 Suzie Kanine speaks during the grand opening ceremony of the rerouted North Country Trail in Mesick |
On Saturday, June 20, the official grand opening for the NCT re-route near Hodenpyl Dam was celebrated. This 12-mile off-road trail section provides the longest walk along a single body of water in Michigan's lower peninsula.
Arlen Matson, administrative trails coordinator for Grand Traverse Hiking Club, explained that the re-route takes the trail off county roads, which is never a final route for the trail. The new trail is welcomed by hikers who describe it as very scenic and peaceful.
The celebration lasted all day long and included events such as a fishing tournament, tour of Hodenpyl Dam, picnic and hikes or canoeing. The event was sponsored by Consumers Energy, the Northern Exposure Campground, and the Grand Traverse Hiking Club. Much of the route is on Consumers property. Northern Exposure has also allowed the trail to cross their campground. This of course, provides easy access for long-distance hikers. The trail-building work has been done by the Grand Traverse Hikers.
The final 3.5 miles of the new route are awaiting permission from the Michigan DNR. This section is from No. 15 road to No. 19 Road (Harvey Bridge Road), just east of M-37.
See Grand Traverse Hikers Club
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