Find your path during Michigan Trails Week, Sept. 21-28

Every day is a great day to take to the trails, and now the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is promoting one more terrific reason to get outside and enjoy your favorite path: Michigan Trails Week, which kicks off Saturday, Sept. 21.

“We’re known as the Trails State for a reason: we have more than 13,400 miles of designated state-managed trails – plus thousands of miles of local, county and federally managed trails and pathways – that Michigan residents and visitors can enjoy year-round,” said Tim Novak, state trails coordinator for the DNR’s Parks and Recreation Division.

There is something special about time on the trails come fall, Novak said.

“This makes Michigan Trails Week the perfect time to explore,” he said. “Whether you’re into hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, off-roading or paddling, the Great Lakes State landscape offers excursions for everyone. You can even get a jump on scouting out some snowmobiling trails.”

Meander and make memories

Michigan Trails Week – always coinciding with National Public Lands Day on the fourth Saturday of September – is an annual effort to shine a light on Michigan’s vast trails network and elevate the resources and opportunities that continue to build our reputation as the Trails State. The DNR invites Michiganders to pay tribute to and enjoy our state’s extraordinary trails system during these eight days – and be inspired to incorporate trail treks into all four seasons!

It can be as simple as finding a new trail adventure, revisiting a favorite route, sharing a photo or memory with a friend or making it social. Follow MiStateParks on both Facebook and Instagram for ideas on making the most of Michigan Trails Week. (Scroll through our posts to find a few trail “staff picks” we suggest checking out!)

And don’t forget trail etiquette when you head out – knowing when to yield and how to interact with other trail users helps ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all. When riding off-road, go at a safe speed and always operate within the limits of your ORV and your own abilities. Find rules, regulations and safety certification information at Michigan.gov/RideRight.

Show your trail love

Interested in sporting a bit of trails and recreation swag to support the Trails State? Check out some of the timeless gear (like this “Great Trails State” sticker) that celebrates Michigan’s awesome outdoor recreation opportunities. These items are offered by our merchandise apparel partner, Great Lakes Proud, and a portion of all proceeds from this collection helps preserve state parks, trails and waterways.

You can also help keep Michigan’s trails in the best shape for everyone to enjoy safely. More than 150 DNR-associated volunteer groups hold trail workdays throughout the year. Volunteers help with brush removal, sign installation and maintenance, general trail cleanups, snow grooming, dirt grading and even grant writing.

Want to lend a hand? For off-road vehicle or snowmobile trail volunteering, contact Jessica Holley-Roehrs at [email protected]. For nonmotorized trails volunteering, contact Tim Novak at [email protected]. Please put “VOLUNTEER” in the subject line.

Trails Week is also a good time to direct support to your favorite trail or toward project goals within a specific category such as water trails, snowmobile trails or ORV trails – it all helps to elevate the hard work of our volunteers and trail partners.

2024 trail news

• Did you know that the DNR’s wide variety of accessible recreation opportunities continues to grow at state parks, campgrounds, boating access sites, state game areas and trails? From accessible walkways to the waterfront, user-friendly kayak launches, colorblind scenic viewers at overlooks and motorized track chairs for trail exploration to accessible accommodations including mini cabins, camper cabins, lodges and yurts, an increasing number of Michigan state parks offer inclusive ways for visitors to enjoy the outdoors. Read more about the DNR’s commitment to make the state’s natural resources available for people of all abilities.
• Allowable use of Class 1 electric bicycles on state-managed, nonmotorized bicycle trails/pathways expanded this summer following approval of a proposed DNR land use order. “This decision opened our trails to be even more inclusive, providing opportunities to those unable to bike without assistance who want to continue riding and enjoying the outdoors,” said Ron Olson, chief of the DNR’s Parks and Recreation Division. “We anticipate all bikers and trail users will continue to practice appropriate trail etiquette so all users can be safe and enjoy the expansive natural-surface trail system.” Read more about this change.
• Three communities and one trail were recognized as Pure Michigan Trails and Pure Michigan Trail Towns. Highbanks Trail (Iosco County), Lansing (Ingham County), the village of Milford (Oakland County) and the Oscoda area (Iosco County) received this designation for offering quality trail experiences that rank among the best in the state. (Applications for the 2025 program open next month).
• Did you that the Michigan Heritage Trails Program connects people with the natural and cultural heritage of the landscape they are passing through? From the Iron Ore Heritage Trail in the Upper Peninsula to the Huron River National Water Trail in southeast Michigan, the Michigan History Center helps organizations create a deeper experience of place for trail users through its Heritage Trail Program.

No matter how you plan to enjoy Michigan Trails Week – walk, run, paddle or ride – get started at Michigan.gov/DNRTrails.

Note to editors: Accompanying photos are available below for download. Caption information follows.

• Wooded trail: A trail cuts through Fort Wilkins Historic State Park in the Upper Peninsula’s Keweenaw County. Photo credit: Tyler Leipprandt and Michigan Sky Media LLC in cooperation with the Michigan Department of Natural Resouces.
• Horseback riding: Riders enjoy the equine trail at Pinckney Recreation Area in Washtenaw County.
• Kids cycling: A group of young cyclists make their way down the trail at Algonac State Park in St. Clair County. Photo credit: Tyler Leipprandt and Michigan Sky Media LLC in cooperation with the Michigan Department of Natural Resouces.
• Off-road trail riding: Michigan has over 4,000 miles of state-designated ORV trails, scramble areas, (eligible) county, state forest and national forest roads, and frozen surfaces of public waters, making it a top destination for ORV riders of all levels.