and some great curves along the way. Not much traffic at all. Pretty smooth a few bumps here n there. Good alternative to taking 72
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2 riders found this road review useful
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sherjer Passn'Thru
July 4, 2016
23 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
My husband (2014 HD CVO Road King) and I enjoyed the ride and beautiful views. Legs Inn located in Cross Village is an absolute must for excellent food and authentic atmosphere.
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1 riders found this road review useful