Grand Rapids Hiking & Adventure Group

Let's hike at Merrell Trail. My plan is to go out for an hour, figure out where we are, and then hike back to the parking lot.

There aren't all that many crazy high hills, but I always use trekking poles - even on flat ground - unless it's a paved trail.

We hike at a moderate pace - about 2.5 mph including breaks. We take a "catch your breath" and/or water break whenever needed - usually every mile or so.

I always bring water and something to snack on. When it's hot out, you might want to bring an electrolyte drink with you. A cooling towel is also nice to have when it's hot.

And of course you want to bring BUG SPRAY ! Ticks are bad in Michigan this year, so always do a tick check after your hike.

If you've never been on an organized hike before, please give us a try. Our motto is "hike your own hike", so you're welcome whatever your pace is. Please let me know if you're a newbie so I can try and answer any questions or concerns you might have.

As always, I recommend that you bring up the trail map on AllTrails BEFORE you get to the trailhead. Reception is not always great at the trail. You never know when you might have to make your way back to the parking lot by yourself, so it's always good to have the trail up on your phone.

We'll often go out to eat after our hikes depending upon everyone's schedule.

I'll have a dark blue Honda Accord. Please text me at 616 446 8102 if you're running late. We can wait for you.

Note: I also have a FB group called West Michigan Hikers. I ALWAYS post my hikes there. I sometimes forget to post in MeetUp.

See you on the trails !!

Good place for a walk and talk in the woods. 52 weeks - rain or shine!
Natural trail surface with moderate difficulty. This is a popular dog walking park so bring Fido if you want. Terrain is 40% Hilly, 60% Moderate and 10% flat so you will have 110% terrain! Perimeter trail is .9 miles (about 20 min) with many internal trails to explore as well. Number of loops and pace depend on personal preference - no pressure! Provin is just west of Robinette's on 4 mile. Hiking poles not necessary but some find them helpful. We meet in the parking lot at noon. In winter months, trail can be icy. Good idea to have extra support such as poles and traction cleats (Yaktrax). DISCLAIMER: All hikers hike at their own risk.

Good place for a walk and talk in the woods. 52 weeks - rain or shine!
Natural trail surface with moderate difficulty. This is a popular dog walking park so bring Fido if you want. Terrain is 40% Hilly, 60% Moderate and 10% flat so you will have 110% terrain! Perimeter trail is .9 miles (about 20 min) with many internal trails to explore as well. Number of loops and pace depend on personal preference - no pressure! Provin is just west of Robinette's on 4 mile. Hiking poles not necessary but some find them helpful. We meet in the parking lot at noon. In winter months, trail can be icy. Good idea to have extra support such as poles and traction cleats (Yaktrax). DISCLAIMER: All hikers hike at their own risk.

Good place for a walk and talk in the woods. 52 weeks - rain or shine!
Natural trail surface with moderate difficulty. This is a popular dog walking park so bring Fido if you want. Terrain is 40% Hilly, 60% Moderate and 10% flat so you will have 110% terrain! Perimeter trail is .9 miles (about 20 min) with many internal trails to explore as well. Number of loops and pace depend on personal preference - no pressure! Provin is just west of Robinette's on 4 mile. Hiking poles not necessary but some find them helpful. We meet in the parking lot at noon. In winter months, trail can be icy. Good idea to have extra support such as poles and traction cleats (Yaktrax). DISCLAIMER: All hikers hike at their own risk.