River Trail Development is directly adjacent to the Michigan Tech Trails, which offer access for mountain biking, trail running, hiking and Nordic skiing. Providing trail connections from the River Trails Development to the surrounding trails will provide easy access to an abundance of trail based recreational opportunities for the residents of the River Trails Development.

Limited area is available for trail development due to the overall configuration of common space and narrow corridors between lots. Because of this, the focus on trails should be to maximize connectivity to the trails adjacent to the River Trails Development.

Slopes and grades in the common areas between the platted lots are typically orientated in a fall line direction. In an effort to reduce long term maintenance needs, and maximize the user experience it is recommended that climbing turns are used to keep the trail corridors parallel with the natural contours of the land. This approach should also be paired with a lift & tilt and turnpike style of trail tread construction to help promote drainage of erosive stormwater away from the trail tread.

Due to the wetness in various locations on this site, paired with the Pilgrim River there will need to be bridges and boardwalks constructed in various locations to allow for free-flowing water.