Each one of these pathways is known for offering unforgettable trail experiences, and this spring they have this in common, too: All have been named recipients of the Pure Michigan Trail designation, an annual recognition highlighting the state’s top trails.

This year’s recipients:

• The Great Lakes Way, an interconnected set of 160 miles of greenways and 156 miles of blueways stretching from southern Lake Huron through western Lake Erie.
• The Michigan Air Line Trail, which travels through Wixom, Walled Lake and Commerce Township.
• The Fred Meijer White Pine Trail State Park, a 92-mile paved pathway linking more than a dozen communities between Grand Rapids and Cadillac.

The announcement was made during this week’s Pure Michigan Governor’s Conference on Tourism at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa near Traverse City.

“The White Pine Trail, the Michigan Air Line and The Great Lakes Way are tremendous additions to the growing network of Pure Michigan Trails,” said Kelly Wolgamott, vice president of Pure Michigan, part of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “These pathways and waterways showcase the incredible natural beauty of our state while connecting visitors and residents to attractions, small businesses and local communities along the way. Whether hiking, biking or paddling, these Pure Michigan Trails offer unforgettable ways to experience the outdoors here in Pure Michigan.”

The Pure Michigan Trail and Trail Town Designation Program, a partnership between the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Pure Michigan, is designed to help boost the state’s position as the “Trails State.”

“The Pure Michigan Trail program recognizes Michigan pathways that provide a quality trail experience, whether these trail users are hiking, biking, riding or paddling,” said DNR state trails coordinator Tim Novak. “The organizations and dedicated individuals helping maintain these high-quality trails have worked hard to support and advocate for trails and trails users while providing safe, accessible recreational experiences year-round.”

Applicants apply for the designation, with an annual deadline of Jan. 15. Recipients must submit required documentation to the DNR and receive recognition in the form of signage with branding placed in appropriate trail locations and inclusion in Pure Michigan trail maps and marketing material.

Some years, the program also designates Pure Michigan Trail Towns. This year, however, recipients include only three specific trails.

“This year’s Pure Michigan Trails have broad community support,” Novak said. “Their respective organizations understand and support the economic and social impacts of trails and how important they are to improving quality of life for residents and visitors. That is why we are proud to designate them as Pure Michigan recipients.”

Pure Michigan Trails promote healthy lifestyles, conserve natural resources and provide a catalyst for economic activity in local communities. Here’s more about this year’s recipients.

The Great Lakes Way

The Great Lakes Way is a national greenway and blueway system with 160 miles of greenways and 156 miles of blueways linking residents and visitors to nature and outdoor recreation, including fisheries, bird migration paths, parks, working waterways, preserved woodlands and restored wetlands.

“We’re delighted that The Great Lakes Way has received a Pure Michigan Trail designation,” said Sarah Baltman Wedepohl, vice president of community impact at the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan. “It provides residents and visitors with access to world-class fresh water, wildlife, recreation and heritage right in our backyard."

The Great Lakes Way initiative includes connecting waterfront communities through water trails. A water trail is a designated route along a lake, river, canal or bay specifically designed for people using small boats like kayaks, canoes, single sailboats or rowboats. In general, southeast Michigan has 450 miles of designated water trails with 171 launching points along their routes.

“Our continued stewardship of this regional jewel reflects our commitment to investing in parks, trails and climate-smart infrastructure that improve environmental health and quality of life as part of our public space and environment focus area,” Baltman Wedepohl said. “We are deeply grateful to the dedicated partners, community leaders and trail advocates whose vision and persistence have made this recognition possible.”

Michigan Air Line Trail

The Michigan Air Line Trail is a 7.5-mile, multi-use pathway that travels through three communities in western Oakland County: Wixom, Walled Lake and Commerce Township. The Air Line connects with the Huron Valley Trail on the west and the West Bloomfield Trail on the east, plus a junction with the M-5/I-275 Metro Trail to the south. The trail is part of the Great Lake to Lake Trail, a 270-mile cross-state pathway that stretches from Lake Michigan to Lake Huron.

"We are thrilled that the Michigan Air Line Trail has been designated as a Pure Michigan Trail,” said John Hensler, trail manager for the Michigan Air Line Trail. “Whether passing through a downtown or enjoying some solitude under a wooded canopy, we love showing off the trail to guests and users from near and far, introducing them to our three welcoming communities along the trail and celebrating our link in the Great Lake to Lake Trail, Route 1.

“Whether it's a local family out on an evening ice cream run or bike tourists on a multi-day trip, the Air Line is a great reason to celebrate Michigan's status as ‘The Trails State.’"

The trail is named for the historic Michigan Air Line Railway that dates to the early 1880s. “Air line” refers to a route on the ground that was as close to a straight line as possible, “a route that a bird would follow.”

The Michigan Air Line Trailway Management Council, operating under an interlocal agreement, has worked to develop an unused railway corridor into the Michigan Air Line Trail since May 2009. Construction on phase two wrapped in 2023.

White Pine Trail

Spanning 92 miles, the paved Fred Meijer White Pine Trail State Park links Comstock Park near Grand Rapids to Cadillac. Following the historic Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad bed, it traverses 15 towns and cities and rural farmland, and offers scenic overlooks, picnic areas and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities.

“The Friends of the White Pine Trail has been intimately involved in the trail for approximately 28 years,” said David J. Heyboer, chairperson of the friends group. “Our original goal of the trail being completely paved was finally, joyfully realized this past year. The friends group has taken on many tasks to work with the DNR in the day-to-day maintenance of the trail, as well as fundraising for things like picnic tables, park benches and, most importantly, paving.”

The Friends of the White Pine Trail has been instrumental in raising more than $6.5 million for improvements and paving of the trail. 

“Now that the trail has been designated a Pure Michigan Trail, we have together with the DNR made the ‘big time,’” Heyboer said.

As a soon-to-be-named state heritage trail – several historical railroad stations still exist along the trail – the White Pine Trail soon will feature more signs along the trail with historical information.

Trail amenities include benches, picnic pavilions, repair stations, a gazebo with benches, seasonal port-a-johns, pit toilets, river overlooks and a water fill station. The trail passes by parks with picnic tables, benches, municipal restrooms and playground equipment.

Learn more about Michigan’s thousands of miles of trails, find maps and get details on the Pure Michigan Trail and Trail Towns Designation Program, including past trail and trail town recipients, at Michigan.gov/DNRTrails.