GRAWN BIKE TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Pedaling the Rails: The Hoosier Valley Hotshot’s Six-Mile Loop Through Traverse City Woods
A 1 hour, 45 minute guided tour on custom rail bikes along out-of-service tracks in southern Traverse City—this guide explains what to expect, who it suits, and the practical details to book and prepare.
Pedaling the Rails: The Hoosier Valley Hotshot’s Six-Mile Loop Through Traverse City Woods.
The Hoosier Valley Hotshot delivers a singular outdoor experience: custom rail bikes carrying individuals, couples and families along out-of-service rail lines that thread the woods of southern Traverse City. The tour is short and focused—designed for memorable pedaling on rails and framed by local history and fun facts included during the outing.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Six miles along out-of-service rails through Traverse City woods
This 6-mile round-trip is run on existing, out-of-service rail lines that pass through the wooded edges of southern Traverse City on custom-made rail bikes—an uncommon way to move through local landscape and history.
Custom rail bikes for a new pedaling experience
Wheels on Rails fields custom-made rail bikes that let small groups pedal together, offering a hands-on, social ride that’s designed for individuals, couples and families to make lasting memories.
Short, social outings with history and interpretation
The operator includes history and fun facts as part of the tour, keeping the 1 hour and 45 minute outing engaging and informative as you move through the woods.
What the day feels like
What the outing feels like
The experience centers on pedaling a custom rail bike along a corridor of out-of-service track, moving quietly through wooded sections of southern Traverse City. At roughly one hour and forty-five minutes, the tour balances a short, active ride with interpretation and social time—making it compact enough for families and casual riders while still offering the novelty of traveling on rails.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this tour suits and who should consider alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The scheduled outing runs approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes; arrive 20–30 minutes before your tour time for check-in and paperwork.
Bring any personal child carrier required for infants (front carriers such as a Baby Bjorn are required for infants), appropriate clothing for active pedaling, and any personal items you need during a short outdoor excursion.
Bookings are accepted online or by phone; on-site availability is scarce. Expect to check in, sign a waiver, and participate in a brief safety review before the ride.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The experience lasts approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.
How do I book a ride?
Bookings are handled online or by phone; on-site availabilities are scarce.
Can infants and small children participate?
Infants must be secured in a front child carrier (for example, a Baby Bjorn); smaller children who cannot reach the pedals may not be able to actively pedal but can still enjoy the ride as passengers.
Is the ride physically demanding?
The route is short, but there is a slight incline on the return trip which will require additional pedaling effort.
What happens when I arrive?
Plan to arrive 20–30 minutes ahead of your scheduled tour to check in and sign a waiver; staff will review safety guidelines about five minutes before departure.
Can I bring a large group?
Large parties are possible but require advance coordination—call the operator to discuss pricing and options.