*Editor's correction: The trail is for non-motorized bikes and hiking, not motorized vehicles like ATVs and dirt bikes.

Trail leaders, donors, and project partners gathered at Sandy Beach County Park to celebrate the end of construction on Michigan's Dragon at Hardy Dam. For the past six years, the 45-mile long natural surface trail has been under construction, with several of the 11 segments opening as they were finished. As of September 27, Segment 7, the last one under construction, was completed, and the entire 45-mile trail is now open to the public.

The project, a partnership between Consumers Energy, Mecosta County, Newaygo County, the West Michigan Mountain Biking Alliance, and others, started in 2009 with the idea of a trail encircling the 4,000-acre Hard Pond reservoir. Since then, the collaborative has received permission from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to proceed with trail construction around the hydroelectric impoundment in 2019.

Construction was not easy, as the 45-mile-long build area had many challenges, including varying soil conditions, terrain challenges, and weather conditions; however, working with Applied Trails Research to design the trail and Spectrum Trail Design to build the monumental trail proved a winning combination. “The skill and expertise of our trail designer and builder are unparalleled in the natural surface trail industry. Spectrum Trail Design and Applied Trails Research turned the nearly impossible into a sustainable world-class natural surface trail system,” said Nick Smith, Newaygo County Parks and Recreation Director.

Now complete, the Dragon Trail comprises 11 segments forming a 45-mile loop around Hardy Pond, traversing through both Mecosta and Newaygo Counties. The 45-mile trail now passes through five County Parks, three Township Parks, and Newaygo State Park. These existing recreational facilities include day-use parks, marinas, and five public campgrounds. Partners at the Mecosta County CVB and Newaygo County Tourism Council have banded together to market this new trail system to the rest of the Country.

Maintaining a 45-mile-long trail is a monumental task that the West Michigan Mountain Biking Alliance has stepped up to oversee for the Counties. Already, the group has 14 volunteer trail adopters who patrol the trail weekly and after every storm. “We are working tirelessly to keep the trail clear of down trees, branches, and other hazards, so this world-class hiking and biking trail stays pristine into the future,” said Martin Hall, WMMBA Volunteer Dragon Trail Coordinator.

This over three million dollar project was possible due to numerous funding sources and generous donors. Some of the most considerable financial contributions came from Fremont Area Community Foundation, Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund, Mecosta County, Newaygo County, Mecosta County CVB, and Consumers Energy Foundation. Many other organizations and individuals donated generously to the project; some volunteered their time and expertise to move it forward. “We want to thank every donor, project partner, and volunteer because without them, this project would not have been possible,” said Jeff Abel, Mecosta County Parks Superintendent.

Restaurants, campgrounds, and other businesses are already experiencing the economic benefit of the Dragon Trail. Surrounding locations are reporting new visitors to the area due to the trail and increased sales. In addition, property sales are up surrounding the Dragon Trail, and new businesses are opening to meet the demand of these new visitors. Using high-tech trail counters, over 83,000 visitors were counted on the trail in 2023. In 2024, there has been a 20% increase in trail traffic, resulting in trail managers estimating that 2024 will see over 100,000 visitors on the Dragon Trail. With the Dragon now complete, some feel that the 100,000 number may go even higher with excellent Fall weather conditions coinciding with the trail's grand opening.

_{Release and photos courtesy of the Michigan Association of County Parks and Recreation Officials.}