April 15, 2023 - When it comes to incredible cycling routes, Michigan’s Iron Belle Trail tops the field as the longest state-sponsored hiking and biking trail in the USA. Stretching from Belle Isle Park in Detroit to Ironwood in the Upper Peninsula, it includes an 828-mile (1,333km) bicycle route and a 1,273-mile (2,036km) hiking route.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary last year, the world-class trail was initially proposed in 2012 by then Governor Rick Snyder with $220 million ($65M in public funds, $155M in private) budgeted for the development and maintenance of the trail for the next 10 years.

Showcasing hundreds of municipalities, 83 different towns and villages, and more than 170 parks and natural areas, the Iron Belle Trail traverses 48 different counties across the state.

A large portion of the Iron Belle Trail follows the existing North Country National Scenic Trail, which runs from the New York–Vermont border to central North Dakota, encompassing 4,800 miles (7,700km).

The Iron Belle Trail cycling route, which welcomes Class 1 e-bikes, utilizes many of the state’s existing bike paths, bike lanes and designated biking routes such as the Paint Creek Trail in Oakland County, the North Central State Trail between Gaylord and Mackinaw City, and U.S. Bicycle Route 10 in the Upper Peninsula. It will also incorporate routes along U.S. Highway 2 across the Upper Peninsula.

Overseen by Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Iron Belle Trail relies on federal, state and local partnerships to facilitate the expansive non- motorized, active transportation project under the guidance of the current Governor, Gretchen Whitmer.

To date, about 75% of this fabulous trail project is completed. New funding will be designated to sections that need resources to finish the project which has yet to have a final date of completion.