Michigan Has 3 New 'Trail Towns'

MICHIGAN — Three trails and three communities have been recognized as Pure Michigan Trails and Pure Michigan Trail Towns.

The designation was given by the Department of Natural Resources during the Governor’s Conference on Tourism this week in Grand Rapids.

The Canada Lakes Pathway in Luce County, the historic Haywire Grade in Schoolcraft and Alger counties and the Kal-Haven Trail in Van Buren and Kalamazoo counties join the ranks of designated Pure Michigan Trails. Additionally, Cheboygan in Cheboygan County, Orion Township in Oakland County and Reed City in Osceola County will be added to the roster of Pure Michigan Trail Towns.

“With four seasons of trail recreation fun available, Michigan truly is home to a variety of great trails and trail towns,” said Paul Yauk, DNR state trails coordinator. “Today, we are excited to recognize some of the best that provide people with unique trails experiences every time they step outside.”

Here's a look at what you can find:

• The Canada Lakes Pathway is an all-season trail nestled in Lake Superior State Forest. It winds for 15 miles in six loops through dense forest and features delicate, white wildflowers throughout the trail.
• The Haywire Grade, Michigan’s first rail-to-trail, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year with four special events.
• The Kal-Haven is 33 miles long, linking the cities of South Haven and Kalamazoo via numerous bridges and small towns. The Kal-Haven Trail also is of historic interest; this past year, the Michigan History Center completed a project to install dozens of historic panels along the heritage trail.

The new Pure Michigan Trail Towns are just as diverse:

• Cheboygan, known for having a “trail for all seasons,” is home to the North Country National Scenic Trail, the Iron Belle Trail and the Inland Waterway.
• Two of Michigan’s mightiest trails – the White Pine Trail and the Pere Marquette Trail – intersect in Reed City.
• Orion Township has a long-standing dedication to enhancing trails and pathways in its community, which is home to the Polly Ann Trail, Paint Creek Trail and Iron Belle Trail.

“Michigan is known for having thousands of miles of hiking, biking and kayaking trails, but the trails and communities that receive this designation are truly outstanding and embody what Pure Michigan is all about,” said David Lorenz, vice president of Travel Michigan. “We are pleased to partner with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to honor these trails and trail towns.”

Routes designated as Pure Michigan Trails provide access to national, state or regional scenic resources of high quality and splendor and capture the natural essence of Michigan. They may be single trails or a combination of trails, must be more than 1 mile in length, must be open to the public and must be substantially complete.