Get Out is your monthly guide to what's great in the great outdoors.
On the subject of hiking, Outdoor Magazine recently posed the question: “Long scenic trail or short, intense climb?” My knees answered “scenic” before I could even ponder it for a second. But, I have to agree with them—not just because they have a lot of say in what this body of mine does while upright—but also because I am definitely more of an ambler.
I like to stop and look at weird tree formations, follow snakes until they disappear into a mess of leaves, smell wildflowers, imagine mythical creatures in the clouds, and have deep and shallow conversations with myself or friends who are patient enough to keep a slow pace with me.
That said, there are virtues to a little bit of exertion, including cardiovascular health, stress reduction, strength and endurance building, overall mood boosting, and more. So, this month, I thought I’d cover some local trails that offer a bit of a challenge.
Pickerel Lake | Did you know that there are several Pickerel Lakes in Michigan? It seems like there ought to be a rule against that, but apparently there isn’t. The one I’m talking about is in Cannonsburg, off Ramsdell Drive. This trail starts off with a nice boardwalk that spans a portion of the lake before entering the woods. The trail keeps mostly near the shoreline, but there’s an option, as you get more into the depths, to take the high route instead of the low route. It has a steady incline, and when you get to the top, you are rewarded with a lovely view and a moment to catch your breath.
Provin Trails | Located at the tail end of the winding section of 4 Mile in Grand Rapids Township, this trek manages to present the improbable existence of a path that is “uphill, both ways.” No matter what, you will encounter an ascent. Multiple, if I recall. What’s helpful, though, is that this is a well-loved spot, especially with hiking groups, so at least some of the hills have been beaten enough that the tree roots create almost a staircase, which helps a lot with keeping your footing.
Crahen Valley | I just learned that there is some work being done here to connect Leonard to Knapp, but it’s supposed to reopen by April 1st. There are a couple of highlights to this spot. One is that there’s a rondula (this is apparently not a word!) with seating and a sweeping overlook to the north that is especially peep-worthy in the fall. The other is that there’s a long decline that takes you to two sections of the trail. The immediate one, affectionately known as “the shire,” is an easy loop around a small pond. But, if you go straight down instead, there’s a path with a bridge that crosses over a narrow creek that leads into a more wooded area. There are ups and downs regardless of which direction you take, but the payoff is that the only way to get back to your car (currently) is to climb that initial hill. It’s a whopper, but when you’ve finished, there’s a great feeling of accomplishment.
Aman Park | This one is endearing to me, as it reminds me of the M-45 drive to GVSU from downtown when I was living in Heritage Hill, but still had most of my classes at the Allendale campus. It marked the “almost there” point, but it was also a place to stop and unwind on the way home. There are several trails in this more-than-300-acre space, and a couple of them offer some maneuvering in terms of elevation. The park is also nearly 100 years old and was recently inducted into the Old-Growth Forest Network. Mid to late April is a prime time to visit, as it’s known for its swaths of trillium—some of the early, welcome, signs of spring.
Cascade Peace Park | The first thing you need to know about this Ada Township park is that there are two parking lots, and your GPS will be indiscriminate in which it will take you to on any given day. I prefer the trailhead lot directly off Grand River Drive, versus the one off Bolt Drive. That’s mostly because the former leads to a big rock with Wendell Berry’s “The Peace of the Wild Things” poem mounted on it, which just really sets the mind in the right mood for a hearty commune with nature. I recommend bringing someone with you who is directionally sound, as the signage is a bit iffy in spots.
Those are some of my faves for getting the heart pumping. It probably goes without saying, but just in case, I will: If you’re hiking on trails with rugged and hilly terrain, consider using a set of poles for extra stability. Really, just do it
