Editor’s note:

This article is the second in a two-part series on the Munising Bay Trail Network and its place in the area’s recreational
offerings.

Establishing the Munising Bay Trail Network wasn’t without hurdles. Rhonda Lassila vividly recalled the devastation when hand-built trails in the City of Munising were destroyed during a logging operation in 2014.

“I think I literally cried when I went up there and saw it,” she said. Determined to turn the setback into an opportunity, Lassila and her team collaborated with their trail builder from Valley Spur to clean up the damage and create something new.

“We cried, went to the city and worked with our trail builder, who gave us a plan to clean up the mess and rebuild,” she said.

This effort led to the development of the Munising Mountain Bike Park, featuring a jump line trail, a skills park and a rebuilt version of the original trail. “We turned apples into applesauce,” said Lassila, MBTN’s president.

Valley Spur, a beloved trail system in Alger County, has long been maintained by the Friends of Valley Spur, who previously worked under a permit held with the Noquemanon Trail Network. The permit is now transitioning to MBTN, ensuring the trail system’s long-term sustainability and year-round operations.

“This move is about ensuring that Valley Spur continues to thrive as a hub for recreation in Alger County,” said Lori Holsworth, executive director of NTN. “Rhonda and her team bring not only the passion but also the expertise needed to maintain and grow this incredible resource.”

Holsworth described the transition as a strong collaboration between organizations, reflecting their shared commitment to trail stewardship. “Partnerships like this are what make trail networks sustainable,” she said. “It’s a big win for the community and for the broader recreation landscape in the Upper Peninsula.”

The integration of Valley Spur into MBTN marks a new chapter for the trail system.

“Rhonda and her group approached us about adding single- track mountain bike trails,” said Peggy Carberry, a long-time member and former president of the Friends of Valley Spur. “At first, there were concerns about whether they’d follow through, but I knew Rhonda would make it happen — she’s a force to be reckoned with.”

Valley Spur provides opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds, including those with furry companions. During the snowy season, dogs are welcome exclusively on the Wyman Pines Loop, a groomed snow biking trail that has become a favorite for winter cyclists. This loop also accommodates snowshoers and cross-country skiers, offering a versatile option for winter recreation. In non-winter months, dogs are allowed on all Valley Spur trails, providing ample opportunities for exploring the area’s scenic beauty year-round.

Carberry fondly recalled riding alongside James Howard, Lassila’s late father, during the Tour da Woods Race.

“Back when the race was happening, it was Ricky Runset, Rhonda’s dad and me,” Carberry said. “The three of us would stick together through the whole 30mile race, cheering each other on. … He’d be out of his mind with pride to see what Rhonda has accomplished.”

April Howard, Lassila’s mother, shared how biking became a central part of Rhonda’s bond with her father. “We were always camping, and Rhonda and her dad would go for these rides in the woods,” Howard said. “It started small, but pretty soon, they were riding 30 miles.”

Howard reflected on how Rhonda has channeled her father’s legacy into her work with MBTN. “Since her dad’s passing, it’s been a way for her to feel like he’s still with her,” Howard said. “She didn’t ride for a while after he passed, but when she started again, it was like she just kept going further and further.”

Looking ahead, MBTN is working to connect its existing trails into a comprehensive network spanning Alger County and beyond. Lassila envisions creating links between Munising and nearby areas like Christmas and Au Train, ultimately enabling safe and accessible routes for bikers and hikers.

“This has been on our radar since the very beginning,” Lassila said, referencing the long-term plan to integrate trail systems despite challenges like private land ownership and commercial land restrictions.

Trail maps, conditions and updates can be found on MBTN’s website, mbtn.org, or their social media channels, making it easy to plan your visit. For detailed trail information, including length and difficulty, check the color-coded maps available on their platforms.

For those new to the area, Valley Spur is just minutes from Munising and offers amenities like warming huts during the winter months. Additional information about Valley Spur can be found at valleyspur.org.

This year, the Munising Bay Trail Network is scheduled to host the 50th Pictured Rocks Road Race, one of its largest fundraisers, scheduled for Sunday, June 29. This milestone event will feature special celebrations, commemorating half a century of this iconic race while supporting MBTN’s mission to expand and maintain world-class trails in the Munising area.

For those eager to explore Valley Spur and MBTN, the opportunities are as diverse as the trails themselves. Whether you’re a seasoned mountain biker, a snowshoer seeking winter adventure or a family looking for scenic hiking paths, the network offers something for everyone.

“The trails are here for everyone — to explore, connect and enjoy,” Lassila said. “We’re just getting started.”