Border-to-Border Trail

Border-to-Border Trail. The Border-to-Border Trail is a multi-use recreational trail system traversing Washtenaw County, Michigan. Envisioned as a continuous corridor, it connects numerous communities, natural areas, and cultural landmarks along river valleys. Managed through a partnership between local governments and non-profits, the trail is a cornerstone of the region's active transportation and outdoor recreation network.

Overview

The trail is a flagship project of the Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission, often developed in cooperation with municipalities like the City of Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti Township. Its primary alignments follow the Huron River and Fleming Creek, leveraging former railroad corridors and public right-of-ways. The trail forms a critical segment of the larger Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance network and is part of the Great Lakes to Lake Erie Greenway initiative. Its development reflects broader trends in urban planning focused on non-motorized transportation and green infrastructure.

Route and description

The planned route spans approximately 35 miles from the western border of Washtenaw County near Dexter to its eastern edge near Ypsilanti. Key completed segments include the Argo Cascades area in Ann Arbor, the Gallup Park pathway, and the North Hydro Park section. The trail surface varies, utilizing asphalt for high-use urban stretches and crushed stone in more natural settings, with boardwalks crossing sensitive wetlands. It passes significant landmarks such as the University of Michigan's Matthaei Botanical Gardens and the Ford Lake in Ypsilanti.

History and development

Planning for the corridor began in the early 1990s, spearheaded by advocacy from groups like the Huron River Watershed Council. Major construction phases were funded through grants from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Federal Highway Administration's Transportation Alternatives Program, and local millage proposals. The acquisition of the former Ann Arbor Railroad right-of-way was a pivotal moment in creating a continuous route. Development has been incremental, with new segments like the Bandemer Park connection opening as recently as 2022.

Usage and access

The trail is designed for year-round, multi-modal use, accommodating commuter cyclists, recreational runners, and birdwatching enthusiasts. It provides critical access to public spaces like the Huron River Water Trail for kayaking and canoeing. Numerous trailheads with parking are located within Washtenaw County Parks, including at Hudson Mills Metropark and Independence Lake County Park. The trail is patrolled by the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office and maintained under agreements with local Department of Public Works agencies.

Connecting trails and networks

The Border-to-Border Trail is a central link in a larger regional system. It connects directly to the Potawatomi Trail within the Pinckney Recreation Area and the Lakelands Trail State Park. To the east, it aligns with the Mike Levine Lakelands Trail State Park towards Jackson. These connections support long-distance touring as part of the Great Lake-to-Lake Trail (Route #1) from South Haven to Port Huron. The trail also integrates with local sidewalk and bike lane networks in Chelsea and Saline. Category:Trails in Michigan Category:Washtenaw County, Michigan Category:Hiking trails in Michigan Category:Cycling trails in Michigan