SAUGATUCK, MI (AP)-- Supporters of a proposed international biking, hiking and paddling route around the Great Lakes basin are meeting this week in southwestern Michigan to collaborate on the idea.
The Great Lakes Coastal Trail Conference takes place Thursday and Friday in Saugatuck. The Grand Rapids Press reports the event aims to bring together supporters in the U.S. and Canada to formalize development of roughly 7,000-mile route.
The route would include Great Lakes shoreline and the St. Lawrence River, which connects the lakes to the Atlantic Ocean.
An aim is to draw tourists to the region, which includes eight U.S. states and the Canadian provinces of Quebec and Ontario. It would integrate independent biking and kayaking trail developments. Efforts already are progressing on a four-state Lake Michigan Water Trail.