Please join us for the Trail Discovery and Ribbon Cutting for the new addition to the Boyne Forest Trail System, called Double Dog. It is scheduled for Saturday, August 21st, 2021 at 10:00 AM at the new West Trailhead on Old Horton Bay Road.

The new Double Dog trail is part of the Boyne Forest Trail System, a network of sustainable multi-use trails being constructed by the Top of Michigan Mountain Bike Association (TOMMBA) under agreements with the City of Boyne City, Walloon Lake Association and Conservancy, Evangeline Township, State of Michigan DNR and Boyne City Public Schools. TOMMBA and the City of Boyne City have been partners for over a decade in the development and maintenance of several multi-use trails at Avalanche Park in the City.

“Creating new recreational assets for a region is a strong strategy for economic development and local pride, and this project is another example of how Boyne City continues to enhance the sense of place in its community and improve the quality of life for its residents and visitors,” said MEDC Senior Vice President of Community Development Michele Wildman.

At the Trail Discovery and Ribbon Cutting everyone will experience the evolution of a multi-use trail system, learn about the partners who make it happen, and why sustainable trail design is so important. For those who choose to ride the trails Saturday morning, we will have giveaways and random prizes at various points along the new trails.

In 2019, the Walloon Lake Association and Conservancy (WLAC) completed a land acquisition project that contained 43 acres of land adjacent to the Boyne Forest Trail system. This acquisition was a critical connector that allowed for the existing Boyne Forest Trail system to be connected to this new Conservancy property and more land owned by the City of Boyne City. The WLAC partnership with TOMMBA expands trails and promotes recreational mountain biking around Walloon Lake.

In 2020, $20,000 of County parks & recreation millage funds were allocated by Charlevoix County to The City of Boyne City and Evangeline Township for the construction of a parking lot and trailhead area along Old Horton Bay Road, just north of Boyne City. The State of Michigan approved the repurposing of a portion of the former City landfill site turning an undesirable use into a regional asset. TOMMBA is also contributing $15,000 towards the parking lot and trailhead.

TOMMBA, established in 2012, has led the efforts to create more than 35 miles of new mountain bike trails in the region. In early 2021, TOMMBA completed a successful crowdfunding campaign to this first of three phases of new trails on the City-owned property and successfully raised over $100,000. More than $50,000 was raised through donations by individuals locally and around the state and each dollar of the $50,000 was matched by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) grant program called Public Spaces Community Places. These generous donations accelerated the timeframe for constructing the multi-use trails this year.

In July of this year, a company named Flowtrack from Marquette, under contract with TOMMBA, completed the new 2.5-mile trail called Double Dog. This phase is part of the Boyne Forest Trail System, which consists of land owned by City of Boyne City, the Walloon Lake Association and Conservancy trails, the Boyne Public Schools and Michigan Department of Natural Resources. These trails create an extensive network of multi-use trails for users of varying abilities. Flowtrack is known for their sustainable approach to building trails throughout the Midwest.

In the near future, two more phases will be added to this western section of the Boyne Forest Trail System. These will include more challenges and more features including a new concept called The Hub. More details to come soon as TOMMBA continues to build on this successful trail system. Together, with funding support and many hours of volunteer effort, TOMMBA’s partners will continue to create healthy opportunities to enjoy our area’s amazing outdoor attractions.

Join Us on Saturday, August 21st for the Trail Discovery and Ribbon Cutting Event. If you are unable to attend and still want to help, Donate Today!

If you have any questions or comments please contact Steve Schnell, 231-330-7070 or sschnell@tommba.org