Project Goals
1
Develop a non-motorized trailway between the TART Trails and the Top of Michigan Trails Council networks, connecting multiple communities and over twenty-five protected natural areas throughout three counties to create a 415+ mile trail network in northern Lower Michigan.
2
Create opportunities for everyone to participate in active living and healthy lifestyles through year-round outdoor recreation and active transportation, while providing access to the region’s iconic shoreline and showcasing the region’s phenomenal cultural and natural resources.
3
Provide an extraordinary resource for residents of and visitors to northwest Lower Michigan to spur economic development opportunities, enhance regional identity and strengthen vibrant communities.
Nakwema Trailway relies on the generous contributions of donors. Investing in trails is investing in people.
DONATE TODAYNews & Updates
Exciting Update: Community-Driven Milestone for the Nakwema Trailway!
Thanks to the support and vision of the Eastport and Torch Lake Township community, the Nakwema Trailway has secured a key piece of property at the gateway to Eastport! This marks a major step forward in meeting the community’s desire for a trailhead and opens the door to even greater opportunities for placemaking and connection.
This property acquisition reflects the local enthusiasm and financial support for the Nakwema Trailway. Thanks to the community's generosity, this space will now serve as a foundation for future improvements and partnerships. It also strengthens the trail’s connection to beloved landmarks like Barnes Park, enhancing its role as a hub for recreation, transportation, and community gatherings.
The Trail Team is committed to working with Torch Lake Township to determine how this space will best serve the needs of residents, visitors, and the natural environment.
We extend our gratitude to the donors who made this milestone possible. Together, we took a significant step in solidifying the Nakwema Trailway as a cherished resource for generations to come. This is a celebration of what we can accomplish when community and vision come together!
"Since Eastport is the halfway point between Elk Rapids and Charlevoix, it is exciting that TART was able to purchase a 5-acre parcel there for a future Nakwema trailhead and other community activities. US31 and M88 also intersect at this newly acquired parcel where our residents and visitors will be able to meet, connect, walk, bike, and build a healthier future for our region. A number of Torch Lake Township residents along with several family foundations worked together to bring this purchase to life. It is a key component to help connect our region's established trailways, as well as provide a parcel close to Lake Michigan, adjacent to a county park, and with the possibility of community involvement for all."
-Jenni Hebert
"It has been so inspiring to work on the Torch to Bay Trail Project in Torch Lake Township. Imagining what could be has led our community to join together and purchase a strategic corner property. The property is uniquely situated to serve as a dynamic location for the northern trailhead. It also includes several more acres for our citizens to come together and plan for future use."
-Denise Walker
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Would be awesome if it connected to Bellaire.
I would like to see a map of the “future” trail, that’s south of this area. Will there be rest rooms along the trail?
Torchport Airport will have a paved runway spring 2025 with visitors loving to hop on the trail to Eastport or Elk Rapids…. Let’s go!!!!
We are still buzzing from last night's Deepwater Connector Ribbon Cutting! Thank you so much to all who joined us for the official opening of the newest segment of the Nakwema Trailway. Project partners, government collaborators, funders, neighbors, nearby business owners, and trail lovers came together to celebrate this excellent new community connector.
Thank you to LilJes Photography for the great photos.
TART Trails Top of Michigan Trails Council
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BIG REMINDER: We've got the Deepwater Connector Ribbon Cutting Celebration this coming Monday, December 9th, starting at 4:30 pm! Meet us all at Bayside Park for the grand opening. It might look a little like this, so bring your winter gear and holiday cheer!
See you soon!
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"Touchdown" for Nakwema Trailway! As the Deepwater Connector nears the "endzone," mark your calendars for the official ribbon-cutting! Join TART Trails and Top of Michigan Trails Council and Acme Township on December 9th at 4:30 pm at Bayside Park!
You can RSVP here: nakwematrailway.org/event/deepwater-connector-ribbon-cutting/
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Ahh, a newly installed “No Motorized Vehicles” always makes us feel good! Construction keeps moving along at a steady pace. We are so excited to get this trail online—we are almost there.
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