Hikers flock to West Michigan for Saugatuck-Douglas-Laketown Trail Scramble
SAUGATUCK, Mich. — The Radar Hill Hiking Club organized a “Saugatuck-Douglas-Laketown Trail Scramble” in observance of National Trails Day on June 5, 2021.
Between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., people of all ages could pick up a trail card at the Welcome Center on the Blue Star Highway in Douglas and then go to any of the selected locations in the area, where a volunteer would stamp the card.
After collecting three stamps, coupons on the back of the card would become valid, providing special deals at area merchants. After the Scramble ends, participants with six or more trail stamps could return to the Welcome Center and participate in a drawing for valuable prizes.
“National Trails Day is about advocating for trails and promoting land conservation. There are more than twenty hiking trails within five miles of the Blue Star Bridge. The Scramble introduces visitors and local folks to some of the trails, and we hope it sparks interest in exploring the others," local organizer Chris Clark of Saugatuck said.
Other activities were planned on National Trails Day, including a project where volunteers would mark the trail at Huyser Farm Park.
Guardian Brewing Company was expected to offer four varieties of “Crows Nest Trail Ale” — one flavored with sassafras and the others aged with locally native wood.
Four local governments endorsed the day through proclamations and the Saugatuck Douglas Area Convention and Visitors Bureau was expected to release a folding map of area hiking trails.
A grant from Saugatuck Douglas Rotary Club made the event possible with each site on the Scramble sponsored by one or more groups. Participants were encouraged to “pledge to take action in 2021 to care for trails and advocate for equitable, safe access to quality green spaces.” Suggested actions include encouraging legislators to protect public lands, supporting local trail efforts, adhering to the principles of “Leave No Trace”, or leading a local hike.
