Grand Blanc Township's New 1.3-Mile Trail Is Open. It Joins a Countywide Trail Network.

By Carrie Thompson, Strategic Marketing Real Estate Agent, eXp Realty, Grand Blanc, MI

Grand Blanc Township opened the Embury-Cook Road Trail, a 1.3-mile nonmotorized path along Embury and Cook roads, with a ribbon-cutting in early September 2026, adding a new link to the Legacy Trails network that aims to connect about 200 miles of trails across Flint and Genesee County (ABC12, September 3, 2026). Many residents arrived on bicycles for the "ride-through" ribbon-cutting on a Wednesday evening (1836 Place, September 3, 2026).

The trail fills a gap between paths that already existed

When state lawmakers backed funding for the project in 2024, the plan was a pathway along Embury and Cook roads linking the existing Dort Highway Extension Trail to the pathway along Grand Blanc Road, with safe passage underneath I-75 (WHMI, May 16, 2024). ABC12 described the planned route that year as a continuous recreational path from Hill Road to Baldwin Road (ABC12, February 6, 2024).

At the opening, Genesee County Commissioner James Avery said residents can now travel on the trail from the City of Grand Blanc and the Grand Blanc Bicentennial Park to the Genesys Regional Medical Center (1836 Place, September 3, 2026).

"This is the next big step in connecting the community, keeping pedestrians and bicyclist separated and safe from vehicle traffic," Township Supervisor Scott Bennett said when the funding was announced (ABC12, February 6, 2024).

Two state grants backed the project

ABC12 reported in February 2024 that the township received $1.1 million from the Transportation Alternatives Program and $300,000 from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund for the path. ABC12 described the total as nearly $1.5 million (ABC12, February 6, 2024). In May 2024, WHMI reported the township expected to receive the $1.1 million grant, administered by the Michigan Department of Transportation (WHMI, May 16, 2024).

The trust fund grant was part of Senate Bill 817, which spread $27.3 million across 18 land acquisition projects and 35 recreation development projects around Michigan. The fund's revenue comes from mineral development on state land (WHMI, May 16, 2024).

Two area state representatives supported the request. "Investing in projects like this is just common sense," said Rep. Mike Mueller, a Republican from Linden. Rep. David Martin, a Republican from Davison, said the path "means easier access for everyone" whether someone is biking, walking a dog, or crossing town (WHMI, May 16, 2024).

Work on the connector was underway by January

In January 2026, the Genesee County View reported that progress had started on the Embury/Cook connector to Dort Highway, which will provide a continuous path to Grand Blanc Road (Genesee County View, January 8, 2026). The same report said the township expects the Atlas Perry Trail to be completed into Grand Blanc Township. "That has been a longtime coming," Township Superintendent Dennis Liimatta said (Genesee County View, January 8, 2026).

The Mott Foundation is backing the larger network

The township thanked the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, which committed up to $25 million to support the project and future trail expansion (ABC12, September 3, 2026). 1836 Place reported the commitment as up to $25 million over five years to expand and connect nonmotorized trails and sidewalks across the county (1836 Place, September 3, 2026).

Foundation President and CEO Ridgway White spoke at the opening about safe passages for kids who want to walk or bike to school, and about direct access in the near future to a state park in downtown Flint and another in neighboring Oakland County (1836 Place, September 3, 2026).

Avery, who represents District 5, also spoke about the larger network. "We are not simply building trails in Genesee County, rather, we are building a legacy," he said (1836 Place, September 3, 2026).

At the opening, Liimatta, the township superintendent, made the case for public trails in plain terms. "Nobody's going to come in and build private pathways for you to recreate on," he told ABC12 (ABC12, September 3, 2026).

What buyers and sellers near Embury and Cook roads should check

If you are buying in Grand Blanc Township and you walk or bike, pull up the trail on a map and check the actual route from the front door to the nearest access point before you assume a home is connected. Some streets reach the path easily and some do not. If you are selling near Embury Road, Cook Road, or Bicentennial Park, put the trail in your listing description and photos only if it is a real, short trip from your home, and describe it accurately.

Every listing I take gets professional photos and video, room sizes, targeted digital ads, and targeted buyer avatars. Call or text Carrie Thompson at (810) 893-3269.

About Carrie Thompson

Carrie Thompson, "Your Favorite Property Girl," is a Strategic Marketing Real Estate Agent (REALTOR®) with eXp Realty serving Grand Blanc, Genesee County and nearby Michigan communities, including Grand Blanc Township, the City of Grand Blanc, Burton, Atlas Township, Goodrich, and Davison. Michigan license 6501338662. Call or text (810) 893-3269.