New bike trails now open near Topinabee

CHEBOYGAN COUNTY — Mountain biking enthusiasts now have some brand new trails to enjoy in Northern Michigan.

The Little Traverse Conservancy officially opened the Melvin Family Hiking and Biking Trails on Friday, April 26. The trails are the first professionally-designed and built trails in Cheboygan County.

“This project has been an exceptionally fast and high-quality experience thanks to the motivation and support of the Melvin family and many local donors who made it all happen,” said Kieran Fleming, the conservancy’s executive director, in a press release.

The conservancy first announced plans for the preserve and trails in January 2023. The trail development and preservation of the 150-acre parcel with scenic views of both Mullett and Burt lakes was made possible thanks to Mark Melvin. Melvin’s daughter, Kathleen, had recently introduced him to mountain biking and he was specifically looking for land to protect where biking trails could be created.

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According to the conservancy, Melvin’s vision was to not only protect land, but to include enhanced outdoor recreation for the community. A total of 128 donors joined Melvin in making that vision a reality.

The property is now home to more than eight miles of trails that were designed and constructed by Rock Solid Contracting, LLC. The trails include opportunities for all skill levels with unique trail features such as gravity trails, sidewinder segments, skills features, rollers, berms and more. Separate hiking trails follow old logging roads and also provide emergency vehicle access.

The public is invited to a formal trail dedication scheduled for June 11.

For more information or for maps of the new trails, visit landtrust.org.

— Contact Jillian Fellows at jfellows@petoskeynews.com.