One might imagine that in an area where the pursuit of outdoor activities consumes its citizenry throughout spring, summer and fall, folks might pull back in a bit in winter. A little hibernation might be I order once the snow rolls in and the waters turn to ice.
Winter doesn’t send people inside around here. The weather just opens up a whole new set of recreational pursuits for those of us lucky enough to live here and the many who visit our area during the months requiring a bit of layering. We embrace both ends of the whole “Water-Winter-Wonderland” nickname with reckless abandon here in Newaygo County, all in pursuit of having a good time.
And we take having a good time pretty seriously…
Like your fun motorized?
Snowmobiling routes are abundant throughout the county with the White Cloud Trail embarking from the Sports Park Complex and winding its way north to the county line and beyond on well-groomed paths. Sled riders can witness a wide variety of wildlife as they wind their way past wooded wilds and rolling hills, then stop for lunch in White Cloud or Woodland Park to take in some local fare. The trail connects to trails throughout Lake County to our north with over 100 miles of continuous riding available.
Newaygo County is very snowmobile-friendly, hosting large groups from throughout the region and beyond who come for the outstanding trails to be ridden and return time and again for the friendly atmosphere they find.
Prefer your woods and water a bit quieter?
Cross country skiing is not only great exercise but a way to enjoy the feel of skis under your feet without having to wait in line for a ride up a steep hill you are then forced to somehow find your way down in one piece despite not having a clue what you’re doing. Or maybe that was just my experience.
While obviously not well acquainted with the downhill variety of ski’s, many of my most enjoyable hours have been spent on the cross-country kind in the company of friends or just a canine companion, gliding through the wood-lined lanes our area offers. Whether breaking trail or following a pre-broken path, the Visitor’s Center, Hungerford Lake Trail, Branstrom Park and the Coolbough Natural Area are just a few of the places offering a scenic saunter through wintry wooded wonder.
Snowshoeing allows for exploration into places not always navigable or even reachable in warmer times. Beyond accessibility into a wider variety of areas there are no special boots required and with its unhurried pace snowshoeing gives the hiker more opportunity for pausing to take in the snow-laden surroundings. Any of the many hiking trails favoring our county are great spots to spend a bit of time walking on top of the snow, always a pleasant experience.
Enjoy the solitude of the ice?
The ice fishing community that springs up on inland lakes as well as on Croton and Hardy ponds is substantial in numbers and enthusiasm. On any given day on any of the over 100 lakes in our county the ice men and ice women of the sport can be found. Some are in shanties ranging from the portable pop-up variety to opulent hand-crafted creations seemingly suited to housing a couple of fair-sized marching bands.
Others arrive with only a sled and ply their craft while sitting on a solitary pail. Most are aiming for a plethora of pan fish and a few set their sights on spearing a pike or two but all share a passion for pulling in their catch from beneath the ice.
The Croton Pond area has been host to one of the stops on the North American Ice Fishing Circuit professional tournament in recent years as well as the annual Dam to Dam Ice Fishing Tournament, a festival where fun is as central to the purpose as fishing. Both take place during February.
Hit the hills?
The Visitor’s Center and Branstrom Park boast a pair of premiere sledding hills where kids of all ages flock after a snow-fall to catch some gravity enhanced thrills. There is nothing quite like speeding down a snow-covered hill on a disc, tube or the more traditional flexible flyer and the ride off these hills makes the obligatory climb back up worth every step.
Skating ponds in Newaygo and White Cloud allow those potential future Olympians a bit of practice as well as providing an outstanding workout for anyone who laces up the blades for a few laps on the ice.
Newaygo County is a winter recreation hub with over half of the county’s area consisting of National Forest. In addition to providing visitors with an exceptional environmental experience, the restaurants, motels and bed and breakfasts in the area as well as a diverse group of businesses, cater to visitors with outstanding customer service and a welcoming spirit.
Winter in Newaygo County is a time to take it outside when it comes to having fun.
And like I said, we’re pretty serious about our fun.
Writer: Ken Delaat is a local writer and supporter of outdoor recreation in Newaygo County
#girlsgonewilderness
Good hiking gear that really works can make the difference between having the time of your life or living through a suffering day on the trail. Along with the gear, who you bring as your company makes all the difference! We set out with five everyday gals from Newaygo...
Farmer’s Market: Friday Fun!
The Newaygo Famers Market is focused on working with local farmers to ensure the residents and visitors to Newaygo County have the opportunity to purchase fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables. At the Newaygo Farmers Market you will find a plethora of local ...
Schindy’s Place
As the weather warms, the trails are calling. Rev the engine & take to the county and seasonal roads and ORV/ATV trails of Newaygo County, and you are bound to end up near Diamond Lake. A 171 acre all-sports lake, surrounded by cottages, national forest & a...
Birthday Hike
Is there even a better way to spend your birthday than trekking through the North Country Trail? I think not. After tackling the stretch from M-20 to Echo Drive, I felt ready to make it all the way to 40th street. My father-in-law even gifted me a decades old...
Advice from a Hiking Trio
Meet Annie Trapp, Linda Trapp, Kathy Broome & pup Novalee, all residents of the White Cloud area. They enjoy hiking the North Country Trail as a trio in their spare time. I caught up with these ladies to ask how this year has been going so far…So far in 2021 they...
Spring Break Day Trips – Outdoors & On The Cheap
Pretty much every year around this time, my wife and I scramble to find exciting, enriching things to do with our kids during spring break. Although she’s fully vaccinated and I’m currently half vacc’d, we are still a bit reluctant to head to the typical spring break...
Modern Workhorse or Adventure Machine?
Back in the day, if you could have looked in a cowboy's saddlebags, you would have seen a few things that every one of them made sure they had whenever they jumped onto their trusty steed. A good rope, a coffee pot and a few tools were part of every cowboy's gear....
Winter Hiking – Questions From a Newbie
Excited to throw 2020 behind me & crush all the goals in 2021, I signed up for the North Country Trail Hike 100 Challenge. Ambitious, as I’ve only hiked a handful of times in my life, but why not make 2021 my year? I embarked on my first hike in the first few...
What do a mousie, a sucker, a spike, and a shiner have in common?
Most people are racking their brains to put these common words together. However, a few winter sportsmen are chomping at the bait to answer this simple question. In our household, these words trigger excitement and remind us of good times with friends throughout the...
Snowshoe Adventure On The Dragon
Being an avid runner from a young age and now a personal trainer, I have spent a lot of time running and hiking over the years. In more recent years, due to my work schedule, I found myself stuck to the convenience of the gym equipment. During the 2020 Quarantine...
8 Stops For a Unique Gift
Like it or not, the holiday shopping season is here! I’m probably more guilty than most of having a certain distinct box showing up on my porch on a regular basis, but this year is more important than ever to support small businesses. I’ve put...
Deer Hunter’s Must-Do in Newaygo County
The trees are bare, the air is crisp and the calendar has just flipped to November… In Northern Michigan, that means deer hunters are headed to the woods! If you haven’t tried your luck in the deer woods of Newaygo County, we recommend checking it out. With...
Fall Colors: A Bird’s Eye View
Flying amidst the clouds, high above Newaygo County, Doug Harmon captured Newaygo County's fall beauty perfectly. It's the season, jump in your car and head North! Newaygo County is here to greet you. Grab a bite, even stay the night! Come explore the rivers,...
Fall Means Apple Cider Slushies
The cider slushies are the best-tasting brain freeze I have ever had, and I look forward to it every year.
Sandy Beach Camping
My favorite part of the camping, is waking up early in the morning. When the campground is quiet. I usually get up before the sunrise, to take a quiet stroll around the park.
First Time Hiker
I’m a bit embarrassed to admit, that even growing up next to the Manistee National Forest, literal minutes from the North Country Trail, my first time hiking it was this past winter… in my mid 30’s! While my preferred adventure typically includes a glass of wine on...
Traipsing Through the Winter Woods
I am in love with Newaygo County. We’ve lived here three years now and keep discovering hidden treasures. If you love to be out in nature as my husband and I do, then each season brings new adventures and experiences.I did not think snowshoeing sounded like much...
Winter Wanderings: Newaygo County’s Trails
I first learned to love cross-country skiing during my senior year of high school after befriending a Norwegian exchange student named Ingvar. My first trip out was perfection. A snow day from school and the type of snow globe snow falling through the trees onto us...