Learn about the Iosco Exploration Trail
We are grateful to Gary Hollingsworth with Alpena Community College for creating this
spectacular video for our local, national, and global community of supporters which highlights and showcases beautiful Iosco County and the upcoming Iosco Exploration Trail and part of Michigan's Iron Belle Trail. |
The Iosco Exploration Trail, as part of Michigan's Iron Belle Trail, has come a long way in the last few years. With two phases now complete, one in Hale and one in Oscoda, we are forging ahead to bring the most beautiful nonmotorized pathway to Iosco County for all community members, visitors, tourists, and outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy. From AuSable Twp, through Oscoda Twp, and on to Plainfield Twp this 44 mile long trail plan and current Oscoda phase starts on Mill Street and heads to River Road. It travels up to Oscoda High School, home of the Oscoda Owls, where it currently offers a Safe Route to School, partially funded by the Michigan Department of Transportation through Michigan's Safe Route to School Program (SRTS). Passed OHS, the next phase coming will continue on alongside the River Road National Scenic Byway to M-65 and then south to Loon Lake Park in Hale. The 44 mile long trail in its entirety will connect communities across Iosco County that will provide a safe recreational area to hike, bike, walk, bird, and more. This pathway was the vision of people who wanted to see Iosco County prosper and grow, and continues to build on the ideals that this beautiful area of Michigan is a treasure and something to enjoy. Opening up equal access to natural areas in our county and in other communities by way of a solid trail system will bring visitors from around the country and world to our area of the state and encourages conservation and appreciation for our environment.
The Iosco Exploration Trail 501c3 nonprofit was founded to support the trail including facilitation of the planning, development, and construction and funding the long-term maintenance, trail programming, and community outreach associated with the IET and Wildcat Mountain Bike Trail. We hope to encourage physical fitness, recreational sports, enjoying the outdoors, heart health, mental health awareness, and so much more. Trails bring an economic boost to the communities they are in and local small businesses in Iosco County will benefit, as will the community residents! Get out and enjoy the trail, today!
The Iosco Exploration Trail 501c3 nonprofit was founded to support the trail including facilitation of the planning, development, and construction and funding the long-term maintenance, trail programming, and community outreach associated with the IET and Wildcat Mountain Bike Trail. We hope to encourage physical fitness, recreational sports, enjoying the outdoors, heart health, mental health awareness, and so much more. Trails bring an economic boost to the communities they are in and local small businesses in Iosco County will benefit, as will the community residents! Get out and enjoy the trail, today!
Michigan's Iron Belle Trail
Bike friendly communities are desired by the majority of people in and around Iosco County and throughout Michigan. Connecting Hale to Oscoda/AuSable Townships with a safe dedicated trail will create an even more vibrant, active community that will enhance outdoor experiences and draw people to the area in new ways. Providing a safe route for anyone traveling to school and work is an important community benefit. With the Michigan Iron Belle Trail (IBT) initiative moving forward connecting existing trails, we want to ensure the long term success of our part of that initiative, the Iosco Exploration Trail (IET), here in beautiful Iosco County. The IET Committee, stakeholders, supporters, businesses, volunteers, and visitors enjoying the natural beauty here are excited to take part in connecting the trail and non-trail communities by way of the Iosco Exploration Trail as part of the Michigan Iron Belle Trail. The Michigan Iron Belle Trail connects Detroit to Ironwood by way of smaller community trails. By connecting existing trails and strategically constructing designated phases, the State of Michigan is working with local governments to construct this. At 774 miles long, it's no easy task. The initiative is to connect those completely to have one fluid trail system. https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79133_79206_83634---,00.html