Trails in the News - Press Clipping Files

06/05/2008

Riding the Trails

The Graphic Weekly

Lying within the Northern Michigan landscape are miles of trails linking communities.
"Trails really provide a safer place for families and children to ride their bikes," noted Emily Meyerson, Northern Lower Peninsula Trailways Coordinator who works with Top of Michigan Trails Council and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
This is beneficial not solely for health reasons. Top of Michigan Trails Council executive director Anne McDevitt noted that transportation via bicycle is a good alternative to running errands by car.
"It's cheaper on your pocketbook and wear and tear on your car ... Everyday errands are easy on a bike if you equip yourself with a basket," she said.
Also, studies show that when people are in the market to buy a home, local trails are a good selling point, she added.
Here's a look into some of the multi-use trails Northern Michigan has to offer.

Petoskey to Mackinaw City
Length: 32 miles
Stops along the way: Petoskey, Conway, Oden, Alanson, Brutus, Pellston, Levering, Carp Lake, Mackinaw City
Surface: Rail corridor; not surfaced
The trailheads for this undeveloped multi-use trail are on the west side of Spring Lake Park on M-119 in Petoskey and at Mackinaw Crossings in Mackinaw City. The ride can be broken into three main stretches -- Petoskey to Alanson, 7 miles; Alanson to Pellston, 8 miles; and Pellston to Mackinaw City, 17 miles.
"I really think a lot of people don't know that it exists," Meyerson said.
The route essentially parallels U.S. 31 along the former rail corridor. Meyerson added that in general, rail trails are fairly flat, although she suggested a mountain bike for this particular one.
"Some places it's a hard two-track dirt, other places are sandy two-track dirt," she noted.
Areas in Alanson and Pellston are private property. Meyerson suggested a detour around these areas by taking Milton Road in both villages.
She added that this trail is not very heavily used in the summertime by bicycle traffic because it is not developed, but snowmobilers tend to favor it.
"It's sort of a fun adventure because it's not developed," Meyerson added.

Little Traverse Wheelway
Length: 23.25 miles (trail only); 26.65 miles from downtown Charlevoix to downtown Harbor Springs
Stops along the way: Petoskey, Bay Harbor, various parks
Surface: Paved, with two undeveloped stretches
This asphalt trail links the communities of Charlevoix, Petoskey and Harbor Springs along the Little Traverse Bay shoreline.
"It's connecting communities," Meyerson noted. "That's really important."
This multi-use trail is popular with bicyclists, walkers, runners and inline skaters; snowmobiles are not allowed. Because of its paved surface, any type of bike can be used with ease.
The two areas which are not developed are 1.5 miles between Bay Harbor's East Park and Magnus Park in Petoskey, and between Little Traverse Township Park near Harbor Springs airport and the city of Harbor Springs. The former is expected to be paved this summer, while the latter is expected to be surfaced by fall 2009.
Meyerson said the unpaved surfaces could be a little difficult for families, and safety is a concern as they have to ride on the shoulder. Overall, the terrain is flat, although there are some hilly patches.

Charlevoix Township Bike Path
Length: 2.5 miles
Stops along the way: Charlevoix
Surface: Paved shoulder
This stretch of trail connects to the Little Traverse Wheelway at Waller and Mt. McSauba roads in Charlevoix, and continues into downtown Charlevoix at Bridge Street.
Meyerson noted that there is not much traffic on this path, and that all bikes are suitable.

Gaylord to Mackinaw City
Length: 62 miles
Stops along the way: Gaylord, Vanderbilt, Wolverine, Indian River, Topinabee, Cheboygan, Mackinaw City
Surface: Crushed, packed limestone
The grand opening for this trail linking Gaylord to Mackinaw City is scheduled for June 7.
This rail corridor was abandoned in the mid-1990s and acquired by the state in 2000, Meyerson said.
She added that the trail was built for family use, and is fairly flat terrain. She suggested using mountain, touring or hybrid bikes.
Meyerson noted that each stretch of trail is very different, with some offering rolling farmland and rural settings, while others offer lake views or woodlands.

Maggie Peterson can be contacted at 439-9397, or mpeterson@petoskeynews.com.






State park biking trails in Emmet and Charlevoix counties:
Spring Brook Pathway, near Boyne Falls
(989) 732-3541
5 miles

Wilderness State Park, entrance in Carp Lake
(231) 436-5381
East Boundary Trail: 2 miles
Nebo Trail: 2 miles
North Country: 5.5 miles
Point Road: 3.5 miles
South Boundary Trail: 1.5 miles
Sturgeon Bay Trail: 2.25 miles
Swamp Line Road: 2 miles
Source: Michigan Department of Natural Resources, www.michigan.gov/dnr

The ABCs of trail etiquette:
T Use the right side of the trail except when otherwise designated
R Pedestrians always have the right of way
A Always pass on the left
I Don't inhibit your ability to hear those around your by listening to loud music
L When passing, announce your presence with a bell or by saying "on your left"
S Always maintain proper speed so that you are always in control
Source: Anne McDevitt, executive director of Top of Michigan Trails Council

Upcoming rides and events:
Saturday, June 7
Grand opening of the Gaylord to Mackinaw City trail and National Trails Day ride: Simultaneous ribbon cuttings at 8:30 a.m. in Gaylord, Vanderbilt, Wolverine, Topinabee, Cheboygan and Mackinaw City, with riders converging in Indian River for lunch noon-2 p.m. and the trail dedication at 1 p.m. in Marina Park. Register online at www.trailscouncil.org or for more information call (231) 348-8280.

Saturday and Sunday, June 14-15:
Big Mac Shoreline Spring Scenic Bike Tour: Four routes -- 25, 50, 75 and 100 miles -- depart at 9 a.m. (8 a.m. for 100 miles) for Mackinaw City High School. Sunday features a ride across the Mackinac Bridge for those who registered. To register, visit www.mackinawchamber.com or for more information call (888) 455-8100.

Saturday, June 14:
Brutus to the University of Michigan Biological Station at Pellston: Travel via the Petoskey to Mackinaw City trail from Brutus to the biological station at 9 a.m. at the Maple River Township Hall at Brutus Road and U.S. 31. Mountain bikes recommended for the three to four hour trip. For more information, call (231) 348-8280 or visit www.trailscouncil.org.

Saturday, June 21:
6th Annual Charlevoix/Emmet County Pink Ribbon Ride: The ride begins in Boyne City's Veterans Park and features 7-, 20-, 42- and 65-mile rides to raise funds for local breast cancer programs. For more information, call or e-mail Sue Morris at (231) 536-7066 or penbryn@charter.net, or to register visit www.bike4breastcancer.org.

Maps of area trails are available outside the Top of Michigan Trails Council office at 445 E. Mitchell St., Petoskey, and some are also online at www.trailscouncil.org. For more information, visit their Web site or call (231) 348-8280.

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