With more than 13,000 miles of trails across Michigan, there are many opportunities to explore our communities and connect with nature. Recent efforts to connect trail routes between neighboring communities have built momentum for local development and established state-wide networks like Michigan’s Iron Belle Trail and Great Lake-to-Lake Trail. Here in Southeast Michigan, the Great Lakes Way is a new initiative with a similar approach, aiming to connect greenway and blueway routes from Lake Huron to Lake Erie and provide access to unique recreation opportunities that can only be found in our region.
Explore a map of the Great Lakes Way here
The Great Lakes Way is rich with world-class fisheries, flyways, parks, bustling urban centers, and small downtowns, preserved old growth woodlands and restored wetlands, history and industrial heritage, and working waterways. Connecting more people to these community destinations and natural resources will create a significant impact in their quality-of-life, and it supports regional goals for community health and wellness, placemaking and economic development, along with environmental quality and infrastructure.
The Blue Water River Walk
Anchor Bay
Gabriel Richard Park
Detroit Riverwalk
Downriver Linked Greenways
Sterling State Park
Led by the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, the vision for the Great Lakes Way was developed by a team of regional stakeholders using SEMCOG’s data resources. As an interconnected regional trail network, the Great Lakes Way represents more than 300 miles of greenways for walking and biking, and water trails for paddling. A primary goal for developing this trail route is ensuring that all residents and visitors – people of all ages, backgrounds, ethnicities and interests – feel welcomed to share in its benefits. Currently:
- 65% of the greenway route includes infrastructure for walking and biking. Of these segments, approximately 40% will need improvements to comfortably serve all ages and abilities.
- 35% of the greenway route has gaps in walking and biking infrastructure. Of these segments, approximately 65% have adopted local plans for future improvements.
- While the blueway routes are all currently navigable, increasing launch points and amenities throughout the system will increase accessibility for more people.
In the coming months, planning and coordination around the Great Lakes Way will continue, supported with grant funding from the National Park Service’s Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program. Communities along the trail route are encouraged to subscribe here for updates, and stay tuned for opportunities to provide additional input and get involved.
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