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Trail Protection: Lowell to Elmdale

Posted on July 21, 2026July 21, 2026 by Kate Lemon

For 20+ years, alongside the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), the North Country Trail Association has been eyeing a retired railroad corridor outside of Lowell, Michigan. The NCTA’s goal is to utilize it to move more North Country Trail off-road.

Now, thanks to this dedicated partnership between the Association, DNR, MDOT, and Kent County Parks Department, as well as the generosity of a private donor, we’re making significant strides toward making this dream a reality.

This spring, partners led NCTA and National Park Service staff on a tour of various segments along this route. When complete, 5.5 miles of NCT will be moved off-road, allowing trail users to wander more safely across this scenic farmland.

From the MDOT side, this project will help develop a multi-use, non-motorized trail closing the last unfunded gap in the 125-mile Fred Meijer Mid-West Michigan Regional Trail network, allowing for uninterrupted use across six counties from Owosso to Lowell to Greenville to Alma.

Strengthen the Association’s trail protection capabilities with a gift today.

The North Country Trail Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The tax identification number is 38-2423480. View the state disclosure statement at northcountrytrail.org/transparency.