A new milestone in the effort to construct a roadside trail all the way from New Buffalo to Bridgman has been reached, and Friends of Berrien County Trails is enlisting Harbor Country businesses to help celebrate next weekend.
Marcy Hamilton with the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission tells us they’re holding a ribbon cutting for the first eight miles of the Red Arrow Linear Trail on Friday, June 27. She says the trail now connects Sawyer and New Buffalo.
“This is probably almost the longest segment of trail now that we have within Berrien County,” Hamilton said. “This is probably almost the longest segment of trail now that we have within Berrien County. So that’s a pretty big accomplishment and we’re working to extend it to the south to connect to the Marquette Greenway.”
Supporters will gather at 10 a.m. on the 27th at Red Arrow Highway and Lakeside Road in Chikaming Township for the ribbon cutting. Then the next day will be Red Arrow Trail Day, a chance for businesses along Red Arrow Highway to celebrate the progress that’s been made.
“All the businesses are coming together to offer different specials and discounts or giveaways, all in celebration of the opening up of eight miles of the Red Arrow Trail from Sawyer down to US 12 near New Buffalo.”
17 businesses and organizations will do something special on June 28 for Red Arrow Trail Day. You can learn more right here.
Hamilton says the Red Arrow Linear Trail still isn’t done. Friends of Berrien County Trails is currently seeking funds to build it between Bridgman and Stevensville while plans are coming together for the Sawyer to Bridgman segment. That will likely pass through Warren Dunes State Park and involve the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
