Introduction

Michigan has a rich legacy in successful trail development due to management efforts by hard-working individuals and organizations around the state. Nonetheless, there are both challenges and opportunities that await a new generation of trail leaders. Trail planners and managers must consider the following topics when thinking about and planning for the future of Michigan’s trails.

Trails as a Community-Building Asset

One of the most significant opportunities and challenges for trail managers and trail advocates is to ensure trails are both highlighted and recognized as a foundational community asset, not just for providing recreational opportunities, but also for increasing public health, aiding in transportation, and building social connections. Land use planners must continue to see the value of including trails in their community and begin to more fully appreciate the concept of regional “trailsheds,” which is a regional trail planning approach centered around coordinating local trails and strengthening bonds between communities.

New and Emerging Uses

There are many new and emerging uses of Michigan trails, and many of those uses involve the increasing electrification of vehicles (e.g., e-bikes and electric scooters). New uses on trails must be managed and accommodated properly to facilitate new user groups while still ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for all trail users. Trail managers must approach these challenges with an open mind and attempt to make accommodations as these new uses offer the opportunity for a wider range of the public to access trails.

Data Collection and Trail Development

One of the most pressing needs that has not been fully met in Michigan is the need to build a coordinated statewide system of collecting and managing trail use data. Without access to consistent and reliable data, trail managers lack information necessary to understand how trails are being used. Whether making the case for economic benefits, public health benefits, improving property values, or connecting people and communities, having good data can help communities make more informed and effective trail management, development, and enhancement decisions.

Managing Conflicts

The ability to anticipate and manage potential conflicts on trails is a pressing need for trail planners and managers. As trails become more popular, trail user conflicts will likely increase. Having a diverse set of trails within specific geographic regions that provide opportunities for a variety of uses could help reduce user conflicts. There should be a concerted effort to build out the concept of regional trailsheds, in which trail planners create regional grouping of trails that can meet trail use needs within the region.

Safety and Security

Trail planners and managers must keep safety and security at the forefront of any trail plan to ensure that trail users have enjoyable experiences on the trail. Clear and consistent signage, proper enforcement of rules and regulations, and methods of encouraging users to be mindful of trail etiquette while on a trail are key components of an effective trail safety plan. Nothing will impact a trail experience more negatively than a user feeling unsafe or insecure on the trail.

Rising Popularity of Water Trails and Destination Trails

Water Trails

The last five to six years have seen an incredible rise in the popularity of water trail usage and development in Michigan. State and local water trails provide the public opportunities for intriguing and unique trail experiences that connect users with Michigan’s vast network of water resources. Trail managers must take lessons from the early leaders in water trail development and build trails that ensure that safety is paramount (e.g., via robust educational campaigns and signage). There should also be a focus on creating land and water connections so trail users can access multimedia trail experiences.

Destination Trails

There is a rising demand for destination trails around the state, which is illustrated by the increasing length and connections of regional trails. The Great Lake-to-Lake Trail, Iron Belle Trail, and Shore-to-Shore Riding and Hiking Trail are prime examples of destination trails that allow a trail user to move from one point of the state to another. There is something magical about being able to dip your bicycle wheel in one Great Lake and then six or seven days later dip that same bicycle wheel in another Great Lake 275 miles away. Or think about traveling on the Iron Belle destination trail that connects a trail user with the state’s major urban area in southeast Michigan and then with a remote Upper Peninsula town hundreds of miles away!

New Sources of Trail Funding

Trail planners must continue to explore new sources of trail funding, particularly sources that could help fund the state’s nonmotorized trail system. For example, a new trail user fee could be developed to support the ongoing management and maintenance of nonmotorized trails. Although motorized users already pay a fee to support state-designated motorized trails, there is no similar fee-based system for nonmotorized trail use.

Lessons Learned from the COVID-19 Pandemic

We must acknowledge the opportunity that trails gave people to get outdoors in a safe and healthy environment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Trails must continue to be regarded and promoted as a vehicle for providing a healthy outlet for the public, particularly during times of emerging health concerns.

New Liability Issues

Given the impacts of climate change and increasingly severe and significant weather events, every effort should be taken to ensure trail infrastructure is as robust and resilient as possible. Additionally, with the emergence of new land and water-based contaminants (e.g., per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) contamination), trail planners and managers must understand that without remediation, some trail corridors may expose users to historical contaminants. Trail planners must work with state and local officials to develop trail plans that either remediate or contain nearby contaminants.

National and Multi-state Trails

There will likely continue to be a growth in both national and multi-state trails, as illustrated by the continuous growth of National Scenic Trail mileage throughout the country. The Great Lakes region with its eight Great Lakes states and two Canadian provinces holds promising potential for new multi-state and multinational trails.

Trails as Transportation Corridors

With continued efforts to decarbonize our modes of transportation, and the continued focus on creating a network of trails throughout the state, we can reasonably expect more trail users to use trails for transportation and commuting purposes. The rise of e-bikes and other electrified vehicles will likely help facilitate this mode of transportation on trails.

Conclusion

Trails have become an endemic part of our culture; trails have been and will continue to be a fundamental part of our society. Regardless of what Michigan’s future holds, trails will continue to provide important societal benefits like recreational access, facilitation of business and social interactions, and historical and cultural preservation. The ability for trails to link people and communities is a powerful land use tool that should not be overlooked.