A project years in the making in Michigan has received a big boost, as the longest state-designated trail in the nation draws closer to completion.

The Michigan DNR says the Iron Belle Trail is currently just over 70 percent complete. The $1.4 million of public and privately raised funds will help build connections along the trail.

The Iron Belle Trail runs along two separate routes. There is a hiking segment that mainly follows the North Country National Scenic Trail on the west side of Michigan. There is also an 800-mile bike trail that runs between Belle Isle in Detroit up to Ironwood in the western Upper Peninsula.

The funds raised will help support the following projects:

  • Crawford County, $50,000 for the engineering of a project from Fletcher Road to Four-Mile Road.
  • Crawford County, $50,000 for the engineering of a project from M-93 to North Wright Street.
  • Crawford County, $50,000 for the engineering of project from North Wright Street to Otsego County line.
  • North Country Trail Association (Alger County), $50,000 for design of the Laughing Whitefish River Bridge.
  • North Country Trail Association (Baraga County), $50,000 for construction of the Canyon Falls Boardwalk.
  • DNR – Tahquamenon State Park (Luce County), $49,980 for construction along the Tahquamenon River Trail.
  • Polly Ann Trailway Management Council (Oakland County), $3,081 for the purchase and installation of a bike repair station.
  • Carrollton Township (Saginaw County), $50,000 for trailhead appraisal and design.
  • Calhoun County Road Department (Calhoun County), $10,000 for construction of a safe road crossing.
  • Calhoun County Trailway Alliance (Calhoun County), $15,000 for trail planning.
  • City of Frankenmuth (Saginaw County), $16,000 for trailhead amenities and signs.
  • Bay City (Bay County), $30,193 for signage, bike repair stations.
  • Otsego Lake Township (Otsego County), $50,000 for trailhead design and construction.
  • Huron-Clinton Metroparks (Washtenaw County), $38,742 for trailhead at Dexter-Huron Metropark.
  • Huron-Clinton Metroparks (Wayne County), $43,360 for signage.
  • Van Buren Township (Wayne County), $50,000 for design at Willow Run Creek and Van Buren Park.
  • Van Buren Township (Wayne County), $50,000 for engineering of a trail route.
  • Grand Blanc (Genesee County), $4,100 for a bike repair station and other amenities.
  • Corwith Township (Otsego County), $7,000 for trailhead signage.
  • Crystal Falls Township (Iron County), $15,000 for engineering of a Heritage Trail extension.
  • Battle Creek (Calhoun County), $30,000 for trail signage.
  • Grayling (Crawford County), $45,428 for a route study, public engagement.
  • Detroit Greenways Coalition (Wayne County), $5,000 for Iron Belle Trail maps.
  • Au Sable Township (Iosco County), $45,000 for trailhead design.
  • Dickinson County Bike Path (Dickinson County), $8,000 for signage.
Michigan DNR
Michigan DNR
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