Courtesy photo Andrew Claes speaks to volunteers during a Sept. 21 work bee at the Days River Pathway. Delta County Non-motorized Trails organization first worked on the Days River Pathway in 2018 after receiving grants from the Central Upper Peninsula Planning and Development Regional Commission (CUPPAD). To keep the trails in good shape, members of the DCNT, the DNR and volunteers gather to maintain the trails when needed.

ESCANABA — Michigan is known for its extensive trail system, and Delta County residents have been working hard to maintain, improve, and expand the roughly 30 trails located within the county’s borders. In recognition of Michigan Trails Week, which started Sept. 22 and comes to a close today, the Daily Press sat down with members of the Delta County Non-motorized Trails (DCNT) group to talk about their work and the county’s trails.The Delta County Non-motorized Trails (DCNT) organization is helping to build the reputation by expanding and maintaining non-motorized trails in Delta County.

“We want to expand trails and help bolster the economy by getting people to stop, stay and play in Delta County instead of driving through to other areas of the U.P.,” said Master Trails Committee Chair and Board Member Andy Claes.

Claes has been with the DCNT organization since it originated two years ago. He and others agreed during meetings there was a lack of outdoor activities in the area and organized to support the trails in Delta County. After DCNT organized, they asked people to take a poll to help them prioritize which trails should be refurbished first. The top four were Days River Pathway, Rapid River Pathway, Escanaba Paved Path, and west Escanaba trails, according to Claes. After receiving grants and donations, the organization got to work on the Days River Pathway in 2018.

“The grants we received from CUPPAD (Central Upper Peninsula Planning and Development Regional Commission) really gave us a boost,” said Claes.

The DCNT planning committee had help from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, which manages the path, a crew from the Great Lakes Conservation Corps, and volunteers. They placed forest service mix and rip-rap on trails and repaired bridges. Sept. 21, volunteers went to the Days River Pathway to make improvements and maintain the trail. According to Claes, they moved approximately 30 tons of aggregate to repair water damage on several hills.

Michigan’s longest trail, the Iron Belle Trail, is the longest state designated trail in the nation. It spans from Belle Isle Park in Detroit to Ironwood, Mich. There are two routes, one for hiking that passes through the northern part of the U.P. along Lake Superior on the North Country Trail, and one for biking.

“The biking route of the Iron Belle Trail passes through Delta County, alongside the US 2 highway on a designated route,” said DCNT Secretary Rick Elrod.

DNR Communications Representative, Trails Section, Doug Donnelly noted, in the past month a metro Detroit resident rode the length of the Iron Belle Trail’s biking route through Delta County. The Haywire Trail is Michigan’s oldest rail-trail and will celebrate 50 years next year with a year-long celebration, Donnelly mentioned.

“There are so many little gems out there,” said Claes. “There are kayaking trails along the shoreline that show where the put-in and take-out points are. There are camping trails … Menominee, Sac Bay, Fayette, and trails that focus on biking, kayaking, running, hiking, skiing, and snowshoeing.”

Claes would like to see a pump and skills track added to the trails currently available.

The DCNT have worked with the city, county and townships to maintain and expand the trail system in the area. According to Elrod, the DCNT organization cost share with Hiawatha National Forest to maintain and groom trails along with the DNR.

“There are numerous ORV and snowmobile trails as well as state forest pathways in Delta, Schoolcraft and Menominee Counties. People can visit www.michigan.gov/trails for more information, maps, etc.,” noted Donnelly.

For more information and to contact the DCNT organization, go to their website at www.dcntrails.com, and Facebook page DCNTrails.

“Get out, use and enjoy the trails,” said Claes, “and volunteer and join us.”

An additional source for trails in Delta, Menominee, and Schoolcraft Counties is www.uptrails.org for listings.