About the Trails Council

Connecting Northern Michigan by Trail

Since 1995, we’ve worked to advocate, maintain, and promote a connected network of recreational trails across the Top of Michigan.

Mission Staff Board History Committees

Our Vision

People engaging in a world-class trail system that connects northern Michigan’s thriving communities.

Our Mission

We create and promote a network of recreational trails throughout northern Michigan.

See the year in trails — our latest annual report.

Read the 2024 Annual Report

Our Team

The staff behind the trails

Becca Nelson
Becca Nelson
Associate Director

Becca coordinates TOMTC’s programming and joined the team in 2019. A Petoskey native, her favorite trail activity is running. Off the clock she’s exploring with her husband Trevor and dogs Clara and Lentil, paddleboarding, reading, or baking.

Eric Cox
Eric Cox
Relationship Builder

Eric develops new Trails Council partnerships and nurtures existing ones while assisting with communications. After a long career in newspaper journalism, this former publisher still freelances as a writer, photographer, and editor.

Linda Slater
Linda Slater
Administrative Assistant

Linda handles bookkeeping, office support, and welcoming the many Trails Center visitors. A retired CMU engineering and planning professional, she and her husband Mark enjoy walking, hiking, golf, and cycling from their home in Cross Village.

Cindy Okerlund
Cindy Okerlund
Youth Program Coordinator

Cindy heads up TOMTC’s youth programs, including the Kids Biking Initiative, “Pedaling with a Purpose,” which gets area 4th graders outdoors and riding safely. She retired from a career teaching health education in Harbor Springs schools.

Bill Prall
Bill Prall
Safety & Maintenance Director

A founding member of TOMTC, Bill oversees trail maintenance, signage, and safety. Involved in cycling and bike racing since childhood in Detroit, he started the Touring Gear bike shop in Harbor Springs in 1981, where he and his wife Shirley still reside.

Governance

Board of Directors

Kate Courtney Scollin
Kate Courtney Scollin
President
Petoskey
Brian Slater
Brian Slater
Secretary
Charlevoix
Tom Ling
Tom Ling
Director
Petoskey

Also serving

John Scholten Vice President · Petoskey Mona O’Neil Treasurer · Petoskey Liam Dreyer · Charlevoix Arnie Geldermans · Indian River Jed Howbert · Petoskey KC Leh · Cheboygan Slava Mykhayls · Charlevoix Geoffrey Neirthercut · Bay View Susan VanderVeen · Boyne City

Our Story

A history worth preserving

From a 1994 conversation between trail advocates to a 300-mile network — and a historic limestone cottage we’re proud to call home.

How Trails Are Built

Local committees, lasting connections

TOMTC partners with local committees to develop new trails and improve the ones we have. As a 501(c)(3), we support these committees and act as the fiduciary agent for their work — and they’re always seeking volunteers to make the effort more effective.

Boyne City to Charlevoix Burt Lake Trail Charlevoix to Traverse City Boyne Valley Trailway Little Traverse Wheelway Friends of the North Central State Trail
Volunteer with us

Trails Council committee members

Volunteers restoring a washed-out section of trail