JULY 28TH, 1999

THE POLLY ANN TRAIL

Michigan's Next Great Trail

Background -- The Pontiac Oxford and Northern (P.O. & N.--nicknamed the "Polly Ann") Railroad once ran from Pontiac to Caseville (99 miles). Grand Trunk Western abandoned the line, and 32 miles of the right-of-way has been purchased by the Michigan DNR to develop into a trailway for non-motorized recreation. A twelve mile segment in Oakland County was purchased in September, 1997, and the 20 mile portion in Lapeer County was acquired in May, 1999.

Current status -- The entire 32 miles is owned by the DNR, and is open to the public. However, much of the right-of-way is rough and overgrown. The rules for the property are no hunting and no motorized vehicles.

Oakland County -- Most of the Oakland County portion has been cleared and is usable, though a little rough. The most accessible sections are from Indianwood Road (Lake Orion) to Burdick Street (Oxford), and from Hosner Road northeast through Leonard to Bordman Road. Oakland County recently announced the receipt of grants totaling $1.9 million ($250,000 from Daimler Chrysler, $150,000 from the DNR, and $1.5 million from MDOT). That money will be used for trail development, especially grading and surfacing.

Lapeer County -- The recently acquired 20 mile segment of the right-of-way has not been cleared, and is rough and very overgrown in spots. The best section now is from Casey Road north to Dryden Road in Dryden Village. Initial plans are to develop the 6.4 mile portion in Dryden Township and Village, connecting to Oakland County, and a short, approximately one-half mile segment in Imlay City.

The Future -- Ultimately, the Polly Ann Trail will be a jewel of Michigan's trailways network, 32 miles long and linked to the Paint Creek Trail (Lake Orion to Rochester).

For more information:

Polly Ann Trail, Oakland County (248)969-8660

Polly Ann Trail, Lapeer County (810)796-2831

Michigan Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (517)393-6022

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (800)888-7747 (www.railtrails.org)

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