DNR Names New ‘Pure Michigan’ Trails And ‘Trail Towns’
After a recent Governor's Conference on Tourism, the Michigan DNR has given a few more trails and towns the "official" moniker.
What designates a trail as a "Pure Michigan" trail?
According to MLive, the title is given to "public routes" that are at least a mile long and have access to national, state or regional "scenic resources" and “capture the natural essence of Michigan.”
Communities labeled as a "Pure Michigan Trail Town" are ones that are along a Pure Michigan Train where people can venture off the path and enjoy the local scenery and features.
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 vice president of Travel Michigan, David Lorenz, in a release. “We are pleased to partner with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to honor these trails and trail towns. (via MLive)
The newly-designated trails are:
- All-season Canada Lakes Pathway - Luce County
- 15 miles long through Lake Superior State Forest
- Haywire Grade - Schoolcraft and Alger Counties
- Michigan’s first rail-to-trail
- Kal-Haven Trail - South Haven and Kalamazoo
- 33-mile trail linking the two cities through bridges and various small towns
The newly-designated Trail Towns are:
- Cheboygan - North Country National Scenic Trail, Iron Belle Trail and the Inland Waterway
- Orion Township - Polly Ann Trail, Paint Creek Trail and Iron Belle Trail
- Reed City - "Michigan's 'mightiest' trails" -- White Pine Trail and Pere Marquette Trail intersect
These additions follow the 2019 Pure Michigan Trails and Trail Towns which you can find more about when you click here and the full list from the DNR can be found here!