Michigan DNR Announces Name for New Hiking, Biking Trail

After nearly 9,000 name suggestions, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has settled on a name for the new hiking and biking trail from Belle Isle Park in Detroit to Ironwood in the Upper Peninsula.

The DNR says the trail will officially be named Michigan’s Iron Belle Trail.

DNR Director Keith Creagh says, “along the route from Belle Isle to Ironwood, Michigan’s Iron Belle Trail will ultimately connect communities, provide a variety of recreation opportunities, and showcase our great state to residents and visitors alike.”

A committee, including Michigan Trails Advisory Council, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Michigan Recreation and Parks Association and the Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance, recommended the final name to DNR Director Creagh. Creagh approved to the final name.

During the DNR’s contest, which ran from September 22 through October 13, 2014, hundreds of variations of the final name were submitted. They determined the winners by randomly drawing three names; Amanda Mailer of Rochester, Matthew Husted of Jerome and John Meikle of Lapeer were each awarded one of three vacation prize packages.

The new trail will connect several existing trails across the state.

The Parks and Recreation Division of the DNR is looking for private and public funding to develop trail corridors. Many temporary connectors are already in place along the trail. For more information about the development of the trail, contact the DNR state trails coordinator Paul Yauk at 517-284-6141.

Learn more on the Michigan DNR’s trail website here.