Get Out: Your monthly guide to what's great in the great outdoors.
As the leader of a recreation group, I feel a lot of responsibility, and subsequent worry, for how an event I schedule turns out. Too much, I’m sure, but that’s probably a story for a different kind of publication, like maybe Psychology Today. I had what I will politely call a hiccup when my recent Hike the Lights at Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park, which had dinner and overnight accommodations centered around it, abruptly became a “Now, what?” situation. It turns out that Hike the Lights ends when they start preserving the trails for skiing. Insert shrug emoji here.
Suddenly we didn’t have a lit trail to hike after dark, and I started scrambling to let everyone know. Immediately, members rallied, with suggestions for other trails in the State Park we could hike instead and offers to brings their headlamps. I grabbed my light-up knit hat and threw it into my overflowing bag of gear that was getting loaded in the car. And, just like that, a crisis was averted.
A crowd of us descended on the city, determined not to let a little setback ruin the event so many of us were looking forward to for over a month. We had an early-bird meal at Bear Lake Tavern not far from Lost Lake Trail where we were headed after. (Huge shout out to our incredibly patient and competent waitress, by the way.)
While Lost Lake Trail was not lit (except, oddly, for a small section in the middle), it was fairly easy to traverse. We’re all pretty seasoned at winter hiking, so we were well prepared, with the aforementioned lighted headgear, plus poles, traction cleats, snow pants, and layers, layers, layers. And, it was perfect. The cool air was invigorating, not biting, and the forest, illuminated partly by us and partly by a cloud-obscured moon, had a quiet, almost magical feel. Everyone enjoyed it, and I let out a huge exhale. Several of us commented that winter night hiking might be the best way to do it.
And, speaking of best ways to do things, let’s talk for a second about visiting the lakeshore. In summer, it’s crowded and all the hots spots are busy and lodging is pricey and let’s not even bring up parking. I’m not saying it’s not worth it, but I am saying that there’s a lot to be said for visiting the Lake Michigan region in other seasons. In addition to the year-round natural beauty, a lot of highly sought after places that you might otherwise have to book a year or more in advance are actually available. I had been really keen about staying at Tiny Digs Lakeshore, for example, but it was out of reach for numerous reasons. But not in winter!
So, after our Lost Lake Hike, a bunch of us took over this little enclave of tiny houses, each with a different décor. The Tiki Hut was my favorite, but they all had their own charm. The one I stayed in with a friend had a little glitch, but it was made right, and ended up contributing to the evening’s theme of flexibility.
But, back to hiking at night in winter. There’s a right and a wrong way to do it, for sure. Going with a group, for one, is a must. There’s safety in numbers, and, as long as you do a periodic head count, a low risk of losing someone. There’s also the right equipment and attire, which I’ve mostly already detailed. And, the last part is location. Lost Lake Trail in Muskegon was ideal because the path we chose circled a very obvious landmark: the lake itself. We stuck to it and came out the other side with ease. It was also well marked with maps. Maps are good.
Other places around West Michigan that are conducive to winter night hiking are Blandford Nature Center, Wittenbach Wege Center, Howard Christensen Nature Center, Grand Ravines North County Park (which is paved and runs along the Grand River), and Roselle Park, also with some Grand River frontage and some paved paths. These are not only well-known, they’re also mostly flat. Flat is good, too.
Even though we didn’t get to do what we planned, I still recommend checking out everything they have going on at Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park. See it all at msports.org.
While you’re there, if you want to stay over at some adorable lodging, look into Tiny Digs Lakeshore. Book at tinydigslakeshore.com.
And, be sure to call ahead to Bear Lake Tavern, who do take reservations to fuel up before or wind down after your adventure. Get info at bearlaketavern.com.
