Massive New Trail System Coming to Michigan

Paul Bohn, Esq.

Ever dream of the day that you can just hop on your bicycle and ride all the way to South Haven to spend the day on Lake Michigan? What about riding all the way to Lambeau Field to see the Detroit Lion’s get their second win in 20+ years in the State of Wisconsin?  Well, those dreams are quickly becoming a reality for nearly 50% of the state’s population as the “Big 400” trail development project is underway!

The 5 Healthy Towns Foundation, a tax-exempt private foundation for community improvement, has recently begun fundraising efforts to develop a loop trail to connect Chelsea, Dexter, Stockbridge, and Pinckney. Users will be able to ride, hike, or cross-country ski through the beautiful woods, farmland, and along waterways with this new 44-mile nature trail. It is projected to cost $1 Million and the foundation is already 1/3 of the way there.

This loop will be tied into the existing Iron Belle Trail that runs from Belle Isle to Ironwood, Wisconsin. It will also connected to Lakelands Trail, which stretches from Port Huron on the east side, to South Haven on the west.

A second project, named the Waterloo Trail, has already been put into motion. The Potawatomi Mountain Biking Association has joined forces with renowned trail-builder, Spectrum Trail Design, to create 25 miles worth of mountain biking trails. The $500,000.00 project will include a wide-range of trail-difficultly so that all can enjoy the thrill of mountain biking safely within their skill-level.

Within 5 years, the hope is to connect the Waterloo Trail to the Big 400 project. Once completed, Michigan’s non-motorized trail system will be among the best in the nation.

To find out more information, or to donate to their efforts, visit Hwpathways.org or waterlootrail.org!