Next Week is Michigan Trails Week, when everyone’s encouraged to take to the great outdoors and enjoy the state’s more than 13,000 miles of trails. Michigan Department of Natural Resources recreation chief Ron Olson tells us the state’s network of trails allows all kinds of travel.

“It takes you to great places and connects you to various communities,” Olson said. “That includes the rail trails system. We have one of the largest rail trail systems in the United States, and a lot of them are paved trails or have a hard surface type-trails.”

Olson says the state has hiking trails, water trails, equestrian trails, biking trails, and motorbiking trails.

Maintenance for some trails is covered through use fees, like those paid for snowmobiles. Michigan’s Recreation Passport program helps generate maintenance funds for other trails. Some trails are maintained by Samaritans who take it upon themselves to clear fallen trees and pick up trash.

If you want to experience an especially robust trail system, Olson recommends checking out the Pinckney Recreation Area, which offers trails that connect to locations all over the state. Locally, the Kal-Haven Trail from South Haven to Kalamazoo is another good one.

The DNR invites everyone to take a hike next week to learn more about what the state has to offer.