Hemlock Crossing Trail Overview

a Hemlock Crossing trail (photo by jhy)

by jhy

I had the opportunity to hike just over 5 miles at Hemlock Crossing this week, and it's definitely a great place for various levels of difficulty, and potential lengths from quickie hikes to longer adventures.

Located just west of US 31 at West Olive, Michigan, the trail system includes a short accessible loop (the Meadow Loop), but it also connects to the paved Lakeshore Trail which runs for 20 miles connecting Grand Haven State Park with Holland State Park.

However, once you cross the Pigeon River on a wooden footbridge, the trails are natural surface, and only foot travel (includes skis and snowshoes) is allowed. Pets are allowed on leash. There are numerous loops you can follow to create your own custom hike. If you stay close to the river, the topography will be more level, but as you go away from the water, there are increasing hills. Most are only gently rolling. Junctions are numbered and well marked with maps and clear arrows leading to the next junction.

Pigeon River from a Hemlock Crossing trail (photo by jhy)

At the west end of the park, the trails connect with Pine Bend where there is also parking. Both a toilet house (seasonal) and a latrine are available at the Hemlock Crossing end. Pine Bend only has a latrine. Parking at both locations is free.

The fact that these parks connect means you have even more choices for trails and potential loops. Hemlock Crossing together with Pine Bend provide over 12 unique miles of trail. Almost all the trails are wooded with packed earth surface. There are some occasional areas of looser sand and a few bridges and boardwalks. There are numerous observation platforms near the river, and benches for resting.

There is also a canoe/kayak launch to paddle the Pigeon River. This is a short river entirely within Ottawa County (note- there are five Pigeon Rivers in Michigan).

A public observatory is open for sky viewing every Friday night.

overview map- see pdf map link below (photo by jhy)

From March 1 - October 15 the hours are 7am to 10pm, and from October 16 - February 28 trails are open 7am to 8pm.

See pdf map of the area


These links are checked on the date of the article. As the article ages, some links may become invalid

Go To www.getoffthecouchnews.blogspot.com for all the news
See Get Off The Couch

Rabid Bat Found in Ottawa County

bat (photo from Michigan Field Guide)

from M-Live

Ottawa County (Michigan) Department of Public Health has announced the first case of rabies in the county this year in any species of animal. No human cases have been reported to date.

Bats are most active from May through September, and people should take precautions. Any scratch or bite should prompt capture of the animal for testing. Finding a bat in a room where people have been sleeping or finding a bat in a room with people such as children or the infirm who cannot clearly communicate any interactions should cause concern.

Do not release of dispose of the bat. Confine or collect the bat and contact your local health department so it can be tested. Rabies is curable if treatment begins before symptoms begin.

So far in 2026, Michigan has found 22 cases of animals with rabies.

See Bat in Emmet County Tests Positive for Rabies


These links are checked on the date of the article. As the article ages, some links may become invalid

Go To www.getoffthecouchnews.blogspot.com for all the news
See Get Off The Couch

Musketawa Trail Upgrades Near Completion

newly paved Musketawa Trail (photo from West Michigan Trails)

from West Michigan Trails

The Musketawa Trail in Ottawa and Muskegon Counties, Michigan, is a 25-mile paved route that forms a connection leading to Grand Rapids and to the Lakeshore Trail.

Beginning in 2025, complete reconstruction began using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.

Most of the work will be completed by August 2026, with the exception of the Crockery Creek bridge. This may not be complete until mid-September, but users will be able to once again enjoy most of the trail. The new pavement is ten feet wide.

The planning for additional trail amenities is ongoing. The Friends group has made a memorial shelter project their priority and is raising funds. A comprehensive amenities plan is still in development

See Musketawa Trail


These links are checked on the date of the article. As the article ages, some links may become invalid

Go To www.getoffthecouchnews.blogspot.com for all the news
See Get Off The Couch

Spring Lake Township Begins Trail Extensions

a portion of the Spring Lake non-motorized trail (photo from Spring Lake Plan)

compiled from several sources

Spring Lake, Michigan, has begun construction on two trail extensions that will create additional connections with the Spring Lake Township Non-Motorized Path.

The newest sections are along Rannes Road from Leonard to 152nd Ave., and along Hickory Street from Fruitport Road to 148th Ave.

The Rannes Street path connects directly to the 152nd Avenue bike path—a multi-million dollar expansion project designed to connect surrounding neighborhoods to the township's continually growing pathway system. It also serves as a feeder to nearby recreational areas like Rycenga Park, which is situated just off the main Spring Lake loop.

See Spring Lake Non-Motorized Trail plan which includes maps


These links are checked on the date of the article. As the article ages, some links may become invalid

Go To www.getoffthecouchnews.blogspot.com for all the news
See Get Off The Couch

Porter Legacy Dunes Opens to Public

Lake Michigan from Porter Legacy Dunes (photo from Southwest Michigan Land Conservanty)

from News Channel 3

Porter Legacy Dunes in South Haven, Michigan, is now open to the public. It is located adjacent to Pilgrim Haven Natural area, and the two properties result in two miles of natural shoreline stretching from Pilgrim Haven to Van Buren State Park.

In 2020, a partnership of Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy (SWMLC) and the South Haven Area Recreation Authority (SHARA) purchased the land through state grants and other donations. Since then, planning and construction of trails has been ongoing, thanks to grants from Entergy Corporation and the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund.

Part of the Porter Legacy Dunes trail system features a boardwalk that winds along a rare forested backdune ecosystem. There is also a half-mile long ADA accessible loop trail, and an elevated Lake Michigan overlook.

The property is owned by SHARA, but they have signed a 20-year memorandum with SWMLC to preserve and maintain the natural habitat.

Access the preserve via the parking at Pilgrim Haven. Visitors are asked to stay on the trails.

See more at Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy


These links are checked on the date of the article. As the article ages, some links may become invalid

Go To www.getoffthecouchnews.blogspot.com for all the news
See Get Off The Couch

Availability of Life Rings Saves Two More Lives

Holland pier (photo from Holland Public Safety)

from TV 13

Stong currents in Lake Michigan caught two Otsego area teenagers swimming near Holland on Jun 22, 2026. They were being pulled toward the Holland State park pier.

Two girls were heard screaming for help, and an unidentified bystander threw them a life ring. The rings are located along the pier. By the time official rescue units arreived, both girls were out of the water. With the aid of the life ring, the girls had been pulled close to the rocks, and they were able to climb to a safe location.

State Park staff assisted in getting them where they needed to be after they were evaluated by medical personnel and released.

The girls had been swimming in the designated zone, but conditions began to deteriorate and a current caught them. This happened at the same time as northwest winds were beginning to pick up and generate large waves and hazardous conditions. Park staff were actually in the process of changing the beach warning flags from yellow to red at the time.

The Great Lakes use a beach flag condition system to indicate swimming risk:

Green Flag: Low hazard; calm conditions, though caution should always be exercised.

Yellow Flag: Medium hazard; moderate surf and/or currents. Watch for changing conditions.

Red Flag: High hazard; high surf and/or strong currents. It is highly recommended to stay on the beach.

Double Red Flags: Water access closed. Entering the water is illegal and highly dangerous due to extreme hazards like rip currents.

See National Weather Service Great Lakes Beach Hazards


These links are checked on the date of the article. As the article ages, some links may become invalid

Go To www.getoffthecouchnews.blogspot.com for all the news
See Get Off The Couch

Spring Lake Trail Expansion Opens

ribbon cutting (photo from Spring Lake Township)

from Spring Lake Township

A ribbon cutting celebration took place on the afternoon of June 18, 2026, in front of Country Estates on State Road to officially open the new stretch of bike path recently completed.

This 0.5-mile trail connects neighborhoods near the 144th Ave./State Road intersection to the existing bike path system. It also connects to the existing 1-mile pathway on State Road, offering access to many regional bike paths including the North Bank Trail and Lakeside Trail.

Spring Lake Township officials, staff, and community members gathered to cut the ribbon and celebrate the opening of another stretch of paved path for residents and visitors to enjoy.

This extension cost $3.8 million, and was paid for by a millage approved by voters.

See news item on Fox 17


These links are checked on the date of the article. As the article ages, some links may become invalid

Go To www.getoffthecouchnews.blogspot.com for all the news
See Get Off The Couch

Lake Michigan Claims Two More Lives

Lake Michigan beach at Ludington (photo by jhy)

a news release of Bridge Michigan

Two young men drowned in Lake Michigan over the weekend. A Grand Rapids man died trying to rescue an Illinois man off a pier in the Pigeon Lake channel in Ottawa County, according to the Grand Rapids man’s father.

Lake Michigan is consistently the deadliest of the Great Lakes. It claimed 36 lives last year — including at least five in Michigan — according to the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project. The next deadliest, Lake Erie, killed 19 people.

Before the drownings over the weekend, Lake Michigan had killed eight people — including one in Michigan — this year, twice as many as the next-deadliest, Lake Ontario.

A number of drownings in recent years prompted South Haven to bring back lifeguards this year for the first time in a quarter-century. Lifeguards there just saved the mayor’s husband who had a medical emergency on the beach.


These links are checked on the date of the article. As the article ages, some links may become invalid

Go To www.getoffthecouchnews.blogspot.com for all the news
See Get Off The Couch

Nunica Junction Ribbon Cutting June 16

poster from Friends of the North Bank Trail

from Friends of the North Bank Trail

The Friends of the North Bank Trail are folks dedicated to developing a non-motorized rail trail from Grand Haven/Spring Lake to Grand Rapids. They invite the public to a ribbon-cutting ceremony June 16, 2026 at 4:00 pm. This is in Nunica, Michigan at 16980 N. Main St, at the North Bank Trail Junction Trailhead. There will be brief remarks by various people.

In 2025, the Friends group provided a $250,000 grant to Crockery Township to assist in funding the restoration of two railroad trestles over Crockery Creek. The grant was made possible through private donations from generous donors that have supported the North Bank Trail for many years. These two historic trestles one mile east of Nunica were once part of the Grand Trunk Railroad line that ran from Grand Haven to Detroit.

The trestles have been improved to allow pedestrian and bicycle access over the creek offering wonderful views of the flowing water and surrounding forest. The pathway to the trestles will remain a natural surface at this time.

See North Bank Trail


These links are checked on the date of the article. As the article ages, some links may become invalid

Go To www.getoffthecouchnews.blogspot.com for all the news
See Get Off The Couch

Section of North Bank Trail Collapses

collapsed section of trail (photo source uncertain)

from M-Live

A section of the North Bank Trail near Spring Lake, Michigan, has collapsed. A land bridge between 148th Ave and 144th Ave has become impassable. This 350-foot section is closed until repairs can be made which is expected to take at least 60 days.

A sewer line located beneath the trail is damaged as well. The area will need to be pumped out, and the public should stay out of the area until the sewage can be removed and the line repaired.

No cause of the collapse was immediately apparent. Engineers have been called in to assess the problem and determine a solution.

The detour will follow the State Road path just north of the North Bank Trail.

See Fundraiser for North Bank Trail


These links are checked on the date of the article. As the article ages, some links may become invalid

Go To www.getoffthecouchnews.blogspot.com for all the news
See Get Off The Couch

Grand Haven Kite Festival- May 16, 17

kite festival (photo from City of Grand Haven)

from the city of Grand Haven

Look up and get ready to be amazed! The Grand Haven Kite Festival transforms the Lake Michigan shoreline into a sky full of color, creativity, and high-flying fun. Watch professional kite fliers perform synchronized routines, stroll the beach lined with giant show kites, and even bring your own to join in.

This free, family-friendly event takes place at Grand Haven State Park on Saturday, May 16 (10 AM–5 PM) and Sunday, May 17 (11 AM–5 PM), weather permitting. It’s the perfect spring getaway—plan your stay and make a weekend of it in Grand Haven.

See the full schedule at Grand Haven Kite Festival

See Kite Festival Facebook

See Grand Haven Kite Festival


These links are checked on the date of the article. As the article ages, some links may become invalid

Go To www.getoffthecouchnews.blogspot.com for all the news
See Get Off The Couch

Coastal Management Grants from EGLE

Rosy Mound beach (photo by jhy)

from a news article by WGVU Public Media

Ten grants have been awarded for coastal management by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). The total is $885,000. Three of the grants will come to west Michigan.

Grants are awarded annually from the Michigan Coastal Management Program whose mission is to protect, preserve, restore, enhance and develop coastal resources along the nation’s longest freshwater coastline

Rosy Mound Natural Area, in Ottawa County, will receive $50,000 to protect wetlands and improve public access.

The city of Saugtuck, in Allegan County, will be able to improve safety and access to Oval Beach with $20,000.

South Haven, in Van Buren County, is updating its zoning to better deal with shoreline protection strategies and erosion issues. They have been awarded $17,500.

See Rosy Mound
See Oval Beach


These links are checked on the date of the article. As the article ages, some links may become invalid

Go To www.getoffthecouchnews.blogspot.com for all the news
See Get Off The Couch

First Season for Holland Ice Park Successful

Holland Ice Park (photo from city of Holland)

from an article on M-Live

Holland, Michigan, opened its $11.3 million dollar Ice Park in November, 2025, and the initial season is being hailed as a great success. It was envisioned as a way to make the city a four-season destination. The Park encompasses 14,000 square feet, and incluces an ice skating ribbon, curling rink, fire pits, picnic areas and concessions.

Over the first season, 33,685 visitors booked individual skating sessions and 213 reservations for the curling court.

Almost all available skating sessions sold out during the November to March season. Tickets are sold for 90-minute sessions. There is a 700-foot ice ribbon, and also a semi-circle for open skating. The ribbon is the longest in Michigan.

There were a few tweaks to make things run more smoothly. Session times were staggered to prevent waiting lines for skate rental. More walk-up tickets were made available, and the maximum number of skaters allowed at a time was increased slightly.

The city of Holland is anticipating that the venue will not need to be subsidized but will be financially self-supporting. It is reported that people traveled from all over the Midwest to visit the Ice Park.

See Holland Ice Park to Open


These links are checked on the date of the article. As the article ages, some links may become invalid

Go To www.getoffthecouchnews.blogspot.com for all the news
See Get Off The Couch

North Ottawa Dunes to Add 50 Acres

sandhill crane at North Ottawa Dunes (photo by jhy)

from the Ottawa News Network

In Ottawa County a land settlement is close to resolution that would add 50 acres to the Ottawa County, Michigan, park system. The property in question is 119 acres located at 18361 180th Ave.

The property will be divided between three owners. The largest parcel will go to Ottawa County, 30 acres will be developed, and the remaining 39 acres will be purchased by an adjoining landowner, and will legally be preserved as open land.

The Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Plan has identified the creation of more nature trails as the number one priority of the public. And preservation of the Lake Michigan dunes is a top priority of the connected governmental systems.

A township official cautioned that this is not a completed deal yet, but everything looks good. The 50 acres will become part of North Ottawa Dunes.

See the North Ottawa Parks and Recreation Plan


These links are checked on the date of the article. As the article ages, some links may become invalid

Go To www.getoffthecouchnews.blogspot.com for all the news
See Get Off The Couch

Ottawa County Offers "Step It Up"

Step It Up (photo from Ottawa County Parkd)

from Ottawa County Parks

The Ottawa County, Michigan, Parks and Recreation Commission is offering a free 8-week program designed to help you stay active and explore new parks. Hikes are held each week from April 28-June 20, 2026. Dogs are welcome on leash.

Eight guided hikes/activities will be held. Locations are:
• Hemlock Crossings
• Grand Ravines
• Upper Macatawa Natural area OR Preview the Grand Explorers Trail Race at Grand River Park
• Connor Bayou- hike and paddle
• Ottawa Sands
• Paw Paw Park OR hike and kayak at Ottawa Sands
• Ottawa Sands
• Pigeon Creek
• Grand River Park

See more detail at Ottawa County Parks


These links are checked on the date of the article. As the article ages, some links may become invalid

Go To www.getoffthecouchnews.blogspot.com for all the news
See Get Off The Couch

Land Conservancy of W Michigan Celebrates 50 Years

Ottawa County Park (photo by jhy)

from Land Conservancy of West Michigan

The Land Conservancy of West Michigan has its 50th anniversary in 2026, and they invite you to join them in celebrating.

Throughout 2026, we’ll be unveiling events, sharing historic stories, and celebrating the community that’s made 50 years of conservation possible.

The Explorathon kicks off on April 18! Join the Land Conservancy of West Michigan and our conservation partners for a guided hike along the forested dunes of the Lake Michigan shoreline.

For this first of three outdoor events celebrating the impact of 50 years of keeping nature nearby, we will be hiking through 2500 acres of connected, protected lakeshore habitat. Hikers can choose their own adventure: Join us for a 7-mile hike through 5 connected parks and preserves or a 2-mile paved hike through Ottawa Sands. Both experiences are led by naturalists guides who will share about park history and the protected natural features found in the globally unique and rare ecosystems we'll be exploring.

Hike participants will travel along the forested dunes of the iconic shoreline, enjoying views of Lake Michigan to the west and the Grand River valley to the east, while learning more about the importance of landscape-level conservation work, hearing stories about how these lands came to be protected, and enjoying the fruits of decades of hard work to protect and restore natural land on the Lake Michigan shoreline.

Tickets are required to attend. On-site registration will be available, but space is limited. We recommend registering early to secure your spot!

There will also be a guided bicycle tour on June 6, and a guided paddling event on August 29.

Learn more and purchase your tickets at Nature Nearby


These links are checked on the date of the article. As the article ages, some links may become invalid

Go To www.getoffthecouchnews.blogspot.com for all the news
See Get Off The Couch

Man Swept Off Pier Survives Thanks to Life Rings

the actual moment of being washed off the pier (photo by Ryan Bale)

a news release of South Haven Area Emergency Services

Through its ongoing beach safety program, the City of South Haven, Michigan, installed year-round life ring stations in 2023. The South Haven Rotary Club supported the program with a $13,500 grant for the installation of the six stations located on the south and north piers. This safety equipment, along with quick action by a friend, saved a life.

South Haven Area Emergency Services (SHAES) and South Haven Police Department responded to a report of a person being swept off the pier into the water at 5:40 p.m.

A 57-year-old man, reported to be from out-of-state, escaped with his life when waves swept him off the Lake Michigan south pier in South Haven on Friday evening. (March 13, 2026)

A second person with the victim threw him a life ring and pulled him to safety. He was out of the water when authorities arrived. The incident occurred near the lighthouse end of the pier. The subject was taken to Bronson-South Haven Hospital for treatment of injuries.

The pier was closed at the time with waves sweeping over it.

Persons who go onto the piers in South Haven when they are closed are subject to a $1,000 fine. The city declared the piers closed earlier in the day because of the high wind and wave conditions.

Ryan Bale captured the moment the subject was being washed off the pier into the lake. Let this photo be a reminder of the power of the lake waves and the dangers they pose. Please take seriously any closings of the many piers along Great Lakes shorelines.


These links are checked on the date of the article. As the article ages, some links may become invalid

Go To www.getoffthecouchnews.blogspot.com for all the news
See Get Off The Couch

Holland to Build Bike Park for Kids

Events Calendar

bicycle park concept (photo from Velo Kids)

from a news article at Fox 17 News

The city of Holland, Michigan will open Phase I of a bicycle park for kids in 2026. The park will feature a pump track, which is designed to help young riders develop cycling skills and have fun in the outdoors using muscle power.

Emily Bierma, Communications and Development Manager for Velo Kids says that kids need to have dedicated spaces that encourage physical activity and risk taking. Velo Kids is one of the collaborators on the project.

The park is to be built north of Unity Bridge in Holland. It will be open year round and will be free to use. Bicycles will be available for those who do not have their own. It connects to the existing skate park and Window on the Waterfront without the need to cross any streets.

The city of Holland, Velo Kids, Park Township and the Outdoor Discovery Center are working together to raise money and to design and build the park.

See concept designs or donate at GiveButter


These links are checked on the date of the article. As the article ages, some links may become invalid

Go To www.getoffthecouchnews.blogspot.com for all the news
See Get Off The Couch

Bass River Segment Idema Explorers Trail

Events Calendar

map of Phase II (map from Ottawa County)

compiled from various sources

The Idema Explorers Trail (IET) is part of the Grand River Greenway, a planned 85-mile, non-motorized, multi-use pathway that will connect public lands between Grand Haven in Ottawa County and Grand Rapids in Kent County, Michigan, following the Grand River Greenway. The trail is being constructed in phases along the south side of the Grand River. Once completed, it will link to Grand Rapids and the Kent County portion of the Grand River Greenway. Ottawa County will host 36.5 miles of the Greenway.

Phase I, a 3-mile segment from Riverside Park to the Max Bayou boat launch area, is scheduled to go out for bid in January, with construction anticipated to be complete by fall 2027.

The Idema Explorers Trail was named for the Bill and Bea Idema Foundation, which has provided significant funding for the project. Recently another $400,000 has come from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund for Phase II. This phase includes construction of a 0.7-mile, 10-foot-wide, paved pedestrian and bicycle trail from the Max Bayou boat launch area to the Bass River Open Space – Walcott Site, a bridge over the Bass River, accessible fishing stations, a 0.5-mile natural-surface trail loop, and more. Phase II is located east of M-231 on the Grand River, beginning at Riverside Park.

“This segment is phase two of the 7.4-mile Bass River corridor, which will be built over several phases and has the potential to be one of the most scenic sections of the Idema Explorers Trail,” said Jason Shamblin, Parks Director. “It will connect five parks, feature extensive waterfront views, cross the Bass River, and be almost entirely separated from roadways.”



See more at Idema Explorers Trail


These links are checked on the date of the article. As the article ages, some links may become invalid

Go To www.getoffthecouchnews.blogspot.com for all the news
See Get Off The Couch

Rosy Mound Improvements Funded

Events Calendar

existing and proposed trails at Rosy Mound ( map from the Rosy Mound Master Plan with highlights)

from Ottawa County

One of the 2025 Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund recommendations was for $800,000 to Ottawa County. The one-line description was for the Petty's Bayou area. This, however, does not tell the full story. Two specific projects will split the funding. One will be covered in this article.

Half the money will be applied to development on the recently acquired 127 acres at Rosy Mound near Grand Haven, Michigan, which will proceed according to the Master Plan. This will result in an additional 2.6 miles of foot trail, bringing the total to 4.4 miles.

A new parking area on Lakeshore Drive with 50 spots for day use will be built. Additional project elements include 0.85 miles of universally accessible paved trails, two new beach connections, two scenic overlooks, an extensive stair and boardwalk system, and a vault toilet.

It is proposed that the improvements will be implemented in four phases:
A. The new parking area, a loop trail and spur to an overlook
B. Additional trails leading to the Lake Michigan beach
C. Connections south to the existing Rosy Mound trails
D. An additional connection between the two parking areas, nearer to Lakeshore Drive.

The map above shows existing trails highlighted in lime green. All trails to the north of that will be constructed.

The legislature must still approve the appropriation, but this is usually a formality.

See Rosy Mound Master Plan for additional info and more maps (a pdf)


These links are checked on the date of the article. As the article ages, some links may become invalid

Go To www.getoffthecouchnews.blogspot.com for all the news
See Get Off The Couch