MLive says: “Sure, Seven Bridges nature area only has four bridges today, but who cares? It makes up for a shortage of bridges with splendid views of the Rapid River. Take a stroll through the trails and boardwalk to marvel at the impressive cedar trees and listen to the rushing waters. You'll find the four rustic, wooden bridges near the remains of an old sawmill.”
October 20, 2019
Kalkaska was our last stop this weekend, on Sunday October 20. It was a bit of a dreary morning, but still warm and dry enough for a little hike on our way back downstate.
Seven Bridges nature area is a cute spot, with not-so-well marked trails that led Bill, Bela, and I up a steep slope that we don’t think was part of the trail system. The climb was pretty intense, and gorgeous, because fall in Michigan is always gorgeous.
We descended back down that hill and made our way to a more obvious trail, and found the bridges that give the place its name. There are multiple wooden bridges built over this unique section of the Rapid River, complete with mini waterfalls, places where vernal pools have obviously come and gone over the years, standing pools in the river’s elbows, shallow streams, deep rushing water, and diverse plant life holding it all together. The cedar trees on the banks were indeed impressive…
This stop was a quick one, as we were eager to hit the road and get home after a difficult start to the day at our BnB. Additionally, the nature area isn’t huge, so it’s easy to explore in an hour or less!
Back on the road, we drove straight downstate until we hit Cedar Springs, just outside Grand Rapids. We decided to stop for lunch, and finished our weekend with a copious amount of pub food and German beer. We arrived back in Grand Rapids way too full and happy to be home.
