As residents and visitors alike agree, Newaygo County has an enviable natural resource base that has to be experienced firsthand to be fully appreciated. 2014 brought the introduction of a new Newaygo County asset: The Edge!
Ready to get away for an afternoon, an overnight adventure, or a week of exploration? The Edge (Newaygo County Pathways) is a planned, 80-mile, community built connection between the five major municipalities in Newaygo County. With a connection to other Michigan Trail systems, it is the perfect platform for families and visitors to experience the beauty of our woodlands and waterways.
The first phase of The Edge construction began in the fall of 2013 between two family friendly parks and the two massive regional dams, Croton and Hardy, with a perfect 6.2 mile or 10K stretch. Unique in its design and grassroots community approach, The Edge will be integrated in coming months and years to join Croton-Hardy with the municipalities of Newaygo, Grant, White Cloud, Bridgeton, Hesperia, and Fremont, which already features the highly acclaimed Town and Country trail. Connectors to the Hart-Montague, White Pine, and northern Kent County trails are also being planned.
The Edge was designed to be a stage for people who want to improve their health – on their own- or through a series of events sponsored by local and national organizations. Community events provide these opportunities such as, the Power Paddle Plus in June and community walk of the Dam-to-Dam segment on the 4th of July weekend, along with several additional opportunities to enjoy The Edge with the community.
Going forward, working with the Newaygo County Historical Society, The Edge will serve as a living classroom, informing trail users of the rich heritage of Newaygo County through a series of permanent historical markers, rest stops along the way, and of course, the close proximity of the mighty Muskegon River. Further development of the Hardy Pond Trail at the northeast end of the Edge, an additional 37-mile-long off-road biking and hiking trail that will circumnavigate the edge of the enormous Hardy Pond reservoir, and serve as a regional magnet for outdoor adventure enthusiasts, weekend explorers, and those looking for a real challenge close to home.
The Edge has been years in the planning process, involving partners ranging from The Newaygo Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, The River Country Chamber of Commerce of Newaygo County, The Newaygo Nationals Association, which brings national paddling and other events to the Muskegon River Watershed, the Fremont Area Com-munity Foundation, Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial, Tamarac, the Center for Health and Wellness, and generous corporate sponsors including Choice One Bank.
2015 was another groundbreaking year for Newaygo County with the first “2DamTuff Challenge” event utilizing the Edge, the two dams, the Muskegon River, an enormous sand dune, area swamplands, and other obstacles designed to challenge the most “hardy” if you will, of competitors.
The Dragon Trail Officially Opens
Get ready for a fall adventure on 45 miles of hiking & biking trails outlining Hardy Pond. Wooded trails invite you to explore color from a new perspective with amazing views of the natural beauty of our area. Through partnerships with Newaygo and Mecosta...
Outdoor Family Fun in NewayGo County
Whether you have time for an extended visit, or just a few days to explore, you will find outdoor family fun in every corner of our county. We have assembled some terrific ideas to fill your days with kid-friendly activities that are sure to be a big hit with the...
Experience NewayGo County Summer
There are some many ways to make the most of warm, sunny summer days throughout the Newaygo region. From biking and hiking, to paddling, or exploring the night sky, you’ll find Newaygo County to be the perfect destination for your next northern Michigan adventure....
Explore the Flora & Fauna of Spring
As we begin to emerge from our winter hibernation, the urge to get outdoors for some sunshine and fresh air becomes too much to resist. And why would you want to resist when Newaygo County has so much spring to explore? The warmer temperatures not only beckon us to...
Spring is in Sight!
Spring the NewayGo County Way The days are getting longer, the weather is getting warmer, and a spring adventure is just around the corner. Whether you are a fishing enthusiast or just want to get out and explore the trails, NewayGo County has just the spot for spring...
Early Winter Getaway
With the busy holiday season behind us, who isn’t ready for some “me time”? Maybe a quiet walk in the woods, casting a line along a rapidly flowing riverbank, or pedaling through the pines can provide the renewal you seek. Newaygo County welcomes all seekers to come...
Trails & Hunting
The splendor of fall color, miles of trails beckoning you to explore, and dark night skies blanketed in stars, NewayGo County’s autumn season welcomes adventurers of every sort to get outdoors, unplug, and reconnect with nature. After an exhilarating day hiking the...
Fall River Exploration
As the summer season begins to wind down, our minds begin to wander to all of the great fall activities before us. Late summer, into early fall, brings the perfect weather for outdoor experiences of every sort. Paddle the waterways, bike The Dragon, fish the river,...
Swing Over to NewayGo!
A round of golf and a cocktail on the patio, sound like the perfect way to spend a summer day in Newaygo County! Throughout the region, you will find great spots for golf, both traditional golf and disc golf, and restaurants offering outdoor dining to help you make...
It’s Dragon Season
Head to Newaygo County, Where Michigan’s Dragon Awaits Wrapped around Hardy Dam Pond, Michigan’s Dragon lies in wait of your arrival for big outdoor adventure. Imagine yourself soaring through the trees on fast and flowing trails that provide both a technically...
Spring Fishing in the Rivers of NewayGo County
River Fishing & Spring Camping Cool, crisp morning air, your first morning cup of coffee brewed by campfire, sunshine sparkling across the river, and a full day laid out in front of you reserved for fishing. Longing for the simplicity of a campsite and a few days...
Trail Time & Hot Toddies
Instead of toiling the winter days away, cooped up indoors, why not venture out for some trail time and toddies? Newaygo County is the perfect destination for such an adventure, and we are going to tell you right where to start! Gear up! First….are you going to...
Fremont Gets Ready to Jingle!
The Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce invites the public to the Jingle Mingle Arts & Crafts Fair on Saturday, November 12th from 9 am to 3 pm at the Fremont Middle School at 500 Woodrow Street. Organizers say that attendees will find many unique handmade gifts and...
Fall Hikes + Hunting Season
Hike Safely During Hunting Season Fall is a fantastic time to enjoy a nice hike on the trails. Cooler, drier weather, changing leaves, and fewer insects make it one of many people’s favorite hiking seasons. Autumn is a favorite season for other forms of outdoor...
Punch your tag & bring home Thanksgiving dinner!
While the average weight of a fall turkey is below 15 pounds, a bird of that size will consume roughly five pounds of food each week. That doesn’t sound like much but fall turkey flocks’ balloon in size this time of year. On the small side, a flock of just a dozen...
Harvest Fest Returns to Fremont!
The Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the schedule of events for the 16th Annual Fremont Harvest Festival, slated to be Thursday September 22nd, Friday September 23rd and Saturday 24th. The Fremont Harvest Festival celebrates the rich farming...
Hey Newaygo! Let’s CAN some food!
Fall in Newaygo County is full of rich colors as the trees change from green to reds, yellows, and shades of brown. It also is a wonderful time of discovering the amazing bounty of the fall harvest, presented at local farmer markets and roadside country stands. On...
A legacy of family, hunting & conservation: The Wildlife Center at Legends Ranch
Welcome to The Wildlife Center at Legends Ranch, an institution with a rich legacy of hunting, family, and conservation. A LEGACY OF FAMILY, HUNTING, & CONSERVATION OUR STORY Established in 2018, The Wildlife Center at Legends Ranch is a 501(c)3 nonprofit...