DCNTrails: Delta County Nonmotorized Trails

10/22/2026

Haymeadow this evening- the new bridge is mostly in, colors are popping and the hike is beautiful. If you've never done the hike, check it out!

10/20/2026

10/20/2026

What is the Iron Belle Trail?

How does this trail impact Delta County?

Governor Rick Snyder wanted "A Showcase Trail' connecting Belle Isle (near Detroit) to Ironwood MI in hopes to have Michigan known as "THE trails state"
He first proposed this idea in November 2012.

Today the Iron Belle trail extends over 2,000 miles offering a set of two trails. A hiking route and a bicycle route.

The HIKING portion utilizes sidewalks, trails, and the1273 miles on NCT (North Country National Scenic Trail) traveling up the west side of the lower peninsula and through the U.P.

The BICYCLE ROUTE utilizes many of the state's existing bike paths, bike lanes, and designated biking routes as it travels up the east side of the lower peninsula. The U. P. section shares the USBR 10. (U S Bicycle Route #10)

The U. P. USBR10 route has bicyclists pedal the shoulder of US-2 going under the train bridge between North Escanaba and Gladstone, near the late Grain and Grape establishment. Heavy traffic and scattered debris make this area dangerous.

DCNTrails has spent the past two years working with Delta County, the Hannahville Indian Community, Wells Township, CUPPAD, and the Superior Watershed Partnership on a safter way to get cyclists off this stretch of US-2 and over the existing non-motorized trail along P Road.
Options explored have included:
* a signalized crossing of the CN tracks near the substation,
* a tunnel under the tracks farther south
* following the powerline corridor from Pioneer Trail Park to P Road.

The plan now moving forward routes the path south through Pioneer Trail Park, along the Escanaba River, and under the existing railroad bridge to reach P road.

Partners walked the proposed route together in August 2026. The county has since had the property surveyed and is preparing to bid out engineering plans, and a joint meeting is being organized to coordinate funding and the next steps.

The Iron Belle is 70% complete and crosses through over half of Michigan's 83 counties touching hundreds of municipalities.

To learn more visit the Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance (MTGA) website. This is a non-profit organization that advocates, promotes, and enables trail work across Michigan.

Visit our website DCNTrails.com to see how you can become a Delta County Trail Supporter, and don't forget to hit the donate button to help us raise the local matching funds needed to secure a Michigan Natural Resources Trust Find grant for trail construction of the Gladstone Community Bike Park and Hiking Trail.

Please comment and share to help get our message out.

10/16/2026

Meet Howie Wilson – DCNTRAILS Board Member

Howie Wilson is another dedicated DCNTrails board member who lives in Escanaba with his wife, Carmella. They have two grown sons who live in the Marquette area.

Howie and Carmella enjoy spending time at camp, gardening, riding bicycles on both trails and roads, and especially cross-country skiing. Howie’s love for the Hiawatha National Forest runs deep! For more than 25 years, he has volunteered his time grooming and maintaining the Rapid River Ski Trails.

Whether you stop by to ski, hike, or bike these trails, chances are you’ll be greeted by Howie’s friendly smile!

Howie joined the DCNTRAILS Board of Directors in 2019 with a commitment to preserving and expanding outdoor recreation opportunities in Delta County. One of his key concerns is improving bicycle safety along US-2, north of the Escanaba River Bridge. This stretch is part of the Iron Belle Trail, which helps connect communities throughout Michigan.

Through his years of volunteer service and dedication to outdoor recreation, Howie continues to make a meaningful contribution to the trails and communities he loves.

And speaking of Rapid River Ski Trails... Mark your calendars for Saturday Oct 24, 2026 beginning 10 a.m - 4 pm for the fall clean up work-bee to prep these trails for snow. Dress appropriately for the weather (layers). Hiking boots, loppers, and a water bottle is all you need. Howie will be there to greet you with a smile.

Please like, share and comment to get our content circulating.

Visit DCNTrails.com for more information on our non-motorized organization and learn how you can become a trail supporter.

10/14/2026

All!

Very good news but a very short notice. Tomorrow morning there is a project meeting discussing the expansion of the days River single track trails.

If you have questions, please message and I'll try to get them answered. If you'd rather attend the meeting yourself let me know and I'll send you the link.

"Please join us for a preconstruction meeting on the above job number. This project is 11.48 mi of shared-use path construction and rehabilitation of a single track trail on Day’s River Pathway east of M-35 and north of Day’s River 245 Road in the city of Gladstone, Delta County. This is a Michigan Department of Natural Resources project."

More details will follow the meeting!

10/07/2026

Meet another board member.

Marilyn Noble joined DCNT in 2020 as Treasurer to fill an open position and stepped down in 2024 to remain as a board member. She finds it fulfilling to contribute to the broader mission of non-motorized trail use, realizing that "it's bigger than her." In addition to biking, Marilyn enjoys hiking, paddling, and cross-country skiing with her heart dog, Missy. She is currently introducing "quiet sports" to her fiancé.

An Escanaba resident since 1989, Marilyn raised one son and has two grandchildren. She currently serves as a coach for the 906 Adventure Team, a council member at Immanuel Lutheran Church, an Ambassador for the Chamber of Commerce, a host family for soon-to-be LPGA golfers, and a volunteer assisting the Bay de Noc Brewers Club with Uptoberfest.

Give her a smile when you see her, you're sure to get one back.

Be sure to check out DCNTrails.com to become a trail supporter of Delta County and please consider donating toward our fundraiser for matching grant funds for the Gladstone Bike Park.

Please like, share and comment to help us grow.

09/24/2026

Where do you live?

09/24/2026

Hello Fall.
Delta County trails are especially enjoyable this time of year.
Remember to charge your phone and snap a picture of the map at the trailhead.
Use a walking app like Map MY Run, Strava, or one of many out there. (Don't forget to start your activity)
Tell someone where you're going.
Grab a snack and some water.
Invite a friend.

Share your hiking tips here.

09/15/2026

Ann Valiquette — Treasurer, DCNTrails

Ann Valiquette currently serves as Treasurer for DCNTrails. She lives in Bark River, Michigan, with her spouse and enjoys being close to her grandchildren.
Ann retired from Bay de Noc Community College, where she served as Director of the Business Office. She enjoys biking, hiking, cross-country skiing, and is currently learning to play pickleball.
Hang on to your handlebars—Ann’s list of accomplishments is impressive! She has completed 5 full marathons and more than 30 half marathons. She has also tackled the Marquette area’s infamous Crusher Mountain Bike Mass Start Adventure, along with 7 seasons of the Crusher EX, each covering more than 50 miles, with many rides taking her through the rugged Huron Mountains of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Ann has also completed the North Country Trail’s 100-Mile Hiking Challenge in 2024 and 2025, and is working toward completing the 2026 challenge as well.
Ann volunteers on the DCNTrails board because she has enjoyed Delta County’s trails throughout her entire adult life. She wants to give back to the community and help ensure that the area’s trails remain available, cared for, and enjoyed for generations to come.

Be sure to say hi when you see Ann enjoying our trails.

Visit our website to learn more about DCNTrails.com so you too can help the future of outdoor recreation
and please consider donating to our fundraiser to acquire a grant to build Gladstones Bike and Skills Park.

Like, share and comment.

09/15/2026

A huge shout-out and thank you to Creative Composites Inc. for generously funding the gravel from Anderson Excavating in Rapid River. The material is needed to push the Gladstone Ski Hill Bike Trail closer to the finish line!

Thanks to their support, the Delta County Non-Motorized Trails (DCNT) crew has been able to keep laying down tread, smoothing out sections, and making the trail better for all local riders and outdoor enthusiasts.

Creative Composites is a fast-growing, family-owned business with deep roots in our area and a genuine commitment to investing in the local community. They aren't just helping build great trails—they're also building local careers.

Looking for a great local job? Creative Composites is currently hiring at their facility in Rapid River, MI! If you or someone you know is looking for a solid opportunity with a growing team that supports its community, be sure to check out their open positions. www.creativecompositesinc.com

Thank you, Creative Composites, for helping us keep the momentum rolling on our local trails!