When Munising’s trails call, Rhonda Lassila answers — not just with her footsteps, but with a wheels-on-the-ground purpose rooted in her love for this community.
As president of the Munising Bay Trail Network, Lassila has been instrumental in transforming the area into a hub for outdoor recreation, a mission that blends her personal connection to Munising with a vision for its future.
Her work is also a tribute to her late father, James Howard, whose passion for biking and this town left a lasting impression. Since his passing in a biking accident in 2009, Lassila has turned her grief into a relentless drive to honor his memory and give back to the community they both cherished.
“I feel like I have both his passion and mine driving me,” she said. “He loved these trails, and everything I do here feels like I’m keeping his legacy alive.”
That legacy is both expansive and impressive. The Munising Bay Trail Network has developed over 50 miles of trails across the region, creating a diverse landscape for hikers, snowshoers, cross-country skiers, mountain bikers, fat-tire bikers and trail runners alike.
These include the Valley Spur Single Track network, known for its fun and flowy loops like Just Beechy and Hemlock Valley; Bruno’s Run, a scenic 12.6-mile route blending history and adventure; and the Munising Mountain Bike Park, featuring unique trails such as Superior Air, Rock On and Da Play Zone.
The network also connects with Munising Township’s McQuisten Recreation Area, offering breathtaking views and additional biking options. Trails like Pine Line, recently completed, aim to link these areas, further advancing MBTN’s mission of fostering physical and economic health while connecting Munising and its surrounding communities through accessible, multi-use trails.
Founded in 2012, MBTN became an official nonprofit in 2013. It quickly began cultivating partnerships with key organizations like the U.S. Forest Service’s Hiawatha National Forest, the City of Munising and the Munising Visitors Bureau.
These partnerships laid the foundation for the organization’s most successful projects. The Gateway Loop, one of its earliest achievements, was funded by a $194,100 grant from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund. MBTN volunteers raised an additional $25,700 and contributed significant in-kind labor.
“The Gateway Loop was a turning point for us,” Lassila said. “It showed what we could accomplish when the community came together.”
Valley Spur, a crown jewel of the Hiawatha National Forest, now boasts more than 27 miles of single-track trails within its recreation area, including the Hemlock Valley Loop, Just Beechy, Cedar Streak and the beginner-friendly Kids Loop — Doing Oak Eh.
Lassila explained the importance of community involvement: “Our volunteers are the backbone of MBTN. It takes a team to maintain trails this extensive.”
Seasonal cleanups often involve tasks as diverse as removing fallen trees, clearing debris and repairing washed-out sections of trail. Certified chainsaw operators, known as sawyers, are integral to this effort.
Bruno’s Run, a scenic 12.6mile loop, is another highlight. Its winding paths offer breathtaking views of McKeever Lake, Pete’s Lake and other natural landmarks. Initially built by the Forest Service as a hiking route, the trail was later rerouted to address unsustainable sections and transformed into a mountain biking loop.
Additionally, the trail passes through two campgrounds, Pete’s Lake and Widewaters, adding convenience for outdoor enthusiasts. MBTN has worked tirelessly to maintain the trail for mountain biking, turning it into a regional favorite.
The Munising Mountain Bike Park offers technical challenges like Superior Air, Rock On and Zach’s Zip trails. “It’s amazing to see riders of all skill levels enjoying what we’ve built,” Lassila said. “This park is for everyone.”
The network’s impact extends beyond recreation. “We see more bikes on cars stopping to stay and explore, not just passing through,” said Cori-Ann Cearley, executive director of the Munising Visitors Bureau.
Trail-related events, such as the Pictured Rocks Road Race, bring hundreds of participants and their families to the area, boosting local businesses. In 2023, the race generated nearly $14,000 in profits, MBTN’s largest fundraising success to date.
Mark Bender, recreation technician for the Hiawatha National Forest, sees MBTN as a crucial partner in advancing outdoor recreation and connecting the community.
“Rhonda has been a catalyst for this project and partnership,” Bender said. “She is dedicated to the Munising area and brings a big-picture view of the possibilities for the trails.”
He praised her commitment as an avid mountain biker who invests significant time and effort, successfully rallying diverse teams to get the work done on the ground.
Pointing to the collaboration between the U.S. Forest Service and MBTN, Bender said, “The Hiawatha National Forest brings technical expertise to the table, helping with trail design, groundwork and navigating the [National Environmental Policy Act] process to ensure all forest resources are protected. MBTN complements this by handling much of the trail building, maintenance and community outreach, making the partnership a strong one.”
Part 2 of this series will explore the broader impact of MBTN’s trail system, upcoming projects and how the community’s shared efforts continue to shape Alger County’s outdoor recreation landscape.
