… Construction proceeds incrementally, with corridor cleared at the beginning of the day and all exposed soil stabilized through compaction and restoration of a thick cover of forest litter by the end of the workday. Swale-and-rise trail construction is very similar to building a Diversion Dike, with the primary difference that the dike or berm becomes the walking or riding surface. Snowmobiling, hiking, paddle sports and ORV infrastructure is well established in both the Upper and Lower Peninsulas. The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707. This funding was committed by their respective board(s) and will serve as a catalyst for additional momentum and investment by area foundations, corporate partners, government entities and private investors. MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. The Michigan’s Dragon at Hardy Dam trail in Mecosta and Newaygo counties announced Wednesday Segment 10, portions of segments 4 and 9 are now open for hiking and biking. Construction started in the summer of 2019. … Michigan’s Dragon at Hardy Dam is a linear Newaygo County Park that is jointly managed by the Newaygo and Mecosta County Park Commissions as well as the West Michigan Mountian Biking Alliance. The tread is not level but rather is slightly out sloped to encourage the natural flow of water downhill; on bike-optimized trails, the tread is often in sloped, and the resulting camber both enables a smooth flow for riders and forces water to a gutter which diverts the water to the nearest drainage dip. It will be one of the largest loop trails of its kind anywhere in the world that will be managed by the Mecosta and Newaygo county parks boards and maintained through revenues and fees generated from the trail. Michigan’s Dragon Awaits in Newaygo County In 2009, the vision for a 47-mile, natural surface trail following the outline of the 4,000 acre Hardy Dam Pond emerged. December 19, 2016. Vegetation from what will become the swale is first harvested; the swale (trapezoidal or parabolic in cross-section) is then dug; the raised tread is built up using the excavated spoils; and finally, the native vegetation is replaced in the swale to create a Vegetated Channel. The dam-formed pond resembles the shape of a Chinese dragon and is part of the Muskegon River.Hardy Dam is owned by Consumers Energy and has been operating since 1931.. The Dragon trail will boast a 50 mile bi-directional loop. The dam-formed pond resembles the shape of a Chinese dragon and is part of the Muskegon River.Hardy Dam is owned by Consumers Energy and has been operating since 1931.. (231) 832-3246. Right now 6 miles of the trail is open. Michigan's Dragon is envisioned to be a 47 mile hiking and biking trail through Newaygo and Mecosta Counties. We rely on the natural downhill flow of water and the filtration and buffering provided by existing vegetation. More info on the Dragon Trail website. Leaf litter and organic debris are raked and blown uphill. Michigan’s Dragon at Hardy Dam has been in the works since around 2011, according to documents filed with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. The 2-foot-wide trail will pass through untamed terrain, 6 … Had some time to run up to The Dragon mountain bike trail (in Newaygo Michigan) after work on 10-19-20. More miles will be added to the Dragon Trail as fundraising progresses. hide. A dramatic and challenging 47.5 mile mountain biking and pedestrian adventure loop trail designed, engineered and endorsed by the prestigious IMBA. Copy link. The Dragon is a new mountain bike trail currently being constructed to eventually go all the way around Hardy Dam in Newaygo, Michigan. Developing The Dragon From an article posted on the MSU Extension website By Ryan Coffey - Extension Educator, Land Use, Government & Public Policy A massive, non-motorized hiking and biking trail being developed around the Hardy Pond in Mecosta and Newaygo counties will put west Michigan on the map when it comes to outdoor adventure destinations. Construction begins by removing saplings (< 3” DBH) and shrubs from the trail corridor, as well as pruning limbs that protrude into the corridor. Because the linear disturbance is minimal, the surrounding forest provides a natural Vegetated Buffer/Filter Strip. The tread and a relaxed back slope are then shaped using small equipment (mini skid steer and compact excavator) and hand tools. Still being improved and adding sections, currently … When finished, the Dragon Trail will loop around Hardy Pond from Hardy Dam in Newaygo County to 8 Mile Road just west of U.S. 131 in Mecosta County. The Dragon trail is a non-motorized, multi-use, natural surface trail. But no trails in this category can be found anywhere in the world at this scale—until now. Trail construction is thus a linear process of Selective Grading and Shaping, which utilizes Slope Roughening and Scarification, while Grubbing is omitted when clearing the wider corridor for visibility and Temporary Seeding is used in the season to stabilize spoils. Michigan’s Dragon at Hardy Dam is a 47-mile non-motorized, multi-use trail system located between Hardy and Rodgers Dams in West Michigan. Once you park take the road 100 yards into the Marina. The tread is sometimes paralleled by short Diversion Ditches or Vegetated Channels, which contain organic Check Dams. Quentin Tyler, Interim Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. The Hardy Pond enjoys a long history as a premier recreational destination for tourists and residents alike. The Dragon trail has three sections at Hardy Dam open for hiking and biking in Newaygo and Mecosta counties. Vote. This highly collaborative and ambitious initiative involves Mecosta and Newaygo County officials (administrators, commissioners and parks officials), three township supervisors, Consumers Energy, the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) and West Michigan Mountain Biking Association, the Newaygo Nationals Association, both county Economic Development and Convention and Visitors Bureau offices, two Chambers of Commerce, Spectrum Health/Tamarac, Nestle Waters North America, MI Works!, Muskegon River Watershed Assembly, Michigan State University Extension and other key partners. The first 13+ miles have been opened to the public in 2020 with more trail … The trail includes more than 400 feet of wooden boardwalk, nearly 100 feet of rock armoring, nearly 10,000 feet of natural surface wide trail, and 55,000 feet of bike optimized trail. This information is for educational purposes only. While "pond" often conjures up images of small, quiet, idyllic blue patches of water, Hardy Pond boasts over 50 miles of shoreline and over 4,000 acres of fresh water. Michigan State University’s Center for Economic Analysis, Remote Learning and Resources for Those at Home During COVID-19 Pandemic, Stay Informed With the MSU Extension Newsletter, 1998 Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Designated US 129, the road is bordered by the Great Smoky Mountains and the Cherokee National Forest with no intersecting roads or driveways to hamper your travel. 4684 Evergreen DriveNewaygo, MI 49337(231) 689-7340, 22250 Northland DriveParis, MI 49338(231) 832-3246, West Michigan Mountain Biking Alliance (WMMBA), This public recreation facility is part of a Consumers Energy hydroelectric dam project licensed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. ... Los Robles trail break. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464). Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap with 318 curves in 11 miles: America’s number one motorcycle and sports car road. . Michigan’s Dragon Trail is unique because it can be used all year long – you can even hit the trails on a dog sled after the snow hits the ground. The Dragon trail is a non-motorized, multi-use, natural surface trail. One of the first Dragon Trail segments completed. #299 of 299 mountain bike trails in Michigan. Vote. 47.5 mile mountain biking and pedestrian adventure loop trail, Water views, valleys and 23 bridges linking several existing township, county, state and private campgrounds, Positions our area as a truly unique adventure sports destination for visitors worldwide, Provides a regional economic engine, which will create several dozen new jobs, Demonstrates widespread government, agency and private support across stakeholders, Provides an important stage for adventure sports competitions, Will connect to the Edge Pathway System and the North Country Trail, with a planned connection to the White Pine Trail State Park, Provides direct access to the Muskegon River for multi-sport events, An annual increase in economic activity of over $4.15 million per year, An annual increase of nearly 105,000 visitors. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. The Dragon is a non-motorized trail designed to optimize the performance for mountain bikers, hikers, and runners. Light the Fuse. Currently, some sections of the trail, in both Mecosta and Newaygo counties, are completed and open to the public. The trail … 11 trail segments will eventually form a loop around Hardy Pond. Once the tread has been graded, it is then mechanically smoothed and compacted. Lots of awesome features at... We got a sneak peek at a new mountain biking trail coming to Michigan! The Dragon trail promises to put west Michigan on the world stage for adventure sports destinations when completed, hosting both sanctioned and unsanctioned mountain biking and running competitions, as well as several related winter activities. The Dragon Trail in Michigan. This is a gravel lot, not the main marina. When there is not sufficient elevation change to exploit for natural storm water management, it is usually necessary to raise the tread, either by digging a swale and using the spoils to elevate the trail way or by constructing a wooden boardwalk. The Dragon Trail is Managed by these organizations: 4684 Evergreen Drive. The Dragon trail promises to put west Michigan on the world stage for adventure sports destinations when completed, hosting both sanctioned and unsanctioned mountain biking and running competitions, as well as several related winter activities. Share. Construction on Michigan’s Dragon at Hardy Dam trail in Newaygo and Mecosta counties could begin by this summer, the Muskegon Chronicle reported . A $200,000 grant from Consumers Energy will help complete the project. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. At critical sites, such as switchbacks, captured storm water is channeled across a drainage dip to a small Settling Basin. share. Paris, MI 49338. Once the tread has been graded, it is then mechanically smoothed and compacted. Funds are still needed to finish the trail. The trail … All level riders can tackle this trail. Michigan’s Dragon at Hardy Dam is an adventure destination that embraces West Michigan’s majestic lakes, rivers, and bountiful forests. This project is strategically located within 45 minutes of Grand Rapids, 3 hours from Detroit and 3.5 hours driving time from downtown Chicago. The trail will be a maximum of 48" wide and the main tread where most riding and hiking activity occurs will be 18" to 24" wide. This was no different for Michigan’s Dragon Trail – located along the Hardy Dam in the Newaygo and Mecosta Counties – that recently opened up a … Now fully five years in planning, the Dragon trail will span over 47 miles along the banks of the Hardy Pond upon the majestic Muskegon River as it winds through Mecosta and Newaygo counties, crossing the massive Hardy Dam, the third largest earthen dam in the world. More from News 8. The goal is to harmonize with the landscape, both aesthetically and ecologically. The Dragon trail is a non-motorized, multi-use, natural surface trail. The state of Michigan boasts many notable outdoor adventure venues that cater to a variety of user stakeholder groups. The Dragon trail is a non-motorized, multi-use, natural surface trail. Watch later. When there is not sufficient elevation change to exploit for natural storm water management, it is usually necessary to raise the tread, either by digging a swale and using the spoils to elevate the trail way or by constructing a wooden boardwalk. The Michigan’s Dragon at Hardy Dam trail in Mecosta and Newaygo counties announced Wednesday Segment 10, portions of segments 4 and 9 are now open for hiking and biking. From an … Rolling grade design breaks the trail into a series of short watersheds; this minimizes both the volume and velocity of surface run-off from any given grade dip. Construction has already begun for 2021, and by the end of this build season we expect to be just over halfway done with the entire trail. Much of the trail runs along the Hardy Dam Pond. Construction has already begun for 2021, and by the end of this build season we expect to … A new trail in western Michigan that developers believe could become a national attraction is set to break ground this year. Posted by 5 minutes ago. This professionally engineered, constructed, maintained and managed trail will take two full years to complete and requires Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approval. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. share. Climbing is hard, 66 years old and decided to mountain bike ride again. The Dragon Trail in Michigan. The native duff—equivalent to mulch—is raked and blown back downhill to cover all exposed soil, and one last pass reveals the narrow finalized tread. When finished, the Dragon Trail will loop around Hardy Pond from Hardy Dam in Newaygo County to 8 Mile Road just west of U.S. 131 in Mecosta County. ... Los Robles trail break. MECOSTA COUNTY — Despite winter weather slamming the area this month, work continues to keep a proposed 47-mile loop trail along the Muskegon River on track. The single-track Dragon Trail, which some believe could become a national attraction, is a decade in the making and has a price tag of $3.7 million. When complete, it will include: 20 footbridges, 13 scenic overlooks, rock armoring and periodic boardwalk sections, and more. Dragon Trail, Trail Guide and Trail Map, Photos, Maps, Links, Resources for mountain biking,hiking and running,trail maps, trail information, Michigan trails It is designed as a large scale loop system, a bold and unique endeavor which will include: The $1.2 million Dragon trail project enjoys a wide range of local and regional support, including an important pre-funding investment of $300,000 by Newaygo and Mecosta counties for the construction of the trail. First added by Jeff Barber on Nov 16, 2020. The Dragon is a non-motorized trail designed to optimize the performance for mountain bikers, hikers, and runners. 22250 Northland Drive. This section is very flat with one log ride over and one bridge. The Dragon Trail in Michigan. 100% Upvoted. Make your gift to support the trail today! West Michigan Mountain Biking Alliance (WMMBA) This public recreation facility is part of a … Michigan’s Dragon Awaits in Newaygo County In 2009, the vision for a 47-mile, natural surface trail following the outline of the 4,000 acre Hardy Dam Pond emerged. The Dragon trail will be a truly unique adventure sports destination for people from around the state, region, nation and world. The 2-foot-wide trail will pass through untamed terrain, 6 … Drainage dips which provide an outlet for more concentrated water flows are generally armored with native stone and channel water into a small Settling Basin in order to capture sediment. As of 2020, segments 8-11 are open, and segments 2 and 4 are partially complete. (231) 689-7340. The proposed trail will be located exclusively on land owned by Consumers Energy and is virtually unspoiled with stunning water views, challenging valleys and 23 proposed bridges along the trail, making it unique among all trail systems in North America. Michigan’s Dragon at Hardy Dam is a linear Newaygo County Park that is jointly managed by the Newaygo and Mecosta County Park Commissions as well as the West Michigan Mountian Biking Alliance. The Dragon Trail begins on a small hill behind the Marina office building. Shopping. In addition to providing an incredible attraction to biking and hiking enthusiasts of all ages and abilities, a comprehensive economic impact study conducted by Michigan State University’s Center for Economic Analysis reveals that, as a result of this project, the west Michigan region can expect: For additional information, you may contact Ryan Coffey at coffeyry@anr.msu.edu or 231-924-9677. hide. It promotes west Michigan’s triple bottom line: financial, social and environmental performance measures. As of Monday, $1,436,000 of $3.7 million needed has been raised, according to the Dragon Trail's website at thedragon… The Dragon is managed by Newaygo County Parks, Mecosta County Parks Commission, and the West Michigan Mountain Biking. Minimizing the potential for erosion and sedimentation begins with proper design, while the construction process always seeks to minimize disturbance and return the trail corridor to as natural a state as practicable as soon as possible. To date we have completed more than 14 miles of trail, featuring seven fiberglass truss bridges and several scenic overlooks. We comply with the Federal Trade Commission 1998 Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). The trail will be a maximum of 48" wide and the main tread where most riding and hiking activity occurs will be 18" to 24" wide. Close. Climbing is hard, 66 years old and decided to mountain bike ride again. Close. Tap to unmute. Funds are still needed to finish the trail. The Dragon Trail in Michigan. report. When complete, it will include: 20 footbridges, 13 scenic overlooks, rock armoring and periodic boardwalk sections, and more. A massive, non-motorized hiking and biking trail being developed around the Hardy Pond in Mecosta and Newaygo counties will put west Michigan on the map when it comes to outdoor adventure destinations. Dragon Trail, Trail Guide and Trail Map, Photos, Maps, Links, Resources for mountain biking,hiking and running,trail maps, trail information, Michigan trails At the heart of sustainable natural surface trail design is the principle of meandering with natural contours and traversing slopes perpendicularly at a rolling grade that does not exceed half of the grade of the side slope. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned. Posted by 5 minutes ago. MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential. The native duff—equivalent to mulch—is raked and blown back downhill to cover all exposed soil, and one last pass reveals the narrow finalized tread. The Dragon Trail Hardy Dam. All soil tilled by construction is used to shape the trail (averaging out grades, building grade crests, constructing switchbacks, etc.). The Dragon Mountain Bike Trail - Groomed Fat Bike Trail in Michigan - Riding Fat Bikes in the SNOW. At the same time, mountain biking, snow biking and all-weather hiking enthusiasts enjoy several remarkable, yet shorter courses scattered throughout the state. 0 comments. report. Developers say five of … Info. Ryan Coffey, Michigan State University Extension - As of Monday, $1,436,000 of $3.7 million needed has been raised, according to the Dragon Trail's website at thedragon… The trail is very well groomed, lots of fun berms and pops, some punchy climbs, fun descents, and several areas to see the beautiful views along the lakeshore. The website will serve as the go-to resource for updates on Michigan’s Dragon at Hardy Dam trail in Mecosta and Newaygo counties. 0 comments. Michigan's Dragon trail to begin construction this year. When this entire trail is completed it will be approximately a 47 mile loop. The trail. The first 13+ miles have been opened to the public in 2020 with more trail … As within sloped diversion channels, the outlet for the swale is a drainage dip located to take advantage of the natural runoff pattern at the site. It is open to all members of the public without discrimination. The trail includes more than 400 feet of wooden boardwalk, nearly 100 feet of rock armoring, nearly 10,000 feet of natural surface wide trail, and 55,000 feet of bike optimized trail.

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