Take a Hike: Michigan Celebrates Miles of Trails
Julie Bitely
| 2 min read
While you certainly don’t need an excuse to get outdoors and enjoy the beauty of Michigan in the fall, a special week devoted to celebrating Michigan’s trails is just that!
Michigan Trails Week takes place Sept. 19 through 26 and a variety of events are scheduled to honor Michigan’s extensive trail network. With over 12,000 miles of recreational trails in the state, there really is a trail for everybody to enjoy.
According to the Department of Natural Resources, Michigan boasts:
- 560 miles of forest looped trails
- 1,402 miles of water trails along the Great Lakes
- 905 miles of bike trails
- 900 miles of state park trails
- 2,623 miles of rail trails – the most in the country!
- 3,627 miles of off-road vehicle trails
- 590 miles of designated equestrian trails, including 300 miles of shore-to-shore riding trail
- 6,407 miles of snowmobile trails
- 1,150 miles of the North Country Scenic Trail
Notable trails week events are planned at Van Riper State Park, Tahquamenon Falls State Park, Charles Mears State Park, Fred Meijer White Pine Trail State Park, and North Central State Trail.
Michigan Trails Week is a collaboration of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Michigan Recreation & Parks Association, Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance and Pure Michigan.
The events will culminate on National Public Lands Day Sept. 26, when people are invited to support and preserve Michigan’s public trails through volunteering, financial contributions or advocacy. For more information, including a complete calendar of events, visit the Trails Week website.
Where is your favorite Michigan trail? Share with us in the comments.
If you liked this post, you might also enjoy:
Photo credit: A Healthier Michigan
