Research Forest Trail

Moab Trail is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Lepard Nature Preserve Loop is a loop trail where you may see local wildlife located near Alto, Michigan.

Cascade Peace Park Trail is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Ada Township, Michigan.

The designated parking here is Fitzgerald Park. This park has a $3 entrance fee per car ($5 for non-residents). If you want to avoid this fee, park in downtown Grand Ledge and find the Riverwalk on the south side of the Grand River, just west of downtown. A good parking spot is right next to Fitzgerald Field and Island Park. The trailhead begins at the Eaton County Parks & Rec Departme...

This adventure starts as any kayaking trip does: the great car-kayak shuffle.  I’ll leave that planning to your group size, but I recommend a 2 car minimum, one left at the take out spot (Fallasburg Park or downtown Lowell behind the KDL Library) and the other parked at Whites Bridge Road.  If you’re paddling with a larger group, I highly recommend shuttling as many people in one vehicle to the...

Crows Nest Loop is a quiet hike on publicly accessible land. It takes you along dunes that hover above the Kalamazoo River. The loop leads you to an overlook with views of Ox-Bow Lagoon and Lake Michigan. This loop is suitable for all levels and is about a 2.1 mile hike.  The trailhead can be tricky to find. The trailhead entrance is at the end of Park Street in Saugatuck just before Ox-Bow Sc...