Bicycling Michigan Vacations
Delta County’s four cross-country ski trails provide spring, summer and fall opportunities for hikers and bikers. The courses range from beginner to expert, covering all ends of the county and offering great scenery from rolling hills, steep slopes, and beautifully wooded areas.
Each has something unique to offer—Fayette has its historic town site and scenic overlook; Days River has beautiful forests; Rapid River is steep and challenging in places; Escanaba is right in town, perfect for a spur-of-the-moment walk or ride into the woods.
Shoreline Bicycle Tours
The League of Michigan Bicyclists sponsors several bicycle tours, one of which passes through Delta County. The MUP 287 mile tour titled “Middle ‘da UP” starts in Manistique travels through Eben Junction, Marquette, North Dickinson, and Escanaba and returns to Manistique. The dates for 2003 are July 6-11. Write to the sponsors at PO Box 16201, Lansing, Michigan 48901, call 888-MI-BIKES or e-mail to pcshoreline@LMB.org for more information and the dates for the next tour. Applications are available at the Chamber.
Ride Highlights Include:
- Tremendous Rest Stops!! ...Where the only thing that surpasses the view is the food!
- Beautiful view of Little Bay de Noc from the Gladstone Sports Park
- Many opportunities for wild life sightings on the scenic country roads
- Rest stops with great selections of food and beverages supplied by Bink’s Coca-Cola Bottling Co.
- A quality long sleeved t-shirt with registration
- Showers available at Gladstone High School (please bring your own towel)
- Day Camp for non-riding children over 2 years old
- Free Root Beer Float at the end of your ride courtesy of Thornbury’s Frozen Custard Creamery and Hereford and Hops Steakhouse and Brewpub
Please contact the Chamber at (906)786-2192 or e-mail us at info@deltami.org for more information and registration.
Trails
Bay de Noc—Grand Island Trail
906-474-6442
The 40-mile trail overlooks the Whitefish River basin from a ridge running from Rapid River to Munising. Trail follows the ancient portage route of Chippewa Indians from Lake Michigan to Lake Superior. Trailhead two miles east of Rapid River on County Road 509.
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City of Escanaba Bike Path
The City of Escanaba has created a 4.54 mile network of bicycle paths within the city, enabling bikers to ride safely off the motor vehicle pavement. The paths traverse the perimeter of Ludington Park , around the municipal dock and then along 1st Avenue North. The path also runs along Lincoln Road from Lake Shore Drive to the north city limit on Danforth Road. There is also a loop that circles the west side of Escanaba, westward on Old State Road to South 30th, then to 5th Avenue South and back to South Lincoln Road.
Each year additional miles are paved. The long term plan is to provide a safe network of bike paths throughout the city and eventually to Gladstone.
Days River Natural Trail
The short trail winds through cedar and oak stands along the mouth of the Days River. Tree identification markers are located along the trail North of Gladstone on North Lake Shore Drive.
The postcard scenery and rolling hills on the Days River Pathway makes this one the most popular trails on the Bays de Noc. It winds along side of the Days River through pine, spruce and cedar ridges of the Escanaba River State Forest. The trailhead is located two miles northwest of US Highway 2 & 41 between Gladstone and Rapid River.
Escanaba Pathway
The Escanaba Cross Country Pathway is located within the city limits, yet feels like it is set deep in the wilderness. The peaceful cedar ridges and hardwood hills block out the hustle of the city. The trailhead is located on North 30th Street just north of Charter Communications.
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Fayette State Park
906-644-2603
About 17 miles of hiking trails wind through the park’s historic and hardwood forest. The trail overlooks the town from limestone cliffs. Picnic area, beach and campground at park. Located south of Garden on Garden Peninsula.
The historic buildings of a century old iron smelting village create their own attraction and a welcome break from biking and hiking. The trail overlooks the village of Fayette from its limestone cliffs, winds around the ancient buildings, then traverses the wooded park. The trailhead is located at the Fayette State Park entrance off M-183 on the Garden Peninsula, 16 miles south of US-2.
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Haymeadow Creek Falls Trail
906-474-6442
A one-mile walking trail follows Haymeadow Creek to a footbridge at the falls. Trailhead start on both sides of the river. 11 miles north of Rapid River on County Road 509.
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Maywood History Trail
906-474-6442
Located in the Little Bay de Noc Recreation Area. This 0.6 mile long trail winds through towering 200 year-old hemlocks and pines along the shore of Lake Michigan. Twelve interpretive panels describe the rich history of the area, which dates back to the days of the Noquet Indians and more recently the old Maywood Hotel. The trail is located 5 miles south of US 2 on County Road 513, Rapid River.
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Nahma Marsh Trail
0.3 Mile trail, 4 miles south US 2 on Cty Rd. 497 is a very scenic trail.
Peninsula Point Lighthouse Interpretive Trail
906-474-6442
A 1-mile long trail shows historical and geographical features along Big Bay de Noc. The trail follows the shoreline ridges marking ancient lake levels. Limestone fossils are evident along the shorelines. The trail ends at the 1865 Peninsula Point Lighthouse. 19 miles south of Rapid River on County 513.
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Pioneer Trail Park
Escanaba on US 2, 41 & M35
906-786-1020
A historical trail takes the path of Chippewa Indians. French Missionaries once met with Native Americans nearby. A cemetery of early white settlers is on the trail. Located on the Escanaba River.
Rapid River Ski Trail
The Rapid River ski trail offers five loops suitable for hiking and biking. The trail is widely recognized as one of the most beautiful in the Upper Peninsula, as it winds thru towering pine-covered ridges and drops into thick lowland swamps, offering a wide variety of challenges, from gentle, flat terrain to long, steep hills. The trailhead is located six miles north of Rapid River on US Highway 41.
