Petoskey to Go to Trial for Miracle Mile Easement

photo of the washout at the time of the event (photo from City of Petoskey)

from Bridge Michigan

The fate of the Little Traverse Wheelway that has been washed out since 2020, known as the "Miracle Mile" is still not settled.

Property owners, Gustav and Courtney Lo, sued the city for lack of maintenance on the easement and requested the easement be revoked and the property rights returned to them.

But Petoskey will fight to keep public access to the section of trail that runs from Harbor Springs to Petoskey. The council decided Tuesday at a special meeting to reject a settlement agreement for a lawsuit that could have put trail access at risk.

They will take the issue to trial. If the city loses in court, they might need to repair the section-- with a potential $20 million cost-- on a timeline determined by the court. But the city believes their risk of losing the lawsuit is minimal.

If the city wins, they will retain the easement and will be able to do the repairs on their own timeline, probably determined by fundraising due to the high cost of stabilization of the right of way.

Several portions of the 26-mile Little Traverse Wheelway — of which the Miracle Mile is a part — run through private property that the public is allowed to access through easement agreements. An eroded section collapsed in 2020 and has remained closed since.

See Petoskey Moves to Preserve Little Traverse Wheelway
See Interlochen Public Radio article


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73K Acres, Mt Arvon Protected in UP

Michigamee Highlands view (photo from Michigan DNR)

from Michigan DNR

This is obviously not in west Michigan, but it is huge news for state recreation, protecting an important landmark.

The Michigan DNR has secured a $20 million conservation easement to permanently protect 73,000 acres in the Michigamme Highlands, guaranteeing public access to the Upper Peninsula wilderness and the summit of Mt. Arvon. Mt. Arvon is the traditional high point of the state, although recent surveys suggest that Mt. Curwood is inches higher.

The summit of Mt. Arvon will never be logged, preserving it to become old growth forest. The remainder of the acres will be managed for sustainable forestry. Michigamme Highlands includes more than 37 miles of rivers, 220 miles of perennial and intermittent streams, 96 ponds and lakes and over 13,600 acres of wetlands.

Lyme Timber, owner, says this conservation easement protects the land from being divided – it can not be parceled off and sold away in small tracts.

The conservation easement will ensure permanent public recreational access to these lands for hunting, fishing, kayaking, biking, skiing, snowmobiling, designated ORV use, camping and hiking. The property shares 70 miles of border with state and federal lands.

See info and map


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Watch for Spring Lake Trail Excavation

utility excavation on Spring Lake Trail (photo from Spring Lake Township)

a news release of Spring Lake Township

Work is cruising along on the new multi-use trail on Hickory Street, from Fruitport Road to 148th Ave.

As part of this project, utility pipes will be laid beneath the trail, requiring considerable excavating as the path is cut.

What's to come: An 8' wide nonmotorized pathway on the south side of the road, with pedestrian crossings at Fruitport Road and 148th Avenue. Project includes ditch filling, storm sewer installation, tree removal, and driveway crossings. Construction is anticipated to take approximately 4 weeks. Work will generally be conducted between 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday.

See Spring Lake Township Non-Motorized trail plan


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DNR Announces Federal Grants for Tree Planting

young trees (photo from Michigan DNR)

a news release of Michigan DNR

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources Urban and Community Forestry Program is a federally funded program providing technical, educational and grant assistance to communities, nonprofits, educational institutions and tribes to build capacity for managing trees and forests in communities throughout the state.

“Trees are essential community infrastructure, and this grant program helps extend their many benefits to more Michigan communities,” said Kerry Gray, DNR Urban and Community Forestry Program grant specialist.

Trees play an essential role in improving the quality of life for Michigan residents. They boost air quality, cool our communities, lower energy costs and help manage stormwater. Trees also support the mental and physical well‑being of people who enjoy their shade and beauty, contributing to healthier, more resilient communities across the state.

The grants were awarded to 15 communities and organizations benefiting more than 1.5 million Michigan residents. The grantees will collectively plant and care for more than 1,200 trees, create inventories of city trees and develop plans to sustainably manage over 2,000 public trees.

The following projects in west and central Michigan received money:
• City of Albion: $75,000 for street tree planting, care and maintenance.
• City of Benton Harbor: $75,000 for street tree planting, care and maintenance.
• Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy: $75,000 for public tree planting and care.
• Village of Shelby: $20,345 to complete a public tree inventory and management plan to guide tree planting and maintenance activities in the village.
• City of Three Rivers: $75,000 for public tree planting and care to replace trees lost to the spring 2026 tornado.

See full news release


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Sparta Land Swap Will Create Trailhead

Sparta land being swapped (photo from Sparta Informed)

from Sparta Informed

The Village of Sparta, Michigan, has secured public access to more than 100 acres of parkland along the Rogue River through a property swap with a local business owner that will cost taxpayers nothing.

The Rogue River Park has long sought a way to create a trailhead with better services including a rest room and public river access. When the private owner of the property expressed an interest in buying the former ambulance building on Garner Street, the village suggested a swap.

The 101-acre property has sat vacant for 30 years and includes a large wetland area that supports the Rogue River. Property owner Chad Momber is paying an additional balance to the village for the larger building. The property already has a small building and parking area which can be easily repurposed for the trailhead.

Village Manager Jim Lower said the access may be open to the public as early as this fall.

See Fox 17 article


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Mason County Campground Trail Section Construction Begins

approximate route of the trail (from Google imagery with overlay)

from Mason County Press

Construction will begin this week on 1.1 miles of paved, non-motorized trail between Mason County Campground, through the Mason County Picnic area, to the Lake Michigan Overlook at the Consumers Energy Pumped Storage Project. The water body in the image above is the Consumers Energy pumped storage Lagoon bounded by Chauvez Road and Lakeshore Drive, south of Ludington, Michigan.

This is one link toward the long-term goal of connecting Ludington State Park to Pentwater on the Mason County Multi-Use Trail. $400,000 of the $1.1 million project is coming from the Michigan Natural Resouces Trust Fund.

During construction, the existing natural surface path will be closed. The portion north of Chauvez Road will be completed first, but the hope is to have the trail open before winter.

Mason County Campsite offers 56 sites. The radio-controlled airplane club operates Hull Field along the route. The picnic grounds and playground are adjacent to an excellent disc golf course.

See Mason County


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Pentwater-Hart Trail Phase 2 Funded

Pentwater Hart Trail

a news release of Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance

After nearly five years of planning, revisions, and perseverance, the Pentwater Hart Trail is celebrating a major milestone.

The City of Hart has been awarded Safe Routes to School funding for Phase 2 of the Pentwater Hart Trail. This project will extend the trail through the City of Hart, connecting to the William Field Memorial Hart-Montague Trail and providing a safer route past the Hart school campus. Construction is expected to begin in spring 2027.

The award marks an important step toward the group's long-term vision of creating a continuous shared-use trail connecting Hart and Pentwater. Planning is already underway for Phase 3, a 5.2-mile segment that will complete the connection.

See Pentwater Hart Trail


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Big Rapids Clay Cliff Trail Receives Grant

concept of accessible trail at Clay Cliffs (graphic from Independence Township Parks and Recreation)

Big Rapids, Michigan, has received a $391,400 Michigan Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund grant for Clay Cliffs trail which will involve the development of a ¾ mile universally accessible non-motorized waterfront trail within the Clay Cliffs Natural Area. The city will provide $167,800.

Clay Cliffs includes approximately 69 acres which currently includes unimproved nature trails that wind through forest and along Mitchell Creek. The new trail will be a loop, crossing Mitchell Creek twice.

Plans call for two footbridges, accessible overlooks, benches, interpretive signs and bird-information displays. The route is expected to support hiking, walking, biking, fishing, birdwatching and snowshoeing, creating a recreation corridor that can serve visitors across multiple seasons.

See Clay Cliffs Trails


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Lost Nation Bridge on the NCT

Enjoy this slide presentation of the building of a long-awaited bridge in the Lost Nation State Game Area on the North Country Trail. Click to view.



See Chief Baw Beese Chapter of the NCTA


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New Flint State Park Opens

Flint State Park (photo from Michigan DNR)

compiled from several sources

Related to yesterday's post about the Grand Traverse Greenway Trail, one end of that trail will be at the new Flint State Park.

A new state park is open in Flint, and it will energize the riverfront, create more diverse recreation opportunities and bring economic benefits to the city. The 230-acre state park is located along a three-mile stretch of the Flint River and a section of Swartz Creek. This is Michigan’s 104th state park and the very first in Genesee County.

Five park units - Chevy Commons, Mott Park Recreation Area, Riverbank Park, Vietnam Veterans Park and Happy Hollow Nature Area - and connector trails are being linked.

The plan includes the addition of a signature play garden on the east end of Chevy Commons where Swartz Creek drains into the Flint River. Some sections of the park are open, and work is underway on the site.

Genesee County Parks manages and maintains the site in partnership with the DNR, which provides high-level oversight. A permanent endowment was established through a generous collaboration with the C.S. Mott Foundation.

See Flint State Park


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Flint Begins Construction of Regional Trail

construction of Grand Traverse Greenway (photo by Jenifer Veloso)

compiled from several sources

Work has begun on the Grand Traverse Greenway Trail in Flint, Michigan. Phase one of this trail segment will start at Kearsley Street, connecting to the new state park in Flint, and end at Fenton Road near I-69. The first phase is expected to be completed by the end of September.

This project is one part of the Mott Foundation’s commitment to help expand non-motorized trails in Flint and Genesee County over the next five years. It is also part of the statewide Iron Belle Trail that spans 2,000 miles from Detroit to the Upper Peninsula.

The name, Grand Traverse Greenway, is confusing, but the trail follows a street of that name. This is not in Grand Traverse County.

The Mott Foundation has committed $25 million to support what may become a 364-mile regional trail system. The commitment supports a new strategic trails plan that the Genesee County Metropolitan Planning Commission developed in partnership with local municipalities and with community input.

See Mott Foundation


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Big Rapids Adaptive Playground

adaptive swing dedication at Hemlock Park (photo from Big Rapids Facebook)

compiled from several sources

Big Rapids, Michigan, has opened the newly refurbished Hemlock Park area with the dedication of the Daniels Family adaptive playground.

Last year, Big Rapids added pickleball courts and an accessible kayak launch. Other areas of the park were also updated.

Most recently, a splashpad and accessable playscape have been added. Pictured above is an adaptive swing which accomodates wheelchairs. Families who have children with mobility issues actively seek out playgrounds where their youngsters can enjoy the outdoors and increased opportunities for exercise.

The community is certain that these additions will both benefit residents and draw tourists to the area.

See Big Rapids Hemlock Park


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Dreyer's 22-Mile Swim for Veterans

Jim Dreyer towing cannonballs (photo from M-Live by David Volk)

compiled from several sources

Jim Dreyer, who in 1998 became the first person to swim across Lake Michigan, continues to be an ultra swimmer at age 62. This weekend, he set a goal to swim 22 miles towing 250 cannonballs to bring attention to both the 250th birthday of the United States and the 22 veterans who commit suicide every day.

He began the swim in Lake Michigan at 4 pm Friday. His goal was to end at Whitehall’s Goodrich Park, for the White Lake Area Maritime Festival. The cannonballs will be used to build a veterans' memorial.

The swim went off course, and in order to complete it on time for the festival, Dreyer did adjust the route by getting in the escort boat for a correctional distance. Then he re-entered the water and completed the swim at 10:30 pm on Saturday.

All but one of the balls were in the towed dinghy. He carried one on his back in honor of his father, a WWII veteran. The total weight was 1500 pounds.

See Wood TV article


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Experience Silver Lake on Horseback

horseback riders at Silver Lake SP (photo from the Michigan DNR)

a news release of Michigan DNR

Experience Silver Lake State Park on horseback! As part of an ongoing effort to expand year-round recreation at Silver Lake, a shoreline horseback riding season takes place annually Nov. 1-30 (except Thanksgiving). This is at Silver Lake State Park, Oceana County, Michigan.

Equestrians can ride a predetermined route along Lake Michigan. A staging area, open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. is available.

Reservations open Sept. 1 at 8 a.m. at MiDNRReservations.com (use the equestrian tab and staging area filter) or call 1-800-447-2757. The cost is $10 per horse per day, with 125 slots available daily.


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Missing River Tubers Found Alive

rescued tubers (photo from Facebook)

compiled from several sources



Three people, two young women and a 9-year-old boy, have been found alive after being missing for three days.

They had been tubing on the Muskegon River (Michigan), but were floating in what were pool toys rather than tubes sturdy enough for river floating.

The father of one of the women reported them missing on Wednesday after she missed a medical appointment. He found their car with a broken window. It is unclear if that is related to the incident, but it caused speculation that there might have been foul play.

Their floats were found and a child's footprints, several miles downriver. A K-9 crew was brought in and the trio was located Friday afternoon about 0.75 mile from where the tubes were found in dense forest.

They apparently followed a trail from the river, but it led them deeper into the woods rather than to civilization.

Michigan State Police are happy to report this positive outcome.

Several other less spectacular rescues have taken place this week. Please plan well, check weather, increase your knowledge and recreate safely!

See WOOD TV report


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Dexter-Huron Metropark May Connect to VanCurler

Dexter-Huron Metropark (photo from Dexter-Huron Metropark, Creative Commons license)

from The Sun Times News

Although this is more eastern than western Michigan, celebrating connections that allow for longer adventures is something GOTC news always wants to do. These areas are northwest of Ann Arbor, Michigan, and this connection will add a spur to the Washtenaw County Border-to-Border trail that is in development. In a straight line, about a mile of land will be traversed by the trail.

In July, Scio Township voted to devote up to $11,000 for designing and engineering of a walking path to connect VanCurler Preserve and the Dexter-Huron Metropark.

Van Curler Preserve includes 90 acres with forests, wetlands, prairies and river bluffs. The trail connection will help alleviate cramped parking at Van Curler by providing an alternate access from the larger parking area in Dexter-Huron Metropark.

The new trail will also create a safer crossing of the Huron River.

See Border to Border Trail


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Onaway Trailhead Nears Completion

Onaway Trailhead (photo from Top of Michigan Trails Council)

a news release of Top of Michigan Trails Council

Onaway's great new trailhead on the North Eastern State Trail is still progressing and nearing completion. All the paving is complete and workers are putting the finishing touches on the open-air pavilion, which will also serve as the town's Farmers Market.

The North Eastern State Trail is a 70-mile rail-trail between Alpena and Cheboygan. It carries part of the Midland to Mackinac Trail. The surface is crushed limestone.

See North Eastern State Trail


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Betsie Valley Trail to be Upgraded

Thompsonville Junction (photo from Benzie County Museum)

compiled from several sources

The Betsie Valley Trail, Benzie County, Michigan, is to receive $1 million from MDOT for upgrades. Currently 22 miles long, from Frankfort, through Elberta and Beulah to Tompsonville, it follows the former Ann Arbor Rail bed.

A 4.1-mile stretch in Weldon Township through the Pere Marquette State Forest will be done at the east end of the trail at Thompsonville Junction.

The historical rail hub at Thompsonville Junction is being made into a bicycle campground, featuring a new pavilion, restrooms, and 10 updated campsites managed by the Thompsonville Area Revitalization Project.

More paving from Beulah to Case Road will be completed with a $400,000 state Spark grant and local matching funds. This will use a special snow-resistent asphalt.

Upgraded parking and new ADA-compliant vault toilets will improve mobility access and boat staging for the Betsie River at the River Road Access.

See M-Live Article


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Hemlock Crossing Trail Overview

a Hemlock Crossing trail (photo by jhy)

by jhy

I had the opportunity to hike just over 5 miles at Hemlock Crossing this week, and it's definitely a great place for various levels of difficulty, and potential lengths from quickie hikes to longer adventures.

Located just west of US 31 at West Olive, Michigan, the trail system includes a short accessible loop (the Meadow Loop), but it also connects to the paved Lakeshore Trail which runs for 20 miles connecting Grand Haven State Park with Holland State Park.

However, once you cross the Pigeon River on a wooden footbridge, the trails are natural surface, and only foot travel (includes skis and snowshoes) is allowed. Pets are allowed on leash. There are numerous loops you can follow to create your own custom hike. If you stay close to the river, the topography will be more level, but as you go away from the water, there are increasing hills. Most are only gently rolling. Junctions are numbered and well marked with maps and clear arrows leading to the next junction.

Pigeon River from a Hemlock Crossing trail (photo by jhy)

At the west end of the park, the trails connect with Pine Bend where there is also parking. Both a toilet house (seasonal) and a latrine are available at the Hemlock Crossing end. Pine Bend only has a latrine. Parking at both locations is free.

The fact that these parks connect means you have even more choices for trails and potential loops. Hemlock Crossing together with Pine Bend provide over 12 unique miles of trail. Almost all the trails are wooded with packed earth surface. There are some occasional areas of looser sand and a few bridges and boardwalks. There are numerous observation platforms near the river, and benches for resting.

There is also a canoe/kayak launch to paddle the Pigeon River. This is a short river entirely within Ottawa County (note- there are five Pigeon Rivers in Michigan).

A public observatory is open for sky viewing every Friday night.

overview map- see pdf map link below (photo by jhy)

From March 1 - October 15 the hours are 7am to 10pm, and from October 16 - February 28 trails are open 7am to 8pm.

See pdf map of the area


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Grand River Drowning Victim Recovered

Grand River search (still from a WZZM video)

compiled from various sources

A 60-year-old man attempted to swim across the Grand River in Kent County, Michigan, on Friday July 31. During the swim, he disappeared and emergency personnel were called.

The search was called off at dusk.

On Saturday, at approximately 2:00 p.m., the Kent County Sheriff's Office Dive Team located the victim approximately 15 feet out from the western riverbank, about one-quarter mile downstream from where he was last seen in the water.

The incident occurred near Johnson Park. Grandville Deputy Chief Darin Rietman encourages swimmers to take precautions in the river. "Don't try to swim across the Grand River, that current can be unpredictable, can be strong," Rietman said. There is also a lot of debris.

See WZZM TV


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Formerly White Mountain Preserved as Chigidaaki

the Chigidaaki reserve (photo from the Little Traverse Conservancy)

from M-Live

The area formerly known as White Mountain is now protected since the Little Traverse Conservancy purchased the land in May 2025.

This 654-acre reserve in Charlevoix County, Michigan, will host a trail network. Existing two-track roads will be converted to a non-motorized trail system. The trails include grand views of Boyne City and Lake Charlevoix. Signage will be added, but visitors at the present time should use some other method of wayfinding.

Visitors to Chigidaaki can use the existing two tracks to experience the reserve’s hilly hardwood terrain, large open meadows and sweeping views of Lake Charlevoix and Boyne City.

Chigidaaki is Anisinaabemowin for Place of the Big Hill. A major donor worked with the Little Traverse Bay Band of the Odawa Indians to create the name.

Even more amazing, the reserve abuts more that 100,000 acres of state land, including the Pigeon River Country State Forest, and Gaylord State Forest. This will provide habitat for animals that need a large territory such as black bears and bobcats.

See more at M-Live


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Kayak Launch on Shiawassee to Open

graphic from Saginaw Bay Watershed Initiative

from Saginaw Bay Watershed Initiative

Months of effort to improve access to the Shiawassee River is resulting in a sustainable and safe access point near Linden, Michigan.

The location has been used for years to access the river but without any sort of infrastructue to make the access less challenging. Instead of a steep bank and roadside parking, there will be off-raod parking and a stable, well-designed entry point to the river.

"The Hogan Road launch is the perfect exit point after an hour-and-a-half trip from downtown Linden—the perfect length for families with young children and 'newbies.' It is also the gateway to the rest of the river," said Maggie Yerman, a dedicated Keepers of the Shiawassee member.

An official ribbon cutting will be September 1, 2026

See more at Community Foundation of Greater Flint


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