Pure Michigan Trails
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Pure Michigan® Trail and Trail Town Designation Program
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In partnership with Pure Michigan®, we are highlighting some of the state's best trails, water trails and trail towns through the Pure Michigan® Trail and Trail Town Designation Program. This program is designed to acknowledge Michigan's position as the nation's Trails State.
With a variety of trails developed and maintained through an extensive collaboration between state and local governments, nonprofits, foundations and volunteers, Michigan offers exceptional scenic beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities that appeal to many travelers. These designated trails represent the best in the state.
The following trails and towns chosen were deemed to provide users with clear information and a quality trail experience, as well as having broad community support and a sustainable maintenance and marketing plan.
- How to apply »
Pure Michigan® Designated Trails
- Canada Lakes Pathway - Luce County (2020)
Just a short short distance from Newberry in Michigan's Upper Peninsula and nestled in the Lake Superior State Forest, Canada Lakes Pathway offers beautiful all-season adventure. The pathway winds for 11.2 miles through wildflowers and dense forest and is comprised of six loops. The trail is designed for hiking and mountain biking in the spring, summer and fall and, in the winter, it's groomed into a double track for cross-country skiers.
- Haywire Grade Trail - Schoolcraft and Alger Counties (2020)
The Haywire Grade Trail was Michigan’s first rail trail, traveling from Manistique to Shingleton. It was converted into a recreation trail in 1970.
- Iron Ore Heritage Trail, Marquette County (2019)
A spectacular trail that showcases the role of the iron ore mining industry to the state of Michigan and the United States, the Iron Ore Heritage Trail is a 47-mile, multiuse, year-round interpretive trail. The trail connects communities and people to the region’s historic sites and human stories.
- Kal-Haven State Park Trail - Van Buren and Kalamazoo counties (2020)
The 33.5-mile former railroad line links the cities of South Haven and Kalamazoo, passing through small towns and numerous points of local historical interest.
- Leelanau Trail - Leelanau County (2019)
The 17-mile multiuse/nonmotorized Leelanau Trail runs up a Lake Michigan peninsula that is known for its abundance of cherry orchards and Riesling grape vineyards. Located in northern Michigan, the paved trail connects the popular tourist destinations of Suttons Bay and Traverse City.
- Polly Ann Trailway - Oakland County (2019)
The popular linear park utilizes the abandoned P.O. & N. railroad corridor and crosses through some of the most beautiful and untouched landscape in northern Oakland County. Woodlands, trailside wetlands and farmlands dominate the trail landscape. Walking, hiking, jogging, cycling, horseback riding and cross-country skiing in winter are just some of the activities enjoyed by users of all ages.
- Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail - Leelanau County (2019)
The Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail is a hard surfaced, nonmotorized multiuse trail that showcases destinations within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and the two lakeshore towns of Glen Arbor and Empire. Currently the trail runs nearly 22 miles (mostly asphalt with boardwalk over wetlands, with some areas smoothly compacted crushed limestone.
- Trail 45 Charcoal Grade Trail - Chippewa and Luce counties (2019)
Trail 45, also known as Charcoal Grade Trail, is a 44-mile, multiuse trail that runs from Newberry to Paradise. Initially a snowmobile trail, parts are open year-round for multiple uses. The trail runs through Tahquamenon Falls State Park and along the M-123 Scenic Byway.
- William Field Memorial Hart-Montague Trail State Park - Muskegon and Oceana counties (2019)
The William Field Memorial Hart-Montague Trail is 22.7 miles (plus an additional 3.2 miles for the White Lake Pathway) of asphalt passing through the “asparagus capital of the world.” The trail runs through farms, orchards, waterways and forests of western Michigan between Whitehall/Montague and Hart. Michigan’s first paved rail trail was completely rebuilt in 2015
Pure Michigan® Designated Trail Towns
- Cheboygan (2020)
Incorporated in 1889, the City of Cheboygan has a reputation as an outdoor-lover’s dream and has more miles of trails than any county in the state. It is known for having a “trail for all seasons.”
- City of Charlevoix (2019)
The city of Charlevoix is the county seat of Charlevoix County, located on the northwestern coast of the Lower Peninsula. The city has a Trail Ambassador program, a group of over 30 volunteers who work with government and community groups; they have been instrumental in gaining public support of trail expansion in the area.
- City of Houghton (2019)
The city of Houghton is known as the “Gateway to the Keweenaw” and is one of the 100 best places to live, according to “The 100 Best Small Towns in America” by Norman Crampton. Situated on the hills bordering the beautiful Portage Waterway, Houghton offers a bounty of recreational opportunities all year long.
- City of South Haven (2019)
The city of South Haven, South Haven Township, Van Buren County, the DNR and many other community groups, various trail friends’ groups and organizations have developed and promoted a vast network of trails in and surrounding South Haven.
- Orion Township (2020)
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. The township boasts more than 50 miles of trails.
- Reed City (2020)
Reed City is known as Michigan’s Crossroads, where two of Michigan’s mightiest trails, the White Pine Trail and the Pere Marquette Trail, intersect. The city is a popular destination to base a day or weeklong trip and a leader in paving trails.
- Village of Newberry (2019)
As the Moose Capital of Michigan, Newberry is situated in the middle of many great forests, lakes, streams, trails, state parks and beaches. Known for incredible snowmobiling and winter adventure, Newberry is the starting point for many visitors. Located in the heart of the Upper Peninsula, winter vacationers will find 128 miles of groomed snowmobile trails that conveniently connect to the entire Upper Peninsula.
How to apply
Application Process
Applicants must complete the application for designation and submit it, along with all required documentation, to the DNR state trails coordinator. The due date for applications will be announced later. Applications and information can be found in the handbook.
What The Designation Gets You
- A letter from the DNR state trails coordinator and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the DNR and the applicant.
- A DNR press release announcing the designation.
- Pure Michigan® incorporates the trail into its maps and marketing material.
- Signage with branding is placed in appropriate locations by the designee.
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