A new 5.8-mile section of the Iron Belle Trail has just been completed on Belle Isle, marking a milestone in Michigan’s effort to build one of the longest state-designated trails in the country. This new stretch, known as the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Trail, loops around the island and connects it to the Detroit riverfront. It serves as what’s called the “southern terminus” of the Iron Belle Trail network. The recent work finishes what’s called Phase 2 construction of this segment.
With this addition, the Iron Belle Trail is now more than 70 percent finished. When complete, the trail system will stretch well over 2,000 miles, spanning from Belle Isle in Detroit across Michigan to the western end of the Upper Peninsula. There are separate paths for hiking and for biking, integrating existing trails, new construction, and connecting pathways that reach into many of the state’s counties.
This trail segment was made possible thanks to cooperation among many entities: several state agencies, nonprofit foundations, and community organizations. One major contributor was the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, which provided key funding. Grants and funds from state conservation and natural resource trust sources also helped make the path a reality. Local residents’ input, advocacy, and usage patterns helped shape design decisions.
The importance of this trail goes beyond recreation. For many Detroiters and Michiganders, it means greater access to green spaces, healthier outdoor activity options, and more connections across neighborhoods and natural areas. It strengthens the network of local and regional trails, offering options for commuting, exercising, and leisure that are safer and more scenic. It also represents a long-term investment: trails like this can help improve quality of life, support environmental health, and encourage tourism…