FIND YOUR WAY IN NEWAYGO COUNTY
We want to help you to make the most of your time in Newaygo County. The maps on this page have been designed to guide you through many our outdoor destinations throughout the region. From trail hiking on the North County Trail, to paddling the Muskegon River each of these maps provide the information you will need to plan a great adventure!
TRAILS OF NEWAYGO COUNTY
THE DRAGON TRAIL AT HARDY DAM
The Dragon is 45 miles of normal flow trail with amazing views that is conducive to all skill level mountain bikers and hikers. Eleven trail segments include: 9 bridges, 3 overlooks, 100 feet of rock armoring, and 400 feet of wooden boardwalk, creating a trail that is both challenging and fun for hikers and bikers alike.
NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL
The North Country National Scenic Trail is the longest in the National Trails System, stretching over 4,700 miles across eight states from North Dakota to Vermont. 65+ miles can be found within Newaygo County with plenty of access sites and spurs that connect you to some of the best camping and day-use sites in the region.
NEWAYGO COUNTY ART TRAIL
Newaygo County is home to numerous arts and culture groups, browse some of the key partners in the area during your next adventure. Explore art installations throughout the county as well as diverse programs, exhibits and live performances.
EXPLORE MORE…
Newaygo County is home to more than 114 miles of hiking trails as well as numerous nature areas that allow you to create an adventure that is just your size.
RIVERS OF NEWAYGO COUNTY
MUSKEGON RIVER
The Muskegon River is the wider and smoother flowing of the two Newaygo County Rivers. It is a great spot for a weekend trip with friends, casually floating at an easy pace. There are various put in/pull out locations, allowing you to build a trip as long or short as you like.
WHITE RIVER
The White River system includes about 253 linear miles of streams. When compared to the big Muskegon, the White River is smaller, tighter & swifter. The higher you go on the river the tighter and more challenging it becomes.
NEWAYGO COUNTY COMMUNITIES
NEWAYGO
Nestled on the banks of the Muskegon River, the nostalgic town of Newaygo features historic design, restored vintage buildings, riverfront parks and walking paths, a still-used century old train bridge, and a quaint museum that tells the whole story in detail.
FREMONT
Fremont is a welcoming small town known for outdoor recreation, local events, and close-knit community charm, surrounded by lakes, trails, and scenic countryside.
HESPERIA
Hesperia, a quiet village, is centered on parks and green space, offering riverside access, shaded picnic areas, trails, and peaceful places for families to relax outdoors together year-round.
WHITE CLOUD
White Cloud is a hub for outdoor recreation, offering easy access to rivers, trails, parks, and public lands that invite paddling, fishing, hiking, and year-round adventure for all.
GRANT
Grant is a historic town rooted in agricultural heritage, early settlement stories, and preserved landmarks that reflect generations of community pride while connecting past traditions with present-day small-town life.
Explore Newaygo County Birding Sites
Access all of our birding sites within our two regions and get the EBIRD HOTSPOT details for each location. Click on a site to get started.
Find the Right Birding Site for You
Birding by Car
Do you have time limitations? Are you of limited mobility? These are roadside sites that don’t require any walking and can be birded from your vehicle. The sites listed below will make a 3 to 4 hour exploration of northern Newaygo County’s varied habitat.
- Beaver Creek at Dickinson (#3)
- Big South Branch Pere Marquette at Dickinson (#4)
- 16 Mile Road at Wet Meadow (#5)
- 16 Mile Road at Cedar Creek (#6)
- 16 Mile at Cedar Swamp (#7)
- Poplar Ave at 13 Mile Road (#11)
- 12 Mile Road at Oak Ave (#12)
- 12 Mile Road at Hemlock Ave (#13)
- Newaygo Prairie Sanctuary (#23)
- Old Rice Lake Muck Flats (#35)
Birding by Kayak/Canoe
Want to combine your birding outing with a paddling adventure? These sites have small lakes with unimproved launches suitable for small boats, but can also be birded from land.
- Nichols Lake North Recreation Area (#8)
- Benton Lake Day Use Area (#15)
- Twinwood Lake Campground (#19-A)
- Sheridan Park/Fremont Lake (#30)
- Blanche Lake (#34)
County Parks
These sites are operated by Newaygo County Parks and Rec and have bathrooms (in season), paved roads, and other amenities including trails and campgrounds.
- Diamond Lake County Park (#17)
- White Cloud County Park (#18)
- Newaygo County Welcome Center (#19)
- Sandy Beach County Park (#21)
- Ed Henning County Park (#26)
Easily Accessible Trails
These sites have either paved or wide, flat trails for easy walking.
- Hesperia Pond/First Island (#2)
- Loda Lake Wildflower Sanctuary (#16)
- Croton Dam (#22)
- Newaygo River Front Park (#27)
- Garfield Township Memorial Cemetery and Walkway (#28)
Hiking Trails
These sites require a longer/more strenuous hike or require walking over uneven ground and may not be so good for those with mobility issues. Trails are generally two miles or less.
- Kropscott Farm Environmental Center (#1)
- McDuffee Creek Nature Preserve (#9)
- Upriver Nature Preserve (#10)
- Richmond Woods Nature Preserve (#14)
- Toft Lake (#20)
- Coolbough Natural Area (#24)
- DNR Fisherman’s Trail (#25)
- Fremont Waste Water Plant (#29)
- Fremont High School (#31)
- Branstrom Park (#32)
- Camp Newaygo Wetland Trail (#33)









