State welcomes six new Pure Michigan Trails and Trail Towns

With the announcement, 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.”

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 and interesting:

• 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.

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.

Towns with Pure Michigan designation are identified as vibrant places where trail-based tourism meets the needs of both trail users and town residents. A Pure Michigan Trail Town is a destination along a Pure Michigan Trail where users can venture off the trail to enjoy the scenery and the nearby community’s character, heritage and charm.

The trails and towns receiving Pure Michigan designation are among the elite Michigan trail experiences; promote healthy lifestyles; conserve the natural and cultural resources in the area; display iconic signage; increase awareness of trails for tourism; and provide a catalyst for economic activity in their communities.

Applications for the 2021 Pure Michigan Designated Trails, Trail Towns and Waterways are being accepted now. Visit the Pure Michigan Trail and Trail Town Program page to learn more or apply. For more information, contact Paul Yauk at 517-331-5131.