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Iron Belle Trail The Iron Belle Trail is an ongoing and exciting new development in the area and across the state. It is a set of two trails that are planned to run throughout the state of Michigan from Ironwood to Belle Isle Park in Detroit. It is considered to be the longest designated state trail system in the nation. One trail is for hiking and the other for biking and other nonmotorized use. The two scenic trails wind along the beautiful Northwoods landscape along rivers and other natural landmarks. Locally, the Western Gateway Trail Authority has been instrumental in building a paved trail from Ironwood to BessePage 40 – Summer Fun & Dining Guide
mer, along a former railroad grade. The paved trail crosses many bridges and reaches into Hurley on the western end. Plans are being made to extend this trail from Bessemer to Ramsay this summer, and then again to Wakefield. The North Country Trail along the Black River in northern Gogebic County and over to the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park has been designated as part of the Iron Belle hiking trail. It is anticipated that the expansion will continue in years to come with a potential for connection with the Northern Highlands Regional Non-motorized Trail which begins in Mercer, Wis.