DNR wants entries in trail-naming contest

The tentative routes for the trail from Ironwood to Belle Isle are shown here. The blue line represents the hiking trail and the red line represents the bicycling route. (Graphic courtesy Michigan DNR)

The Michigan DNR wants to hear from outdoor enthusiasts in a naming contest for its new Detroit-to-Ironwood hiking and bicycle trail.

The DNR is taking name suggestions through October 13th. Submissions also should portray the concept of connection, since the trail will link several existing trails and communities.

The official name will be announced in early December. The winner will be offered a choice of several vacation prize packages at locations along the trail.

If you have a name idea you’d like to submit, you can give it to the DNR online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/namethetrail , via Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/midnr or by mailing in a paper entry form. Paper forms are available at http://www.michigan.gov/documents/dnr/Trail_Name_Entry_Form_469209_7.pdf .

Chris Hillier, a hiker from downstate Taylor, became the first person to hike the entire 924-mile-long trail last year. We spoke with him during the Marquette leg of his journey.