Dickinson Trail Network boosts area recreation, tourism

IRON MOUNTAIN -- Dickinson County is quickly becoming a destination for people wanting to bike, hike, and snowshoe, and the community can already see the economic impacts of Dickinson Trail Network activities, said Chad Susott, president of the non-profit group.

DTN is leading an effort to develop a world-class, professionally-built trail system on Iron Mountain's east side, promising most of the needed $78,600 local match for a proposed $183,200 state grant.

The planned Pewabic Hill project includes about 6 miles of public trails on city property east of Park Avenue, linking to DTN's Millie Hill trails, another 6-mile system just west of Park Avenue.

"Pewabic Hill is 400 vertical feet above downtown Iron Mountain," Susott said. "We plan to help fund-raise in matching funds, from both cash and in-kind donations.”

In March, the city committed $15,000 worth of in-kind work through site development of the parking lot and other amenities. DTN would be obligated for about $64,000.

The Pewabic trail concept was introduced in 2019 when the city adopted a land use agreement with DTN covering some 100 acres. With assistance from Traction Trailworx of Viroqua, Wis., volunteers have staked out about 80 acres for trails.

The project has wide support, Susott said, including cash contributions as well as businesses offering labor and materials. DTN sees the mountain bike trail system as an economic boost that will help draw young professionals and their families, as well as tourists.

Pewabic Hill is the site of the former Walpole Mine and includes a handful of telecommunications towers. DTN has committed to preserving any remnants of historical mining structures and navigating through them in a way that allows users to observe them.

The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Board makes final grant recommendations in December before they go to the state legislature for approval. If awarded the grant, DTN anticipates hiring a professional trail builder.

Mountain bike trails usually consist of a natural soil surface with changing slopes and gradients and can be open to other uses, such as hiking. All DTN trails are designated as multi-use for non-motorized use and adhere to International Mountain Bike Association standards -- the same approach as trails in Copper Harbor, Marquette, and Munising, Susott said.

"IMBA standards prioritize sustainable design and thoughtful construction to minimize environmental impact," he noted.

Dickinson Trail Network was established in 2019, expanding on a foundation laid by Dickinson County Bike Path. It focuses on building, maintaining, and promoting off-road multi-use trails throughout Dickinson County, complementing work done by the original Bike Path group along paved roads.

In addition to the Millie Hill trails, DTN has constructed new multi-use single-track trails in the Norway area.

The Millie Hill system offers trails overlooking downtown Iron Mountain. They range from easy to advanced difficulty and provide a bird's-eye view of the city.

The Norway Ogee Trails offer easy, moderate, and advanced difficulties around Marion Park and Norway's northside. Also, a 2.6-mile loop around Piers Gorge on the Menominee River connects the city with one of the county's most beautiful natural areas.

"This year features two new trails on Millie Hill: 'Berm City' which is complete and 'Millie-on-Aire' which is currently under construction," Susott said.

The Norway system boasts over 12 miles of trails including new trails near Strawberry Lake called ".38 Special," "On the Rocks," and "Arrowhead."

During the winter months, DTN switches from trail building to trail grooming. Their machines create classic cross-country glide tracks as well as multi-use corduroy snow surfaces. Skiers, fat-tire bikers, and snowshoers are welcome to use groomed trails as long as the trail impact is less than an inch.

Staying true to its roots, DTN maintains four bike paths, including a connection to the Iron Belle trail, with plans for a fifth along Little Badwater adjacent to the Menominee River in Breitung Township. DTN works with the Fumee Lake Natural Area and Pine Mountain Resort to promote their trails as well.

"The trail system is adjacent to many downtown districts, where small businesses benefit from increased traffic from tourists and residents alike," Susott said. "Local businesses and industries use the DTN network to promote healthy lifestyles with their employees and as a recruitment tool to attract and recruit young professionals to the community."

To learn more about Dickinson Trail Network. or to make a donation, go to www.dtntrails.org.