By Joan Young, MCP Contributor
Just south of Whitehall, in Fruitland Township, Muskegon County, is the relatively new Duck Creek Natural Area. Multiple loops are available for hiking, snowshoeing and skiing. A portion of the south loop will be ADA accessible this year. Parking is located both east of the White Lake Fire Station on Duck Lake Road, and also on Simonelli Road.
There are 310 acres of Township property being developed with a trail system that may ultimately connect with other trails. The goal of Friends of Fruitland Township Trails is to “create a trail network that goes from Lake Michigan to the Berry Junction Trail.”
About six years ago, Township Trustee Terrie Hampel proposed the idea of connecting trails throughout the township. Currently, about eight total miles, in various loops have been completed in the central portion of the township.
In 2024, the first bridge and boardwalk to cross Duck Creek were constructed. Portions of the southern section of trail were hardened and will be ADA accessible. Other local groups support the project, and White Lake Area Women donated the money for a bridge across Scholes Creek which was built in the fall of 2024.
Invasive plant removal has also been a high priority.
Finding a new-to-me trail system is always a treat, and this one was fun. There is a little topography near the creeks, but much of the walking is fairly level. I was privileged to join a group from the Hike Muskegon group to do about three miles on one of the first snowy days of this season.
Currently, two bridges connect the southern portion with the north and eastern sections. Donations are being accepted to build a third bridge so that the northern loop can have different outbound and return paths.
At the current time, the goal of creating an east-west trail across the township is more of a wish than a plan. In the works, Fruitland Township along with Laketon Township are planning a multi-use path along Scenic Drive to connect Muskegon State Park and Duck Lake SP. This has put the idea of a trail to the east temporarily on the back burner.
Parking is located at 43.33419, -86.34612 on Duck Lake Rd, just east of the Fire House, and at 43.34544, -86.33683 on Simonelli Road. No fee, no restrooms. Foot travel only. See fruitlandmi.gov/dcna/ and the Fruitland Trails page on Facebook.
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