Upper Macatawa Natural Area: 76th Avenue Loop

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Upper Macatawa Natural Area: 76th Avenue Loop

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Trail Details

County

Ottawa

Regions

Lake Michigan

Latitude

N 42° 49' 36.12"

Longitude

W 085° 58' 36.12"

Distance

1.75-mile loop

Trail Type

Mowed lanes, foot paths

Terrain

Macatawa River, wetlands

Difficulty

Easy

Nearest City or Town

Zeeland

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A loop departing from the 76th Avenue trailhead heads to the north end of Upper Macatawa Natural Area, along the way sidling the Macatawa River. You pass beneath a power line four times along this 1.75-mile hike and the scenery is not nearly as interesting as the84th Avenue Loop. But the terrain is level and the walking easy.

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Description

A loop departing from the 76th Avenue trailhead heads to the north end of Upper Macatawa Natural Area, along the way sidling the Macatawa River. You pass beneath a power line four times along this 1.75-mile hike and the scenery is not nearly as interesting as the 84th Avenue Loop. But the terrain is level and the walking easy.

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Amenities & Services

Difficulty - Easy

Dog Friendly

Foot Path

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Trail Guide

From the parking area a paved trail leads south 100 yards to a bridge across Dutchman’s Creek and post No. 5 on the other side. Head west (right) and a mowed lane will skirt the small stream and pass underneath the power lines.

At Mile 0.3 you use a bridge to cross Macatawa River to post No. 3 and then head north (right) to follow the river for the next half mile and walk beneath the power lines a second time. Most of the year the Upper Macatawa River is more a drainage ditch than a river. Just before Mile 1 the trail reaches post No. 4 near Byron Road and then swings west along a stretch where it is easy to lose the trail.

Eventually you reach the base of the ridge that encloses the Upper Macatawa floodplain and head south to return to post No. 3, reached at Mile 1.5. Re-cross Macatawa River to return to the 74th Avenue trailhead or continue south to add the 84th Avenue Loop and turn this hike into a 4.3-mile outing.

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Facilities

The trailhead parking areas are off 84th and 76th Avenues and feature parking, vault toilets and information kiosks.

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Hours & Fees

The Upper Macatawa Natural Area is open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. from April through October 31 and 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. the rest of the year. There are no vehicle or entry fees.

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Directions

The Upper Macatawa Natural Area is located in Zeeland Township. To reach the 84th Avenue trailhead depart I-196 at exit 52 and head east on Adams Street and then north on 84th Avenue. The 76th Avenue trailhead is reached by departing I-196 at exit 55and heading east on Byron Road on 76th Avenue.

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Information

Contact Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission at (616) 738-4810 or www.miottawa.org/parks.

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Upper Macatawa Natural Area: 76th Avenue Loop

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