Melvin family hiking and biking trails

THE STORY

Mark Melvin had a vision for protecting land for outdoor recreation in Cheboygan County. When this new 150-acre property became available, he saw the possibility for bringing his vision to reality. After consulting the topographic map – which revealed how hilly the parcel was, including sweeping views of both Mullett and Burt Lakes – it didn’t take long for Mark to know he wanted to purchase and protect it through the Conservancy.

Mark and his family have been longtime supporters of the Conservancy’s work and have helped make several projects in Cheboygan and Emmet counties come to fruition.

THE TRAIL

We partnered with Rock Solid Contracting, LLC, one of the highest quality mountain bike trail building companies in the country to construct this grand vision of a trail (see map below). Rock Solid has built miles of trail across the country, including the nationally-renowned Copper Harbor Trails and LTC’s own Tanton Family Working Forest Reserve Mountain Bike Trails. The Melvin Family Hiking and Biking Trails include:

• A total of 7.4 miles of trail
• Multiple trail systems accommodating to both mountain biking and hiking
• Opportunities for all skill levels
• Unique trail features like gravity trails, sidewinder segments, skills features, rollers, berms, and more!
• Highlight the natural beauty and character of the landscape and topography

YOUR GENEROSITY WILL:

• Construct a professionally-built, world-class trail for hikers and mountain bikers.
• Help to make Cheboygan County a trails destination and strengthen the local economy.
• Create a family-friendly outdoor space and empower the community to enjoy an active lifestyle.

DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT!

Fundraising for the trail has begun. Incredibly, we have over $200,000 of the estimated $416,000 total cost already committed. And thanks to generous donor, Anne Melvin, the next $50,000 raised will be matched dollar for dollar!

If the project goal is met, trail construction will begin in the summer of 2023. If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation to the Conservancy for this special project, click the button above or contact Emily Hughes (below).

PROJECT GOAL : $416,000

DEADLINE : Summer 2023 (construction begins)