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Sunday, October 24, 2021

Dragon Trail Beginnings

  Nice hike today with Monica and her daughter Keira. friends

The last time I went to Hardy Dam was because the 46-mile "Dragon Trail" was in the planning stages. Now there are actually some miles completed. Dragon Trail sign

There are 14.6 miles, but they are not contiguous. So we did most of what is complete, and one little piece of that as an out-and-back. We did get a nice early start from my house, but it's over an hour away. Nevertheless it was still a lovely morning at the boat launch as we were getting ready to hike. HArdy Dam pond

The trail is designed for mountain bike and hiking use. That means there are lots more twists and turns and small hills than you'd usually find on a hiking trail. twisting mountain bike trail

Most of the day was cloudy, but occasionally the sun popped out giving some good autumn color. You can see the water most of the time from the trail. HArdy Dam pond

You know I love patterns. This was the best one on the water today. patterns in water

We started from a park called Big Bend and walked toward the dam. We knew we were getting close here, but actually had over a mile to go because the trail wandered around an arm of water. HArdy Dam

One more view with some nice color. HArdy Dam pond

And at the end we walked across the dam and back. This is the view downstream on the Muskegon River. Muskegon River south of HArdy Dam

We did 13.2 miles, and I can feel it, but I could easily have walked 2 or 3 more. This is really good. The weather was ideal. We think it was 39 degrees when we started, but most of the time it was high 40s or into the 50s. Lots and lots of cyclists. A moderate number of hikers.

Dragon Trail from Big Bend Park to Consumer's Beach Park and back to parking. 13.2 miles

There is no other news.

See Hardy Dam

3 comments:

Ann said...

Sounds like you had a great day. Sure had some beautiful views.

Sharkbytes said...

Thanks, Ann!

The Oceanside Animals said...

Lulu: "So how far do you have to go before you see the dragons? And are they kept in a fenced area?"