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Ottawa County Parks & Recreation offers programming and volunteer opportunities year-round! Visit the Program and Events Calendar for details and registration. Call our Nature Center at Hemlock Crossing Park for more information: 616-786-4847.
With fall right around the corner, there are exciting opportunities to embrace the outdoors and explore your Ottawa County Parks! Below is a list of walking-oriented programs tailored for all interests and abilities.
If you are wanting to enjoy a brisk walk and meet new people, join us for a Thru Hike. Experience your favorite parks in a whole new way and see what nocturnal creatures lurk there on a Night Hike. Explore the shifting landscape of Ottawa Sands on a Nature Hike. Join us in search of warblers, sparrows, and more on a Bird Walk that highlights parks all around the county.
There is a diverse offering for everyone this fall. Keep scrolling to learn more about the dates, times, locations, and how to sign up. We hope to see you on these walks and also at the Spring 2025 Step It Up program!
 
Click on a date to register!
Thru Hikes - FREE
Registration encouraged but not required • FREE • ages 12+
Get out for a walk to revel in the seasonal changes of fall. You’ll venture all the way THRU these amazing parks along various greenways. Your guided experience allows you to both soak in the beauty and uniqueness of each park and socialize with fellow walkers. Thru Hikes are free or reduced cost thanks to the support of the Ottawa County Parks Foundation's health & wellness initiative!
One-Day Thru Hike: Grand River Greenway
Registration required • $15-resident / $20-non-resident • ages 12+
SPECIAL ONE-DAY EVENT! Enjoy the fall colors as you hike all three completed segments of the Idema Explorer’s Trail along the Grand River Greenway, with transportation provided. You’ll hike a total of 10 miles, covering the Jenison Mill Trail to Bend Area, Grand River Park to Grand Ravines South, and Riverside Park to Connor Bayou.
*Instructions on parking and transportation will be provided to registrants.
Moonlight Night Hike
Registration required • $5-resident / $6-non-resident • ages 12+
Experience your favorite parks in a whole new way and see what nocturnal creatures lurk there as you explore by moonlight!
Ottawa Sands Hike: A Shifting Landscape - FREE
Registration encouraged but not required • FREE • ages 8+
The Ottawa Sands landscape is defined by centuries of shifting. From the shifting sands of dune formation to shifting human influences on this unique landscape, the history of this property is as deep as the lake that currently stands as its centerpiece. This hike is a first-hand examination of the complexities of the park’s geologic and human history as well as where it’s heading into the future.
Bird Walks - FREE
Registration encouraged but not required • FREE • ages 12+
Whether you are an avid birder or just desiring to experience birds beyond your backyard, join us as we search for warblers, sparrows and more on these birding walks that highlight parks all around the county. Trail conditions vary depending on the park. Be prepared for muddy and wet trails.
One-Day Thru Hike: Ottawa Sands to PJ Hoffmaster State Park
Registration required • $15-resident / $20-non-resident • ages 12+
SPECIAL ONE-DAY EVENT! Start at Ottawa Sands and end at PJ Hoffmaster State Park! Transportation will be provided so we can walk the length of the trail segment ONE-WAY.
*Instructions on parking and transportation will be provided to registrants.
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