I'm fat. Over the last year this statement is no longer a subjective opinion, my pants tell me I'm…read morefat. So, I've made it a point to be more active and start creaking the ole bones again. I've driven past the entrance for this park for a year and had good intentions of stopping. Today I ran into the one neighbor who doesn't hate me, and he told me I can get to the hiking trails from my neighborhood. Cool! I charged up my 1st gen iPod (seriously), dug out my pig wrestling sneakers (seriously), and my fanny pack (seriously) and off I went. Mengerson is owned and cared for by Acres Land trust since 1989. There are approximately 32 acres of forest and hiking trails are about 1.2 miles. This time of year the trails are ridiculously muddy, so I'm glad I wore my pig shoes. There were several points I just went off trail to avoid standing water, and since the trees and undergrowth is still bare, it wasn't too bad. The hike itself is easy and suitable for just about anyone. There can be deer seen (according to my neighbor) and all sorts of bird species. There are a few neat side trails. You are never far from housing, but it's still quiet (my iPod died in the middle of Bel Biv Devo) and once the trees fill in I imagine it's even more peaceful. Now that I know I can walk to a trailhead and not have to drive and park, I can say I'll be back frequently till the mosquitos drive me away. This is a neat little patch of forest and I highly recommend it. Plus its a pokestop for the three people who still play PokemonGo.

Wonderful visit, warm sunny day. Greatly enjoyed chatting with the head miller. He was full of…read moreinformation about the mill itself and expanded our knowledge of multiple grains while discussing bread making tips n tricks. We strolled a shorter bath but forgot our bug spray so didn't adventure into the woods. The gardens around the mill were picturesque and the mill store had a great variety. I would recommend a visit and be sure to engage the miller for all your questions !!

Well done tours of a genuine mill. Fascinating story behind the original owner! Great place for a…read morepicnic or a stroll - the grounds are beautiful. Check online for hours - not open every day (for tours).

Another check mark on my list of visiting Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy preserves. On a…read morebeautiful December day, we ventured to Marcellus (Cass County) to explore the diverse woodlands and wetlands of Spirit Springs Sanctuary, a 124-acre preserve owned by the Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy (SWMLC). It was named Spirit Springs in part because of the surface stream and groundwater seeps on the site, but also because it is a place that lends itself well to peaceful reflection and the renewal of mind, body and spirit. Classic glacial topography of the preserve features rolling woodlands that surround a 7-acre pond and borders 65 acres of spring-fed wetlands. A small creek connects the pond and wetlands. The mixed trees and evergreen woods are punctuated by openings where prairie plants grow. The wetlands include a swamp. I need to return in the spring or summer to see the wide array of plant communities. A network of maintained trails provides access to the various areas of the preserve. Come prepared for walking woodland trails and perhaps some wet areas. The trails are well marked and are relatively easy to moderate. It was a great day to be outside to enjoy SW Michigan's nature.

Warsaw, Indiana is well known for its beautiful lakes. However, Warsaw is also a great place to…read moretake a bit of a hike (often involving the lakes). I've taken my Tenderness Tour events through Warsaw on a handful of occasions and always take the opportunity to experience the area's growing trail system. The Beyer Farm Boardwalk Trail is a short but very beautiful trail that is also quite wheelchair friendly. The Beyer Farm Trail offers a tranquil, educational experience as one can also learn about the surrounding wetlands while doing the approximately 1800 ft. trail. You can walk or ride the trail and there's a stone amphitheater located near Kosciusko Community Hospital that is accessible from the trail. Once you get out of the wetlands, there's asphalt trail near the lake sore that will get you to the Pike Lake Campground. This isn't really a trail that runners will appreciate. It's far too short for that, however, for those looking to get away in nature this is a beautiful experience that is also well-maintained. This trail is great for strollers, wheelchair users, and those with other mobility issues. During better weather, there's lots of trees here offering tremendous shade. If you combine Pike Lake and Beyer, you get about a 2.2 mile trail experience with only a minimal incline at any point. There are two accessible parking spots at the trailhead - both are van accessible and the parking lot is paved. The trail itself is paved asphalt and a wooden boardwalk that has edge barriers. The trail's width is right around 8 feet in all places. You get a good Warsaw experience here with lots of nature, lake views, and you'll likely run into residents here as the trail is pretty regularly used.

This is a great place to meet up with friends and take a hike. I really enjoy the trails, the ponds…read moreand all of the birds. Got to see a huge turtle as well.

Great place We'll marked trails…read moreAwesome place We will go back for sure Close to Paw Paw Brewery

The park is being updated. There are new bridges and cabins...of you look on the parks website…read moretheres a blueprint of planned upgrades and new features.

Great local place to go for short hikes. I think the most mileage you could do if you loop around…read morethe entire place is less than 3 miles, but it is a nice changing scenery (swamps, hardwood forests, some pines, Lake Thompson, a creek and small hills all over the place. Easy enough for kids and seniors.

Been wanting to visit Al Sabo for awhile now and so glad that I did. Such a beautiful place with…read morenice paths for walking, running or biking. The wooded area with the tall pines have been planted in rows - so cool! Loved seeing people enjoying the woods in their hammocks. Parking lot is small and congested.

What a place to unwind and relax amongst the uninterrupted landscape. Walking through the woods and…read moretaking in thr sights and sounds of nature's creatures and thrblight breeze makes for an hour or two of serenity that is important to recharge with. Go to clear your head, get a little exercise, or both! There are literally miles of trails where you can take in all nature has to offer. I can't imagine how you could be in a bad mood as you're out exploring this little gem.

This place was busy as can be today but nice wide paths and folks paying attention to the "on your…read morelefts" from behind allowed for easy social distancing while enjoying the beautiful day. We've taken our dogs hiking here before many times but today was our first time cycling here, and it really is a great place to bike with some somewhat challenging rolling hills. The path goes all the way to the park on the back side of West Lake, so if you've got a mountain bike you could add that loop to the journey. Quarantine has been really rough on me but the sunny days are a joy as we plug away at training for a Beth-athlon I'm planning to do at the end of the summer (I can't run anymore, so I'm making up my own -athlon of multiple activities ranging from paddleboarding to rollerblading. It was great getting some cycling miles under my belt today and getting that heart beat racing.

Nice place for a nature walk! The path is paved and surrounded by nature, including wildlife…read more Parking is very difficult to find; doesn't show up on map. I ended up parking at a local business and walking in.

This is a great park for beginning hikers or those short on time. The park, while beautiful is much…read moresmaller than State parks, with trails that are harder to get lost on. There is small playground, a "Sensory Garden" area that has a pond with running water & frogs (for sound), highly scented flowers (for smell) and even some safe to taste herbs (for taste). There is a covered picnic area that can be rented out for parties. It can also be used freely when no parties are booked. One could make a day of this place but it's not a requirement to see everything.

such a beautiful park, i love the trails available very pretty views and everyone that travels is…read morenice. good for walking and biking.