BRINGING A TRAILHEAD TO LIFE
The Birch Point Trailhead is envisioned as more than a place to start a ride or walk. It will be a welcoming community space where people feel connected, inspired, and excited to spend time outdoors.
Designed for visitors of all ages and abilities, the trailhead will include accessible amenities like rest areas, water, restrooms, bike repair stations, and more. Together, we will transform the trailhead into a vibrant destination for recreation, connection, and community.
At the center of the project is a new maintenance facility that will help care for the Leelanau Trail and the broader west TART regional trail network for years to come.
When the people who care for our trails have the right tools, space, and support, they can do what they do best. A maintenance facility fuels pride, strengthens partnerships, and creates the capacity to grow a trail network that benefits the entire community.
COMMUNITY IMPACT
We envision the Birch Point Trailhead:
Strengthening Trail Operations and Long-Term Stewardship
Inspiring Experiences that Encourage Exploration and Enjoyment
Improving Access for All Abilities
Promoting Health and Outdoor Recreation
Fostering Community Connections and Collaboration
Modeling Environmental Sustainability 2025TARTTrailsPurchasesProperty 2025–2026ConceptualPlanning 2026–2027SitePlan&BuildingDesign,Fundraising Birch Point Conceptual Rendering
2028TrailheadConstructionBegins
VOLUNTEERS ALL YEAR LONG
Since the beginning, the Leelanau Trail has been cared for by hardworking volunteers The 17-mile corridor has a dedicated volunteer crew whose ongoing stewardship keeps the trail looking great and feeling safe, welcoming and enjoyable for everyone.
As the trail has evovled, so have its maintenance needs. Safety improvements continue to be a top priority. The Leelanau Trail crew spent all of last summer and fall upgrading # intersections for consistency and visibility. Roaming Ambassadors encourage positive trail etiquette through our Caught Ya Card program to reinforce good habits. Cherry Capital Cycling Club held Courtesy & Cookie events to encourage safe and kind trail use.
Every gift helps ensure the Leelanau Trail remains a safe, beautiful community place for everyone to enjoy today, and for generations to come.
COMBATTING INVASIVE SPECIES
The Invasive Species Crew works hard to manage the natural spaces along the Leelanau Trail. Autumn olive, garlic mustard, and honey suckle continue to command the focus of the crew. Their efforts ensure the trail maintains and even improves its biodiversity.
WINTER ON THE
LEELANAU TRAIL
Winter Trail volunteers head out on frigid mornings to prepare the trail for the day. They groom ski tracks and set corduroy from DeYoung Farm to the Fourth Street Trailhead in Suttons Bay, with a scenic 5K loop through Shady Lane Cellars adding an off-trail adventure for skiers and snowshoers. South of DeYoung to Cherry Bend and north through Suttons Bay, the trail is cleared to provide a safe and enjoyable winter experience for walkers and runners.
CARING FOR LEO CREEK
This summer, TART Trails will replace the existing Leo Creek crossing culvert with a bridge, allowing the creek to flow more naturally. This improves ecosystem flow and aids in preventing creek-side erosion. To ensure the solution reflects both ecological best practices and local stewardship values, TART Trails consulted with Conservation Resource Alliance and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians throughout the planning process. Their guidance has helped shape an approach that supports the long-term health of Leo Creek.
3,200
$648,972
