The Munising Bay Trail Network is well known for building and maintaining mountain bike trails. But did you know that most of these trails are open to hikers, too?
Our logo includes the words “Hike, Bike, Look Around,” and that’s exactly what we encourage. While some trails are purpose-built for high-speed downhill riding and aren’t safe for foot traffic, many others are perfect for both hikers and bikers.
If you’re unsure which trails are bike-specific, the hiking and biking maps published by the Munising Visitors Bureau a few years ago are a great resource. They can be found at the visitor centers in town. Since then, we’ve added several new trails and are working on updated signage to keep all users informed and safe.
We’re thrilled to see so many new members joining MBTN and supporting our trail system. The more locals out enjoying the trails, the better. It’s a shared resource that belongs to all of us.
And thanks to everyone helping out along the way, whether it’s moving a branch, kicking aside a rock or clearing debris. Every little effort helps keep the trails in top shape.
New trail updates
Fir Street Climb: This new trail is well underway, with a tentative completion date set for the last week of June.
Lights Out (formerly Dig & Drop): This brand-new, handbuilt technical downhill trail is now open and ready to ride. It branches off from the Mountain Goat Trail about a mile north of the St. Martin Hill crossing. The trail ends near the lighthouse — hence the new name, Lights Out. A huge shoutout to Zach Eckert for bringing this trail to life through sheer muscle, vision and grit.
Fundraising events
Pictured Rocks Road Race is Sunday, June 29. Don’t miss this scenic and popular event. Registration is filling up quickly, and we’re capping participation at 350 to ensure every runner and walker receives a finisher medal. Choose from the half marathon, 10K run or 10K walk. Register soon to secure your spot.
Another fundraiser is our Fourth of July raffle. We’re raffling off some amazing prizes, generously donated by local businesses, to raise funds for trail maintenance and expansion.
The drawing will take place at 5 p.m. on July 4 at Bayshore Park. Tickets are $10 each or three for $20.
You can purchase tickets in-person at Bayshore Park on July 4 or anytime before then from South Bay Outfitters, Down Wind Sports, Arlene Swanberg at PSB or Kris Tidd at Munising Memorial Hospital. You can also message us on Facebook @Rhonda Lassila or @MBTN. Every ticket helps keep our trails beautiful and accessible. Thank you for your support.
For hikers only
If you prefer a footpath without bikes, the North Country Trail is an ideal choice.
I recently checked off a bucket list adventure by backpacking the entire Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore — from the Grand Marais Visitor Center to Munising Falls.
It was an unforgettable journey, made even better by the friends and family who joined me. If you haven’t hiked the lakeshore yet, I can’t recommend it enough. The natural beauty that surrounds our little town on the bay is truly spectacular.
The NCT stretches far beyond the Pictured Rocks and runs across the entire Upper Peninsula (and eight states in all).
Locally, the Superior Shoreline Chapter (which helps maintain the trail in Alger County) is hosting a trail work bee to create a new forested reroute. This will replace the current road-walk section that forces hikers onto busy highways (M-94 in this case).
The new 4-mile singletrack will begin at Wagner Falls and wind through the woods toward Valley Spur Recreation Area in the Hiawatha National Forest, where it will reconnect with the existing trail.
The work bee is scheduled for June 28 and 29. If you’d like to volunteer or learn more, email isomtodd1@gmail.com.
Upcoming MBTN meeting Our annual MBTN meeting is coming up soon, and we’ll be electing new board officers. No experience is required to join the board or any of our committees — just a passion for the outdoors and your community. Whether you’ve been volunteering for years or are simply curious about getting involved, we’d love to have you join us.
The next meeting is scheduled for 5:15 p.m. on June 19 at East Channel Brewing Co. (upstairs on Maple Street).
Thanks for helping us keep the trails welcoming and well-loved. See you out there — and happy trails!
