Defining Trails and Pathways

• Biking:
A developed trail of varied widths surfaced with blacktop or compacted stone on flat to rolling terrain.
• Mountain Biking:
A designated, rugged, natural surfaced, single track trail that offers a range of riding opportunities.
• Off-Road Vehicle Trails/Routes/Areas: A designated trail or scramble area that offer riding opportunities for motorcycles, ATV’s and 4x4 vehicles.
• Cross-country Skiing: A groomed trail or pathway, or un-groomed trail open to cross-country skiing.
• Equestrian Trails: A designated trail open to horseback riding.
• Snowmobiling: An area within a State Park or Recreation Area or a designated State Trail that is open to snowmobiling activities. Specific local regulations may apply.
• Hiking: Natural or hard surfaced trails or pathways of varying widths that provide a variety of hiking challenges.
• Accessible (hiking): Trailhead complies with ADAAG standards. Trail slopes and widths are in compliance with proposed Recommendations for Accessibility Guidelines – Outdoor Developed Areas for hiking trails. Surfacing materials are blacktop, concrete, boardwalk, or firm gravel, limestone, slag, or soils. If provided, sanitary facilities and drinking water source are compliant with ADAAG standards.
• Accessible (all other trail types): Trailheads and access routes leading to the trail or scramble area’s point of entry comply with ADAAG standards. A trailhead contains accessible parking spaces and access routes that have blacktop, concrete, boardwalk, or firm gravel, limestone, slag, or soil surfacing. If provided, sanitary facilities and drinking water source are compliant with ADAAG standards.
• Pathways: A pathway is a non-motorized trails ranging in length from less than one-quarter of a mile to scenic overlooks to pathways hundreds of miles long provide opportunities for biking, hiking and skiing. Sixty-six state forest pathways stretch a total of 880 miles.
• Multiple-Use Trails: Trail opportunities consist of both designated non-motorized trail activities such as hiking, mountain biking, jogging, rollerblading to horseback riding and cross-country skiing, to motorized trail uses, such as snowmobiling and off-road vehicles. While many trails in Michigan are specific to one type of activity, multiple-use trails offer a broad range of activity.
• Water Trails: A signed water route with or without portages for nonmotorized watercraft.
• Linear Trail Parks: Linear Parks are converted from abandoned railroad corridors and are the only State Parks that do not require a motor vehicle permit. Entrance is free.