11 years later - First segment of BC-Charlevoix Trail opens

Click here to see a video of part of the trail.

The first two-mile section of the long-awaited Boyne City-Charlevoix Non-Motorized Trail officially opened July 29. The open section runs from the Boyne City limits through Young State Park to Nelson Road. County Parks Director Ross Maxwell tells us the next mile from Nelson Road to Park of the Pines at Springwater Beach Road should open in a week or so. We snapped pictures of a runner and several cyclists, including Bill Cross, who said the new trail was "fantastic." 
Longtime trail supporter Mike Sheean took pictures of the trail paving as it began and emailed this note to friends who have supported the project: "Friday, July 22nd was a very special day in my life and I would like to thank you for making it happen. Attached is a photo of the first paved section of the Boyne City-Charlevoix Trail. I followed the asphalt trucks out to the middle of Young State Park. After 11 years of struggle, I am very happy to see this project come to fruition." The next section of the trail from the Little Traverse Wheelway south about three miles is due to go out for bids this fall and Maxwell hopes construction will begin in the spring. News-Review story.