Leelanau Trail Report 2026

LEELANAU TRAIL REPORT 2026 TART TRAILS info@traversetrails.org / 231.941.4300 traversetrails.org

BRINGING A TRAILHEAD TO LIFE The Birch Point Trailhead is

At the center of the project

envisioned as more than a

is a new maintenance

place to start a ride or walk.

facility that will help care

It will be a welcoming

for the Leelanau Trail and

community space where

the broader west TART

people feel connected,

regional trail network for

inspired, and excited to

years to come.

spend time outdoors.

When the people who care Designed for visitors of all

for our trails have the right

ages and abilities, the

tools, space, and support,

trailhead will include

they can do what they do

accessible amenities like rest

best. A maintenance facility

areas, water, restrooms, bike

fuels pride, strengthens

repair stations, and more.

partnerships, and creates

Together, we will transform

the capacity to grow a trail

the trailhead into a vibrant

network that benefits the

destination for recreation,

entire community.

connection, and community.

COMMUNITY IMPACT We envision the Birch Point Trailhead: Strengthening Trail Operations and Long-Term Stewardship Inspiring Experiences that Encourage Exploration and Enjoyment Improving Access for All Abilities Promoting Health and Outdoor Recreation Fostering Community Connections and Collaboration Modeling Environmental Sustainability

2025 TART Trails Purchases Property 2025 – 2026 Conceptual Planning 2026 –2027 Site Plan & Building Design, Fundraising 2028 Trailhead Construction Begins

Birch Point Conceptual Rendering

VOLUNTEERS ALL YEAR LONG Since the beginning, the Leelanau Trail has been cared for by hardworking volunteers. The 17-mile corridor has a dedicated volunteer crew whose ongoing stewardship keeps the trail looking great and feeling safe, welcoming and enjoyable for everyone.

As the trail has evovled, so have its maintenance needs. Safety improvements continue to be a top priority. The Leelanau Trail crew spent all of last summer and fall upgrading # intersections for consistency and visibility. Roaming Ambassadors encourage positive trail etiquette through our Caught Ya Card program to reinforce good habits. Cherry Capital Cycling Club held Courtesy & Cookie events to encourage safe and kind trail use.

Every gift helps ensure the Leelanau Trail remains a safe, beautiful community place for everyone to enjoy today, and for generations to come.

COMBATTING INVASIVE SPECIES The Invasive Species Crew works hard to manage the natural spaces along the Leelanau Trail. Autumn olive, garlic mustard, and honey suckle continue to command the focus of the crew. Their efforts ensure the trail maintains and even improves its biodiversity.

WINTER ON THE LEELANAU TRAIL

Winter Trail volunteers head out on frigid mornings to prepare the trail for the day.

They groom ski tracks and set corduroy from DeYoung Farm to the Fourth Street Trailhead in Suttons Bay, with a scenic 5K loop through Shady Lane Cellars adding an off-trail adventure for skiers and snowshoers. South of DeYoung to Cherry Bend and north through Suttons Bay, the trail is cleared to provide a safe and enjoyable winter experience for walkers and runners.

CARING FOR LEO CREEK This summer, TART Trails will replace the existing Leo Creek crossing culvert with a bridge, allowing the creek to flow more naturally. This improves ecosystem flow and aids in preventing creek-side erosion. To ensure the solution reflects both ecological best practices and local stewardship values, TART Trails consulted with Conservation Resource Alliance and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians throughout the planning process. Their guidance has helped shape an approach that supports the long-term health of Leo Creek.

PROJECT BUDGET: $300,000 2025 Conceptual Planning September 2026 Construction Begins May 2027 Construction Complete

LEELANAU TRAIL AT A GLANCE

3,200 VOLUNTEER HOURS LOGGED

320,000 ANNUAL TRAIL VISITS

600+ MILES OF TRAIL GROOMED FOR WINTER SPORTS OVER 41 DAYS

$648,972 LEELANAU TRAIL ENDOWMENT BALANCE

FIVE YEAR AVERAGE ANNUAL SUMMARY FUNDING SOURCE

USE OF FUNDS

Interest 6.6%

Public Art 2.9%

Grants 4.3% Sponsored Trail Elements 8.1% Volunteer Maintenance Support 20%

Project Management 14.3%

Private Donations 60.2%

Volunteer Maintenance Support 32.5%

Maintenance/Trail Improvements 50.3%

TART TRAILS

info@traversetrails.org / 231.941.4300 traversetrails.org