The end of the 2021 construction season on Michigan’s Dragon at Hardy Dam—
or the Dragon Trail, as most people call it—saw an additional seven miles added to the total that
are now open to the public.

This year’s construction was based in Mecosta County, with two additional trail segments being
fully completed and another partially so. The trail, when finished, will be an estimated 47-mile
loop made up of 11 segments encircling Hardy Pond in Mecosta and Newaygo counties.
The newly opened trail can be found starting at Brower Park, at 23056 Polk Road, in Stanwood.
It continues into segments five and six, which are now complete, and into segment seven.
Previously, segments eight through eleven were completed, as well as portions of two and four.
This brings the total open mileage to 21.75. There will be another portion that opens in the
spring of 2022, and construction next year will continue as well, this time on the Newaygo
County side of the trail.

“We’re already seeing a great number of visitors on the newly opened trail segments, and
people are excited to sample the new Dragon miles,” said Mecosta County Parks
Superintendent Jeff Abel. “We have plenty of parking at Brower Park and our newest trailhead
at Davis Bridge Park, giving people a number of options when considering where to jump onto
the trail in both counties.”

The trail is open year-round for biking, hiking, trail running, and even snow shoeing. Trail
conditions are updated on the trail’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/midragontrail,
and updated maps will soon be available on the trail’s web page, https://thedragon.us.
Community support is needed to continue construction on the Dragon Trail. Sponsorships of
trail components for companies, foundations, individuals, and families are still available. To
learn how you can help build or maintain the Dragon, or make a gift, visit
https://www.thedragon.us/support-the-dragon-trail/donate/.