Non-Motorized Mapping
Non-motorized Road and Trail Map Guide
MDOT and its partners, including Networks Northwest, have created a series of multi-county regional maps showing road surface type, traffic volume ranges, paved/unpaved shared use paths with regional significance, recreational facilities, points of interest, plus other facilities and amenities which help make cycling across Michigan an enjoyable tourism experience. Networks Northwest was responsible for mapping thirteen counties in northwest Michigan (PDF links below). Funding for the project was provided by the Federal Highway Administration.
The following PDFs are available for viewing online. For hard copy maps, please contact the Networks Northwest Community Development Department at 231.929.5000.
Northern Counties (Emmet, Charlevoix, Antrim, Kalkaska, Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Benzie)
Southern Counties (Manistee, Wexford, Missaukee, Mason, Lake, Osceola)
Up North Trails
An interactive website for trails in northern lower Michigan. Whether you are a hiker, bicyclist, skier, horseback rider, ORVer, or snowmobiler, thousands of miles of trails await discovery Up North. Read about the trail systems, view photos, and click on trail segments to find out even more about the 5,300+ miles of non-motorized and motorized trails in the region. Visit UpNorthTrails.org.
Regional Comprehensive Non-Motorized Strategy
In 2008, Networks Northwest, formerly the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments, developed a regional non-motorized transportation plan and investment strategy for the 13 counties in northwest lower Michigan. The counties include: Emmet, Charlevoix, Antrim, Kalkaska, Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Benzie, Manistee, Wexford, Missaukee, Osceola, Lake, and Mason (NWMCOG's ten counties plus three).
The Michigan Department of Transportation commissioned the plan and uses it to prioritize the funding of projects. The guiding vision of this project is to connect existing trails, offering residents and visitors more opportunities for non-motorized transportation, and to enjoy more of the region's natural resources.
The project has gathered information on existing and future trails from each county, township, city and village parks and recreation commission, planning commission and staff, and board members. Subregional meetings have taken place with trail organizations, groups, and stakeholders to review the proposed trail maps for their input. The compiled maps have been presented to the public at subregional trail summits for input and prioritization.
The Strategy
The Regional Non-Motorized Transportation Plan and Strategy pertains to the 13 counties in northern, lower Michigan.
Click on the image to download/view/print the 2008 Regional Non-Motorized Transportation Strategy.
The Maps
Our Township greatly benefits from Network Northwest's experience, depth of knowledge and understanding. Because they work with so many diverse communities in our ten-county region they understand the local land-use issues and are already working on solutions by the time we realize we need some help.
- Susan Odom, Chair, Suttons Bay Township Planning Commission