Trails have figured importantly throughout Michigan's history. European explorers, traders and settlers followed the water routes and land paths used by Native Americans, and many of our state's roads and railways were built on these historic travel corridors.

Today, managers in the Department of Natural Resources are working toward the creation and development of an expanded, connected and well-maintained trail system across Michigan that provides a variety of four-season recreation opportunities.

"Trails help us move people outdoors, where they can appreciate the great natural resources this state offers," said DNR Director Rebecca A. Humphries. "But beyond the recreational and economic benefits are the opportunities to improve health and wellness."

The DNR's original blueprint for improving opportunities for trails recreation in this state was the Michigan Statewide Trails Initiative written by recreation planners as an appendix to the department's 1991-1996 Michigan Recreation Plan. This planning document was adopted by the Michigan Natural Resources Commission in March 1992, and it inspired passage of the Michigan Trailways Act in 1993.

Nearly two decades later, it continues to guide the actions of the DNR in identifying, planning and promoting recreation use of all state trails. More recently, however, two major efforts have been valuable in clarifying the need and demand for trails.

In 2007, the Michigan Trails at the Crossroads: A Vision for Connecting Michigan report was developed by the DNR in collaboration with the Michigan Department of Transportation. This comprehensive report provides a snapshot of the current state of Michigan trails and identifies the framework necessary to realize Governor Jennifer Granholm's vision of a statewide network of interconnected trails. The full document is available online at www.michigan.gov/dnr on the Trails and Pathways page under Recreation, Camping & Boating.

About the same time, a companion initiative was developed by the Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance in partnership with federal, state and local government and numerous private-sector cooperators. The document, Connecting Michigan -- A Statewide Trailways Vision and Action Plan, addresses several key issues for the future of Michigan trails, including funding for acquisition, development and maintenance; tourism marketing and promotion; trail design and standards; connections and state interdepartmental cooperation. This plan can be found at www.connectingmichigan.org.

Michigan's extensive state trail system is comprised of federal, state and local trails that can be divided into two broad categories -- motorized trails and non-motorized trails.

Motorized trails, which include snowmobile trails and off-road vehicle (ORV) trails, are supported by user fees. Michigan's state forests, national forests and private lands currently provide more than 6,200 miles of signed, designated and groomed snowmobile trails, and 3,200 miles of signed, designated ORV trails.

"Michigan is one of only a few states that can offer such a large system of interconnected trails," said Steve Kubisiak, DNR recreation and trails program coordinator. "Which is why the over $8 million that's collected annually in snowmobile and ORV user fees and permit fees is put right back into trail grooming and maintenance. Our goal is to expand riding opportunities to meet increasing demand."

Approximately 880 miles of non-motorized trails in our state forests, which have no user fee system to support them, include a variety of pathways for shared uses, such as hiking, mountain biking and cross-country skiing. Most of these 66 designated pathways are associated with the DNR's rustic state forest campground system. In addition, the Shore-to-Shore Riding-Hiking Trail extends more than 300 miles from Lake Huron to Lake Michigan offering opportunities for horseback riding and rustic camping along the way.

Michigan State Parks and Recreation Areas also offer more than 870 miles of non-motorized trails inside park boundaries that are becoming increasingly more popular with users.

Historically, these trails were used primarily by hikers, cross-country skiers, equestrians and, during the fall season, hunters. Today, the trails have new groups of users, including in-line skaters, mountain bikers and runners. There is no fee charged to use these trails; however, a state park motor vehicle permit is required for entry into the park or recreation area.

Abandoned railroad corridors also have become an integral part of Michigan's trail system. Commonly referred to as rail-trails, these multi-use trails pass through forests and farmlands; run along rivers, streams and lakes and, most importantly, link communities.

The DNR currently manages nearly 1,100 miles of rail-trails, including five linear state parks located in southern Michigan, for a variety of recreational uses. In the Lower Peninsula, primary summer uses of these trailways consist of non-motorized activities such as walking, biking and in-line skating. On the other hand, motorized uses such as snowmobiling may occur during the winter months on designated trailways located in high snowfall areas, while ORV use is limited primarily to Upper Peninsula trailways.

The management of these trailways is accomplished by a combination of DNR staff and a variety of local cooperators that include units of government, nonprofit trail grant sponsors, volunteers and friends groups. The statewide success of these trailways and their continued growth will be based on cooperative partnerships with local communities.

"Local partners play an important role in our trail planning, development and maintenance efforts," Humphries said. "We continue to grow and nurture significant partnerships with communities and local units of government across the state as we work collectively for the benefit of Michigan trails."

As Michigan's state-managed trail system continues to grow in popularity, one of the DNR's greatest challenges will be to provide quality recreational opportunities that do not conflict among the various user-groups.

That challenge will continue to grow as people make increasing demands on the state's natural resources -- demands that result from having more leisure time and a growing awareness of the value of outdoor recreation.

Compatibility of uses, then, will be critical to the success of Michigan's trails program, and collaboration among federal, state and local units of government will enable that growth to continue at a steady pace.

To learn more about the recreational opportunities available on Michigan's motorized and non-motorized trails, visit the DNR Web site at www.michigan.gov/dnr and click on Recreation, Camping & Boating.