The proposed Bay to Bay Trail will be a 35-mile hiking trail for backpackers looking for a multi-day wilderness backpacking experience. The proposed trail would run the length of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore near the Lake Michigan coast. Some new backcountry walk-in campgrounds might be needed away from roads but near the lakeshore so that kayakers can also use them while making a multi-day kayak trip.
Your input regarding issues or concerns relevant to you is an important part of this planning and impact assessment process. You can find background information and provide your comments online at parkplanning.nps.gov/baytobaytrail. Comments may also be mailed to the National Lakeshore (Superintendent, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, 9922 Front Street, Empire, MI 49630).
A lot of work was done this summer to map potential trail routes, map possible new backcountry campsites, and describe potential lake access or kayak launch points. The team is made up of staff members from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, the Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes, NPS Rivers, Trails, Conservation Assistance group, and several other interested folks.
One of the next steps is to conduct an Environmental Assessment to evaluate various trail options and assess impacts and obtain more public input. Your help is critical in making this the kind of trail we all want to enjoy! For more information see the Bay to Bay Trail under our Projects Tab.