Celebrate Michigan Trails Week With Events Around The State At Michigan State Parks

The DNR is inviting you to try a guided hike, a river paddle, a race or many other great outdoor events. Here’s some Statewide DNR News about Michigan Trails Week.

With inviting fall weather right around the corner, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources invites residents and visitors to enjoy the seasonal transition during Michigan Trails Week (9/19 – 9/26). This annual weeklong campaign celebrates and encourages people to experience Michigan’s signature trail opportunities, the communities they serve and the economic benefits they provide.

Trails Week is a perfect time to find a nearby trail to explore or check out any of these upcoming trail events and opportunities:

Saturday, September 19 – Saturday, September 26

Michigan Trails Week at Hartwick Pines (Crawford County): Visit the rolling hills and old-growth pines that make the park so unique. Call ahead for daily tour times or enjoy the trails on your own. For more information, call 989-348-2537.

Michigan Trails Week at Wolf Lake Hatchery (Van Buren County): Come explore some of the four marked trails ranging from one-quarter mile to 1.5 miles. Trails are open to guests from dawn to dusk. For more information, contact Wolf Lake Hatchery at 269-668-2876.

Saturday, September 19

Paddle-Pedal at Island Lake Recreation Area (Livingston County): Get outside and enjoy the scenic Huron River with a one- to two-hour paddle hosted by the Friends of Island Lake Recreation Area. For more information, call 810-229-7067. For boat rental information and reservations, contact Heavner Canoe Rental by visiting www.heavnercanoe.com or call 248-685-2379.

Judged Trail Ride-Equestrian at Ortonville Recreation Area (Lapeer County): Join the Ortonville Recreation Equestrian Association for a trail ride from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., followed by cookout, silent auction and other activities. For more information, visit www.hadleyhills.com or call 248-627-3828.

A Glow in the Park: Luminous Trail at Mears State Park (Oceana County): Campers are invited to enjoy a wooded light show along the Old Baldy Trail. They are encouraged to decorate their campers and campsites. This event will also take place on Saturday, September 26. For more information, contact the park at 231-869-2051.

Sunday, September 20

Michigan Trails Week Hike at Van Riper State Park (Marquette County): Get outdoors for a guided interpretive hike along the beautiful Overlook Trail that overlooks Lake Michigamme. For more information, contact the park at 906-339-4461.

Saturday, September 26

Trail Tech 101 at Bay City State Recreation Area (Bay County): Join a naturalist guide for a hike on the Andersen Nature Trail and learn about the wildlife that lives within the Tobico Marsh. For more information, contact the Saginaw Bay Visitor Center at 989-667-0717.

Park It! on Lakeland Trail – Outdoor Fun Day at Lakelands Trail (Livingston County): This event features archery, fishing, bicycle tune-ups, wildlife exhibits, a walk/bike event and more. For more information, visit www.hamburg.mi.us/lakelands_trail_state_park or call 734-426-4913.

Dances With Dirt - Relay Race and Ultra-marathon at Pinckney Recreation Area (Washtenaw County): Lace up and be prepared to get those running shoes dirty at this trail run event. For more information, call 734-426-4913 or visit www.dwdhell.com.

Michigan Trails Week Celebration at Rockport Recreation Area (Alpena County): Experience geocaching, fossil hunting, biking to the sinkholes and a historical tour of the Village of Bell, located at Besser Natural Area. For more information, visit www.friendsofrockport.org or call P.H. Hoeft State Park at 989-734-2543.

Waking the Dead 5K at Sleeper State Park (Huron County): Escape the “dead” while completing a 5K trail run/walk through the woods. For more information, visit www.tritofinish.com or call 989-856-4411.

Kris Kulhaniek Judged Equestrian Trail Ride at Sleepy Hollow State Park (Clinton County): Equestrians are invited to test their horsemanship skills with this annual trail riding event. There will be five divisions and cash prizes for winners. For more information, visit www.shtra.org or call 517-651-6217.

Yoga Out Yonder at Waterloo Recreation Area (Washtenaw County): Join Breathe Yoga for a guided trail hike with breaks for yoga postures. Register online at http://breatheyogachelsea.com. For more information, contact Breathe Yoga at 734‐627-7558.

Hike Between Da Falls at Tahquamenon Falls State Park (Chippewa County): Celebrate Michigan Trails Weeks by hiking the most popular trail in the park. Shuttles from the Lower Falls to Upper Falls will begin at 9 AM and run every 30 minutes. For more information, contact the park at 906-492-3415.

Hoppy Grapevine Tasting Trail Event at North Central State Trail (Central Michigan): Join families and friends for fun activities including local beer and wine tasting, a farmers market, bounce house, arts and crafts, music, games and more. For more information, contact the Cheboygan Field Office at 231-627-9011.

White Pine Trail Harvest Hike at Fred Meijer White Pine Trail State Park (Osceola County): Get outdoors for a self-guided walk along a paved section of the trail which will be lit up by carved pumpkins. For more information, contact Mitchell State Park at 231-775-7911.

Many events are free, but prices vary by event, and a Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry to state parks and trails.

With more than 12,000 miles of trails, Michigan is the perfect destination for hikers, bicyclists, paddlers, snowmobilers, equestrians, off-road vehicle enthusiasts and everyone who likes to explore the great outdoors. Michigan Trails Week is collaboration among the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the Michigan Recreation and Park Association, the Michigan Trails & Greenways Alliance and Pure Michigan.

These events will culminate on National Public Lands Day, September 26, when people are invited to support and preserve Michigan’s public trails through volunteering, financial contributions or advocacy. For more information and events, visit www.michigan.gov/trailsweek.

Learn more about how the Recreation Passport gains you access to Michigan state parks and more at www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport.

To check camping availability and make a reservation, please visit www.midnrreservations.com or call 1-800-44PARKS (1-800-447-2757).

Inside Michigan’s Great Outdoors subscribers are always the first to know about reservation opportunities, state park events and other outdoor happenings. Visit www.michigan.gov/dnr to subscribe now.