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
10
Saugatuck Dunes State Park - Free Felt Estate Tour
Shore Acres Park, 6602 138th Ave, Holland, MI, USWe will meet at Shore Acres Township Park at 11:00. We will hike the Saugatuck Dunes State Park then take the tour of the Felt Estate. The Felt Estate Tour is free from 1-4 on the 1st Sunday of the month.
We will hike the South Trail to the Lake. We will then walk along the beach. We will take the one of the northern trails back. It should be a hike about 5-6 miles.
About Felt Estate Tour:
Website:On the first Sunday of each month from 1-4PM, visit the mansion for free! Our self-guided tours encompass exploration of the Mansion and other buildings on the grounds (weather permitting) at your leisure, a booklet that guides you from room to room, floor to floor with information regarding history, architecture and restoration. There is also a 25-minute video that plays in our parlor for your viewing.
Average self-guided tours last 45 minutes but you may spend as little or much time as you wish during open tour hours. Walk-ins welcome.
About Saugatuck Dunes State Park:
Map: Click hereA day use park along a secluded strip of Lake Michigan shoreline, Saugatuck Dunes State Park offers 1,000 acres of land with two and a half miles of shoreline. The Lake Michigan beach is a two-thirds mile hike from the picnic parking area. In addition, the park has fresh water coastal dunes that are over 200 feet tall. The park's terrain varies from steep slopes to rolling hills.
The park's major attractions are the long sandy beaches and the 300-acre natural area, which contains a coastal dune system, as well as three endangered plant species. Nature enthusiasts, birdwatchers and hikers are the predominant day users.I hope you can make it.
Kevin
2 attendees
Fall Paddle - Kalamazoo River -Pipeline to New Richmond Bridge -9.1 miles
Pipeline Landing DNR Launch Site, 42.61121209279653, -86.00168931397225, Fennville, MI, USAre you ready to paddle? We will be paddling the Kalamazoo River from Pipeline River Access to New Richmond Bridge (Fennville). A lot of the paddle will be through the Allegan State Game Area. It is a 9.1 mile paddle, which is about 4 hours paddle.
We will meet at Pipeline River Access.
(GPS: 42.61121209279653, -86.00168931397225)
Directions to put-in: Take M-89 to 46th Street. Go north to the curve in the rode. After the curve in the rode, take the 1st dirt rode on the right. At the Y, take another right. This will take you to the river and the put-in.We will unload the boats and transfer as many cars a possible back to the takeout.
The goal is to be on the river by 12:00.
If you need to rent a kayak, state so in the RSVP.
Hey AI, what do you have to say?
The Pipeline Landing to New Richmond Bridge section of the Kalamazoo River appears to be an excellent choice for experiencing fall colors while paddling.
Here's why and some important considerations:- Scenic Beauty: This section is considered "very nice" and is designated as a state Natural River. The natural setting will showcase the vibrant fall foliage beautifully.
- Distance: The trip is approximately 9.1 miles long, offering a substantial paddle through the fall colors.
- Trip Time: A slow paddle, without stopping, could take around 3 1/2 hours. Plan accordingly and allow for enjoying the scenery and breaks.
- New Richmond Bridge Park: The endpoint at New Richmond Bridge Park offers a boat launch, picnic areas, and boardwalk trails, making it a great spot to relax after your paddle.
However, there are a couple of important notes:
- New Richmond Bridge Park Fee: There may be a fee to use the boat launch at New Richmond Bridge Park ($6 per boat).
- Pipeline Landing: The Pipeline Landing is a more remote launch site with parking for only 6-8 cars.
- Timing: The peak fall foliage in Southwest Michigan is typically from mid-October to the first week of November.
By planning ahead, checking for river conditions, and arranging logistics, you can enjoy a memorable fall colors paddle on the Kalamazoo River from Pipeline Landing to New Richmond Bridge.
Thanks, AI.
This will be a fun paddle, I hope you can make it.
Kevin
2 attendees
Let's Take a Hike: Saugatuck - Oxbow/Oval Beach Hike - 4+ miles
Oval Beach, Oval Dr, Saugatuck, MI, Saugatuck, MI, USLet's Take a Hike: Saugatuck - Oxbow/Oval Beach Hike - 4+ miles
Dogs are not allowed!
We will meet at Oval Beach. They don't charge a parking fee this time of year.
We will start the hike on the Fishtown trail (0.8 miles) to Tallmadge Wood's - Crow's Nest Trail. Tallmadge Wood's - Crow's Nest Trail is a 1.7 mile loop. Then we will walk 1/2 mile down the street to 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 take the John Woolam Trail back to Oval Beach (0.8 miles).
Optional Hike: We the walk north down the beach 1/4 to 1/2 mile or so. (The pier is about 1 mile awat) This is out and back.
It will be around a 4.1 mile hike plus the any beach hiking.
Note: Except for the optional beach hike, the most of the rest of the trails will be in woods (shade).
Here is the link to this site on Alltrail: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/activity-march-21-2026-eed09c6?u=i&sh=bbqg0i
We will head to the Mitten Brewing Company after the hike. (They also have Vegan options.)
Mitten Brewing Company Website: https://www.mittenbrewing.com/saugatuckThis is a great hike,
Kevin
1 attendee
Past events
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