Thornapple River Trail
The Paul Henry-Thornapple Trail, in west Michigan, is under development. One of the best completed sections, for a quiet afternoon, is the Thornapple River Walk in Hastings, Michigan. The walk is a paved pathway, that runs a mile and a half along the Thornapple River with loop trails at each end. One end is in Bliss Riverfront Park, and the other end, is in Tyden Park. Tyden Park, has plenty of parking and a few picnic tables, making it a good place to start, for a trails and treasures day trip.
First,
there is the walk along the Thornapple River itself. Where you park,
the pathway is only steps away, and there are map signs right at
hand, so you know where you are. Follow the course of the river, and
you will be treated to all of the natural beauty that the Thornapple
River Valley is known for. If you don't want to walk the full
distance to the Bliss Riverfront Park, take the foot bridge across
the river, and enter a network of groomed trails that meander
through the trees and wildflowers.
This is the loop at the Tyden Park end of the trail, and it is worth going to the park just to wander around in this tiny wilderness, on the edge of town. As soon as you cross the bridge, turn left, and you will be in the trails. One part follows the course of the river, and others branch off, looping into a maze of trees, shrubs, and wildflowers. At one junction, there is an enormous Sycamore tree, that is so large you can't get your arms all the way around it. The canopy of trees and dense undergrowth are home to a wide range of waterfowl and songbirds. Another interesting feature here, is the fantastic number of tiny gossamer webs to be found at ground level. They are usually nearly invisible, but if you come while the dew is still on the ground, you can see dozens glistening in the early morning sunlight.