Sunday April 10, 2022
A nice sunny day for a 5.44-mile hike in Allegan County Michigan, south Swan Creek Trail. It has been many years since we have been on this trail. Long, long ago we camped at Pine Point campground on the east side of this trail.
We walked counterclockwise starting on the west side of the bridge and dam on 118th Avenue. It warmed up quickly to 55 degrees and it was sunny. I found just one hepatica blooming, and we saw Skunk Cabbage blooming. It took us almost 3 hours, including a couple of rests along the way and a short Facetime session with the grandkids. They wanted to see what we were seeing on our walk.
The trail on the west side of Swan Creek is marked by yellow paint on the trees. The trail in this section is easy to follow. There were some trees down blocking the trail, but we were able to go over or under them. There are some hills along the trail, nothing too strenuous.
At the south end of the trail, you come out on 116th Avenue. You cross over the creek on the gravel road that has two large culverts under it. Now we will head north along the east side of the creek. There is a sign with a yellow arrow pointing the way, well-marked.
The trail heads uphill here so you are up and away from the water. In my opinion, even though it was beautiful on this day, this side of the creek is less scenic. For me four miles is far enough to walk generally, at this point we had past that mark.
One other observation about this trail, is that on the northeast side of the creek the trail is not as well marked. Then, of course you have to walk alongside 118th Avenue crossing the bridge to get back to the trailhead parking area.
It is a more secluded and quieter hike for the most part. We met a few other hikers, there is some road noise near 118th Avenue, and some gunshots in the distance. This is mostly State Game Area property.
