This segment of trail has the potential to showcase the beauty of northwest Lower Michigan, connecting coastal natural areas including Barnes Park with Torch Lake Township Day Park, the hamlets of Eastport and Torch Lake, and the businesses in this corridor.
Torch Lake Township Alternatives Analysis
Spicer Group, an engineering firm, was hired to conduct an Alternatives Analysis to determine the safest route from Elk Rapids Township to Torch Lake Township with the fewest number of US-31 crossings. As we apply for federal funding opportunities, it is necessary to have ample data and justification for which side of the corridor the trail is constructed on.
Spicer Group analyzed the US-31 corridor from the southern limits of Milton Township at the intersection of US-31 and Winters Road to the northern limits of Torch Lake Township at the intersection of US-31 and Old Dixie Highway. They evaluated existing conditions using the following criteria: feasibility, trail safety, recreational experience, property impact, and cost considerations.
The Alternatives Analysis recommended that the trail is most feasible on the east side of US-31 from Elk Rapids to M-88. The trail will then cross to the west side near the US-31 and M-88 intersection and continue north to Old Dixie Highway. The Alternatives Analysis was informed by the presence of Critical Dunes on the west side, the necessity of multiple US-31 crossings on the west side, and the extent of property easements that would be required along the west side.
If you would like to learn more, watch the recent Torch Lake Township Community Update Webinar held on January 29th, 2026.
Watch the webinar here: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/o_Zpg6S1IO08_x_OKpbE4u85q2_2lKkB6rI-FOjwnc3v9aR-nRJ6G8CDfVucjYRt.NQBJj41y4Ao6CUWa?startTime=1769726677000
Passcode: sT@1DhC=
Please share your thoughts on this alignment in the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/nakwema
December 2024 Update
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!
September 2023 Update
We had over 50 people attend the August 23 Open House at the Torch Lake Township Hall, and nearly 50 people weighed in via the online survey in September. We heard a lot of enthusiasm about a future trail connection in Torch Lake Township and learned more about the values, interests, and concerns related to the trail. Input results show top priorities are access and proximity to parks and water, and safety and separation from US-31.
Based on what we’ve learned from the routing analysis and public input, we have expanded the scope of schematic design an additional 0.5 miles south along US-31. The engineering team is now working on the alignments and design from the Township Hall north to Old Dixie Hwy, and we hope to have a draft ready this fall.
Open House Comment Card Responses
Poster Responses
Survey Results
January 2023 Update
To inform schematic design of the Nakwema Trailway in Torch Lake Township, TART Trails and Top of Michigan Trails Council worked with the Torch to Bay Trail Team to collect public input via an online survey. We are thrilled with participation in the survey. Between December 15, 2022 and January 15, 2023, we received nearly 400 entries. Data collected through this survey will inform routing and additional planning and design considerations for this segment of the Nakwema Trailway. Equipped with this information, our engineering team at C2AE will begin schematic design on this segment this winter.
Online Survey Report (January 2023)
Status
Schematic Design: Underway
At Torch Lake Cafe, we know firsthand how beautiful it is in this part of Michigan. We feel lucky to be able to offer a welcoming place for Nawkema Trailway riders to stop, relax, and grab a delicious meal on our porch or in our restaurant. Happy Trails!
Jim Hettinger
Owner, Torch Lake Cafe
