Posts
National Trails Day will be celebrated by horseback riding enthusiasts on Saturday, June 7, at the new Thunder Valley Equestrian Trail. Built as a cooperative effort by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and regional equestrian enthusiasts, the 11-mile trail system, located on state land in Marquette County, provides a beautiful wooded setting where horseback riders can enjoy a trail specifically designed to suit horses and riders.
The trail is located on the east end of County Road NA off County Road 553 in Sands Township in Marquette County.
Equestrians are invited to help with a work bee from 9:30 a.m. until noon on Saturday, June 7, at the trail. Volunteers are asked to bring hand tools such as pruners, loppers, handsaws, hand rakes, gloves, bug repellent and a water bottle, to assist in putting the final touches on the trail. However, volunteers are asked to not bring horses to the work bee.
Also, those participating in the work bee are asked to bring a dish to pass and utensils. Following completion of the trail work, a potluck tailgate lunch will be served. Signs will be posted to direct volunteers to the work bee.
The trail will open around 1 p.m. on June 7 to horses and horseback riders. The trail will remain open for the rest of the season and there is no fee to ride the Thunder Valley system.
The Thunder Valley Trail is designed to inspire, discover and celebrate the outdoors, horseback riding and the dedicated volunteers who have donated hours of labor and advocacy to the project.
For more information, contact DNR Communications Representative Ann Wilson at the Marquette Operations Service Center at (906) 228-6561.
