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 her 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. Since his passing in 2009, Lassila has channeled her grief into honoring his memory and supporting the community.
![]()
Courtesy of April HowardRhonda Lassila pictured with her father, James Howard, on one of their biking excursions."I feel like I have both his passion and mine driving me," Lassila reflects. "He loved these trails, and everything I do here feels like I’m keeping his legacy alive."
Rhonda Lassila is a long-time Munising resident whose dedication to community and recreational development has left an indelible mark on her hometown.
A 1985 graduate of Munising High School, Lassila’s professional journey began at Iverson Snowshoe Company, where she worked for three years before joining Kimberly-Clark, later Neenah Paper, at age 21. She worked there for nearly 20 years before transitioning to a role as a lab technician in research and development. Her dedication led to a promotion to scientist for her final two years. She retired in March 2024 after decades of service.
More than a decade earlier, she joined a small group of volunteers aiming to create recreational opportunities in a region previously limited to off-road vehicle trails.
“We started building trails with hand tools because, at the time, there were no non-motorized trails in the city of Munising—only ORV trails,” she recalled.
Lassila served as the group’s first secretary before being elected president in 2014.
Under her leadership, the group formally became the Munising Bay Trail Network.
The Munising Bay Trail Network boasts more than 50 miles of trails for various activities, including hiking, biking, and skiing. Lassila’s vision and leadership have been instrumental in transforming the area into a hub for non-motorized outdoor recreation.
These include Bruno's Run, a scenic 12.6-mile historic route; the Munising Mountain Bike Park, with 7.3 miles of trails for all skill levels; and Valley Spur, a crown jewel of the Hiawatha National Forest, featuring over 27 miles of single-track trails.
The network also connects with the Munising Township’s McQuisten Recreation Area, offering breathtaking views and additional biking options.
Founded in 2012, the mountain bike organization became a nonprofit in 2013, forming partnerships with the U.S. Forest Service, the city of Munising, and the Munising Visitors Bureau.
![]()
Munising Bay Trails NetworkThe Gateway Loop, part of the Munising Mountain Bike Park and one of its earliest achievements, was funded by a $194,100 Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant. Network 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.”
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.
"Our volunteers are the backbone of MBTN," she says, referring to the importance of community involvement. “It takes a team to maintain trails this extensive.”
The Munising network’s impact extends far 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.
Events like the Pictured Rocks Road Race draw hundreds of participants and their families, benefiting local businesses. In 2023, the race generated nearly $14,000 in profits, the Munising network’s largest fundraiser to date.
Mark Bender, recreation technician for the Hiawatha National Forest, called the network a key partner in advancing outdoor recreation.
“Rhonda has been a catalyst for this project and partnership. She is dedicated to the Munising area and brings a big-picture view of the possibilities for the trails,” he said.
“The Hiawatha National Forest brings technical expertise to trail design, groundwork, and navigating the (National Environmental Policy Act) process to protect forest resources,” he added. “(The Munising network) handles trail building, maintenance, and community outreach, making the partnership strong.”
Overcoming hurdles
Lassila recalled the devastation when trails hand-built by the Munising Bay Trail Network were destroyed during a logging operation in 2014.
“I literally cried when I went up there and saw it,” she said.
Determined to rebuild, Lassila and her team worked with their trail builder from Valley Spur to clean up the damage and create something new.
“We went to the city and worked with our trail builder, who gave us a plan to clean up the mess and rebuild,” she explained. The effort led to the creation of the Munising Mountain Bike Park, featuring a jump line trail, a skills park, and a rebuilt version of the original trail.
“We turned apples into applesauce,” she said.
Valley Spur, a cherished trail system in Alger County, has been maintained by the Friends of Valley Spur under a permit held by the Noquemanon Trail Network. The permit is now transitioning to the Munising Bay Trail Network, ensuring the trail’s long-term sustainability and year-round use.
“This move is about ensuring that Valley Spur continues to thrive as a hub for recreation in Alger County,” said Lori Hauswirth, executive director of the Noquemanon Trail Network. “Lassila and her team bring not only the passion but also the expertise needed to maintain and grow this incredible resource.”
“Partnerships like this are what make trail networks sustainable,” she added. “It’s a big win for the community and the broader recreation landscape in the Upper Peninsula.”
A new chapter
“Rhonda and her group approached us about adding single-track mountain bike trails,” said Peggy Carberry, a long-time member and former president of the Friends of Valley Spur.
“At first, there were concerns about whether they’d follow through, but I knew Rhonda would make it happen — she’s a force to be reckoned with.”
Valley Spur offers opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds, including those with furry companions. During the snowy season, dogs are welcome exclusively on the Wyman Pines Loop, a groomed snow biking trail popular with winter cyclists.
This loop also accommodates snowshoers and cross-country skiers, providing a versatile option for winter recreation. In non-winter months, dogs are allowed on all Valley Spur trails, offering ample opportunities to explore the area’s scenic beauty year-round.
Carberry fondly remembered riding alongside James Howard during the Tour da Woods Race.
“Back when the race was happening, it was Ricky Runset, Rhonda’s dad, and me. The three of us would stick together through the whole 30-mile race, cheering each other on,” she said.
![]()
Munising Bay Trails NetworkReflecting on his character, Carberry added, “He’d be out of his mind with pride to see what Rhonda has accomplished.”
April Howard, Rhonda Lassila’s mother, described how biking became a central part of Lassila’s bond with her father.
“We were always camping, and Rhonda and her dad would go for rides in the woods,” Howard said. “It started small, but pretty soon, they were riding 30 miles.”
Howard reflected on how Lassila has honored her father’s legacy through her work with Munising Bay Trail Network.
“Since her dad’s passing, it’s been a way for her to feel like he’s still with her,” she said. “She didn’t ride for a while after he passed, but when she started again, it was like she just kept going further and further.”
Beyond her professional and community work, Lassila values her family life. She is married to Tim Lassila, a fellow mill retiree, and they have four children and four grandchildren. With a golden retriever and a black lab in the family, Lassila enjoys the trails she helped create while embracing Munising’s natural beauty.
Looking ahead, the trail network is working to connect its existing trails into a comprehensive network spanning Alger County and beyond.
Lassila aims to connect Munising with nearby townships like Christmas and AuTrain through safe, accessible routes for bikers and hikers.
“This has been on our radar since the beginning,” she said, acknowledging challenges like private land ownership and commercial forest reserve land restrictions.
“The trails are here for everyone—to explore, connect, and enjoy. We’re just getting started.”
For trail maps, conditions, and updates, visit
mbtn.org or check its social media channels. Information about Valley Spur, including winter amenities, is available at
valleyspur.org.
Jennifer Champagne is an accomplished entertainment + visual effects writer with a passion for storytelling. When she’s not crafting articles on industry giants, you’ll find her enjoying life with her family and their three crazy golden retriever floofs at home in middle earth.