Are You Two Dam Tuff?

Are You Two Dam Tuff?

Are you Two Dam Tuff?   It’s a question that gets asked the first Saturday in October each and every year in Newaygo County.  For those “in the know”, The Croton and Hardy Dams are separated by about 6 miles as the crow flies, and are spectacular tourist draws in their own right- The Croton Dam is easily the most photographed engineering accomplishment in the County, and Hardy Dam is the second largest earthen dam on this earth, and for good reason: It holds back an immense “pond” of water over 45 miles in circumference and hosts a variety of campgrounds, fishing and boating opportunities.

Each Fall, the Newaygo Nationals Association, a Michigan 501(3)c not-for-profit, teams with corporate sponsors and the Fremont Area Community Foundation to host the 2DamTuff Eco-Challenge, a formidable array of physical challenges that attracts hundreds of participants annually.

2DamTuff™ is over nine miles of physical and mental discipline, which combines deep woods running, Edge Trail pavement running, a one mile kayak excursion, a 5k bike sprint, all with a series of over two dozen obstacles, rope climbs, and other eco-challenges. The reward for all of this abuse?  A smoked turkey leg and a stein of beer!   Teams of competitors include fire departments, manufacturers, banks, fitness clubs, as well as spirited teams of locals with well-themed ensembles.

2DamTuff also depends on 40-50 volunteers each year to make it all work. “Volunteers are the heart and soul of Newaygo County, and without them, 2DamTuff could not exist.  From EMS, to the County Sherriff, to the dozens of individuals and couples, our people make all the difference,” stated Gabe Slominski, Chairman of NNA. ” We are also cautiously proud of our safety record.  We have had no serious injuries in the past two years of running 2DamTuff, despite the rigorous demands.”

2DamTuff involves the cooperation and direct involvement of Croton and Big Prairie Townships, Newaygo County Road Commission, Sherriff, and EMS departments, and Consumers Energy, who owns much of the property on the circuit.  “We are grateful for all of the support in the community – the smiles and show of relief at the finish line make this a great event!”

Scott D. Faulkner

Early Winter Getaway

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

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...

It’s Dragon Season

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...

Fall Hikes + Hunting Season

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...

Fremont’s own Award-winning prairie

Fremont’s own Award-winning prairie

Fall is my favorite season, hands-down. Between the fall colors, harvest festivals and some fresh-pressed apple cider, I’m one happy girl. A fall favorite event of ours is Fremont’s Hay Art and this year it was extra special.   While out exploring the city’s Hay...

Let’s Talk About Bogs!

Let’s Talk About Bogs!

On todays episode of our outdoor family adventures, we ventured out to Camp Newaygo's Wetland Trail! Nestled in Camp Newaygo, the Wetland Trail is the only one of its kind in Michigan. What makes this so unique is that the one-mile round-trip trail crosses through the...

Family Adventures at Coolbough Natural Area

Family Adventures at Coolbough Natural Area

My family and I are avid outdoors people. Our ideal day would be to do something outdoorsy from sunup to sundown. From hunting and fishing, to hiking trails and exploring new places, it’s something we all can connect and bond over, while giving our family the outdoor...

#girlsgonewilderness

#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...

Birthday Hike

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...

About The Author