About us
“May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds.” - Unknown
“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I -- I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.” - Robert Frost
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Do you love Hiking and Adventures?
Welcome to the West Michigan Hiking & Great Outdoors Adventures Group. We strive for adventures, fun, and friendships. This group is for people who enjoy hiking, being outdoors and meeting new people.
West Michigan offers excellent outdoor fun. The region has towering sand dunes, quiet forests, and clean beaches along Lake Michigan. You can hike through deep woods, paddle on calm rivers, or climb giant, sandy hills.
We feature hikes for all skill levels, kayaking/canoeing, camping, biking, social gatherings and other outdoor activities. These events are a great way to get out, meet people, and smell some fresh air. Most of the activities are pretty tame, but any participation in this group is at your own risk. If you want to meet fun and adventurous people, this group is for you. Come join us. It will be an adventure you won’t soon forget.
Adventures are closer than you think!
See you on the trail!
Kevin
PS: Tell a Friend about us!
Featured event
Fall Colors @ Red River Gorge, KY
Let's Camp: Red River Gorge, KY
We will be doing a lot of hiking. You may join us or chose you own activities. Warning: Some hikes will be very strenuous. Feel free not to hike with us.
We will be camping 3 to 6 nights at Koomer Campgrounds. (Some will be staying 3 nights, some will be staying 6 nights. Come as long as you like.)
FYI: Average Temps: High 64 Low 38, Sunrise: 7:54 EDT, Sunset: 6:43 EDT
Post in the comments if you are looking to share a ride and/or a campsite.
I am on Site #7. (There is a campground map in Photo's below.)
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Tentative Schedule (TBD):
Saturday Evening: Potluck. Please bring a dish to pass.
Sunday Morning: Pack up and head for home.
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The Red River Gorge is a unique, scenic natural area that attracts thousands of visitors each year. Spectacular rock features, including sandstone arches and towering cliffs, are just part of the attraction. Outdoor enthusiasts come to the gorge year-round to enjoy hiking, camping, canoeing, wildlife viewing and other recreation opportunities.
Red River Gorge NPS website : https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/danielboone/recreation/red-river-gorge
Hiking Map: https://redrivergorgetourism.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/red-river-gorge-hiking-map-summer-2025.pdf
Camping:
We will be staying at Koomer Ridge Campgrounds. There are showers and flush toilets but no electricity. Half the sites you can reserve and half are 1st come 1st serve. The cost is $35 per night. ($17.50 per night if you have the America the Beautiful pass.)
Make reservations at: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10311270
Koomer Ridge Campgrounds Map: https://usfs-public.app.box.com/s/uv28hc08gky5zkaw4bzowmqk1jbiqgs3
If you are not into camping, I would suggest Black Bear Lodge Motel (< $100 per night) or Natural Bridge State Resort Park ($136 per night).
This is a great trip. I hope you can make it.
Kevin
Upcoming events
8
Hike @ River Junction/New Richmond Bridge-Then Fenn Valley Vineyards
River Junction Preserve, 5403 132nd Ave, Hamilton, MI, USWhat a great day that is ahead of us!
We will meet at River Junction Preserve in Hamilton for a 3 mile hike. Then we will head to Historical New Richmond Bridge Park in Fennville for an 1/2 mile hike. Finally we will stop at Fenn Valley Vineyards to listen to music and relax.
River Junction Preserve:
5403 132nd Ave, Hamilton, MI 49419
https://outdoordiscovery.org/kalamazoo-river-greenway/river-junction-preserve/
The River Junction Preserve offers three miles of walking trails including a trail alongside the Rabbit River. The River Junction Preserve sits next to the junction of the Rabbit River and the Kalamazoo River. A river-side trail takes you along the Rabbit River. A portable toilet is accessible near the main trailhead.Stop 2 is New Richmond Bridge Park which is only 4.7 miles away from River Junction Preserve.
Historical New Richmond Bridge Park:
https://www.allegancounty.org/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/14/
3160 Old Allegan Rd, Fennville, MI 49408
This trail includes a bridge and a half-mile of boardwalk along the Kalamazoo River and through wetland areas. This park is named for its historic one-lane swing bridge over the river near the site of a New Richmond, a former mining town. The park also features fishing piers, interpretive signs, a picnic area, and a boat launch.Stop 3 is Fenn Valley Vineyards which is only 7.8 miles away from New Richmond Bridge Park.
Fenn Valley Vineyards
6130 122nd Ave, Fennville, MI 49408
https://www.fennvalley.com/
They have Music in the Vineyards on Saturday from 2 to 5. Today's entertainer will be Aaron Wright. Please bring lawn chairs and/or blankets. Bring a snack if you like. Food will be available while supplies last, but guests are also able to bring their own food. Note: No outside alcohol is allowed per state law.This is a great day!
I hope you can make it.
Kevin
2 attendees
Let's Take a Hike: Saugatuck - Oval Beach Hike - 4+ miles
Saugatuck Chain Ferry, 528 Water St, Saugatuck, MI, USLet's Take a Hike: Saugatuck - Oval Beach Hike - 4+ miles
Dogs are not allowed!
We will meet at the Chain Ferry at 9:00. (It opens at 9.) We will take the ferry across the river ($3, cash only.) The only remaining chain driven ferry in the country, it has been in use since 1838. We operate Memorial - Labor Day, 9a-9p or 30 minutes prior to sunset.
Address: 528 Water St, Saugatuck, MI 49453The 1st stop at Mount Baldhead steps. Climbing these steps are optional. You may climb up and down the 303 steps. This if for bragging rights, just to say that you did it.
Then we will walk 1/2 mile down the street to our 1st trail. Tallmadge Wood's - Crow's Nest Trail is a 1.7 mile loop. We will then follow a trail to the beach (0.8 miles).
Optional Hike: We the walk north down the beach 1/4 to 1/2 mile or so. (The pier is 0.8 miles) This is out and back. This optional, you may stay at the main beach and wait for us to return.
After beach fun is done, we will take the John Woolam Trail back to the chain ferry (0.8 miles). Then return over the chain ferry (another $3).
It will be around a 4.1 mile hike plus the beach hike.
Note: Except for the optional beach hike, the most of the rest of the trails will be in woods (shade).
After the hike we can stop at the Mitten Brewery for pizza. (They sell pizza flights [4 types of pizza].)
https://www.mittenbrewing.com/saugatuckThis is a great hike,
Kevin
4 attendees
Let's Take a Hike - Blandford Nature Center
Blandford Nature Center, 1715 Hillburn Avenue NW,, Grand Rapids, MI, USLet's Take a Hike - Blandford Nature Center
Let us explore the Blandford Nature Center. There are 8 miles of trails around the Nature Center. We are planning to do a 5 to 6 miles hike.
Blandford Nature Center is a 143-acre urban environmental center in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It features walking trails, a working farm, historic buildings, and wildlife rehabilitation. It is a great place to hike, learn about farm animals, and see rescued birds of prey.
Address:
1715 Hillburn Ave NW
Grand Rapids, MI 4950Admission fee: Non-members: $5 per person.
About Blandford Nature Center:
Blandford Nature Center invites people of all ages to enjoy, explore and learn in nature. Located just six miles from downtown Grand Rapids, it encompasses 264 acres of wooded and naturalized trails, a working farm and historic buildings – including a log cabin, barn, schoolhouse and sugarhouse – dating as far back as 1853.
Visitors are welcome to wander the trails and discover the unique beauty of West Michigan, from native trees and plants to indigenous wildlife. We have 8 miles of trails to choose from. You can also meet Blandford’s Wildlife Ambassadors – hawks, owls, falcons, vultures, an opossum, porcupine, flying squirrel and more, who live here permanently due to severe injuries.
If anyone is interested, you may join us at Lost Art Brewhouse after the hike for a drink and/or a bite.
https://www.lostartbrewhouse.com/I hope you can make it,
Kevin
2 attendees
Past events
1
Group links
Members
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