In case you missed it, here is some more good news to start 2019! Just before the holidays, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance announced Michigan’s first state designated water trails.
Island Loop Trail
In total, eight water trails were designated across the state, four of which are in Southeast Michigan – Central River Raisin, Huron River Water Trail, Shiawasee River Trail, and Island Loop Route. We are happy to report that three of these trails are currently included in Southeast Michigan’s Trail Explorer, where you can virtually tour and experience these wonderful regional assets. Capturing 360-degree imagery for the Shiawasee River Trail is planned for later this spring!
A major component of SEMCOG’s Water Resources Plan focused on the importance of both enhancing and promoting the region’s blue economy. This means everything from supporting water-related industries, to using our waterways as destinations for placemaking and recreation, and increasing opportunities for access. A key component of the blue economy is the region’s network of water trails, which are designated routes along lakes, rivers, canals, or bays, primarily designed for kayaking or canoeing. In Southeast Michigan, we have an estimated 450 miles of water trails with 171 launching points. This designation by the state is an excellent way to highlight these trails as well as the many other water trails across the region.
And while the winter weather may prohibit experiencing these water trails now, land trails during the winter can be quite exhilarating. Check them out in ParkFinder; search “winter recreation.”
Pinckney State Recreation Area
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