INTRODUCTION

To a degree unknown in other parts of Michigan, the northern Lake Huron shoreline is readily accessible to the public.  The region is notable for the high quality of its land, water and human resources.  The shoreline is a photographer’s dream.  Sport fishing ranks with the best in the State.  Numerous large public forest tracts provide a network of wooded trails.  Many rare and unique plant communities and interesting birds are found in the coastal region.  Historic and archaeological sites are numerous.  Small, close knit communities charm visitors with their friendliness. 

In cooperation with the Michigan Dept. of Environmental Quality’s Coastal Zone program, and coastal communities in the region, the Northeast Michigan Council of Governments is beginning to establish the “Huron Greenways” system.  This system is a collection of existing land and water trails and routes linking public lands found in the coastal portions of Alcona, Alpena, Cheboygan and Presque Isle Counties. 

To date, an inventory has been taken of  Greenways sites and routings.  Public use areas have been identified, along with existing trail systems.  Important ecological features present in the “Huron Greenways” system have been identified.  Key recreational features have been catalogued,  along with historical sites, communities and traveler services.  A report has been published which makes a number of recommendations on what is needed in order to further develop and promote the “Huron Greenways”  system. 

Beginning in the north, the “Huron Greenways” system begins west of Mackinaw City at the Headlands Preserve.  When arriving in Mackinaw City, historic sites can be visited or a side trip to Mackinac Island can be made.  The route then leads to Cheboygan which has shopping and dining opportunities, and more historic buildings.  The trail next passes the Cheboygan State Park, Duncan Bay State Park and the Mackinaw State Forest. 

An interior route leads to the Black Mountain Recreation Area. The coastal route follows US-23 to the 40 Mile Point Lighthouse, then goes to the Hoeft State Park.  The next stop is Rogers City, which has an extensive pathway system and public parks. 

Further south, the Presque Isle community, includes Thompson’s Harbor State Park and the Old and New Presque Isle Lighthouses.  Continuing southward is the Besser Natural Area and the Rockport property.  The next major community is Alpena, with its many public parks and beaches.   The Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary is a wonderful attraction for scuba divers. 

The route enters the Negwegon State Park, then links to the Black River and the Sturgeon Point Lighthouse.  Harrisville is next with a beautiful harbor and shops and restaurants.  Harrisville State Park  is then followed by  historic Greenbush. 

The “Huron Greenways” project is in the beginning stages, with the goal of having a fully connected land and water trails system along the Lake Huron coastline.  At the present time the Greenways Committee is working on identifying weak links in the system and developing an action plan to work towards strengthening those links.  Some of the next steps include providing directional and informational signage along the system.  Greenways Partners (local governments and civic groups) are promoting the trails system and preparing detailed maps of each leg of the Greenways route. 

For more information on the “Huron Greenways” project contact the Northeast Michigan Council of Governments:  (989) 732-3551 

The “Huron Greenways - A System of Land and Water Trails” publication can be found at www.nemcog.org

For more information concerning the specific sites on the “Huron Greenways” route contact: 

·        Cheboygan Area Chamber of Commerce: (800) 968-3302

·        Presque Isle County Tourism Council:  (888) 854-9700

·        Alpena Area Convention & Visitors Bureau:  (800) 4-ALPENA

·        Huron Shores Chamber of Commerce:  (989) 724-5107