Hiking, bicycling route from Detroit to U.P. named Iron Belle Trail

Trail from Belle Isle to Ironwood named via contestant

LANSING, Mich. – A new hiking and bicycling trail stretching from Belle Isle Park in Detroit to Ironwood in the western Upper Peninsula will be officially called Michigan's Iron Bell Trail, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

The hiking route will stretch 1,259 miles and the bicycling route 774 miles.  The two routes will showcase the state's scenic views, cultural resources, vibrant communities and wildlife resources.

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VIEW: Iron Belle Trail map

The trail's name came from nearly 9,000 submissions by Michigan residents and visitors in a contest held by the Michigan DNR. 

More than 60 percent of both trail routes have been completed with significant portions of the trail planned for a summer 2015 opening.

The hiking portion of the trail follows the current route of the North Country National Scenic Trail, America's longest National Scenic Trail which extends from eastern New York to central North Dakota.

The trail will benefit Michigan's state trail system as the newest addition to Michigan's 12,000 miles of recreational trails.