By Michael Piwowarski
UNIVERSITY CENTER – If you’re a regular patron at Planet Fitness, say goodbye to that treadmill for the time being. If you’re an indoor mall walker, you’ll have to wait a few weeks until you can head on down to Fashion Square and enjoy another stroll past the vacant storefronts and prize cars.
Or, you could pick a clear day and go for a walk instead.
(Crystal Gwizdala/Managing Editor)
Dennis Pilaske, executive director of the Chippewa Nature Center in Midland, points out that their Visitor’s Center and all buildings are closed to the public under Michigan’s stay-at-home order, but their nature trails remain open.
Since the stay-at-home order permits outdoor activity – including walking, running and cycling – Pilaske recommends taking part in these activities with due caution.
“We continue to remind everyone to practice safe social distancing on the trails by not gathering in groups and keeping 6 feet between anyone not in your household,” says Pilaske. “It’s important to carry water, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes to further protect oneself and to stay home if one exhibits any symptoms of illness.”
Unless additional directives from the government and health officials necessitate other actions, the trails remain open and Pilaske confirms that the Chippewa Nature Center has specifically enjoyed a steady stream of walkers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We have a small number of staff performing basic, minimum work to ensure safety and security on the trails,” says Pilaske.
Chippewa Nature Center provides peaceful trails in the scenic woods and some biking trails if you prefer your outdoor adventures on a set of two wheels.
But this is just the tip of the iceberg if you’re looking for some fresh air and your backyard just isn’t enough. Here are a few other hotspots in the Tri County area for all your (safe) hiking, biking and jogging needs:
Saginaw Valley Rail Trail
- Length: 11 miles
- North end point: 6001 Stroebel Road in Saginaw
- South end point: Lumberjack Park, 901 E. Water St. in St. Charles
This rail trail runs through wooded areas, providing a pleasant mixture of shade and sunshine for your cycling round trip or your brisk jog. The trail follows a historic rail bed once used by the Jackson, Lansing and Saginaw Railroad in the late 1860s.
Pere Marquette Rail Trail
- Length: 30 miles
- North end point: Pere Marquette District Library, 185 E. 4th St. in Clare
- South end point: Midland Farmers Market, 111 W. Main St. in Midland
Nearly three times the length of Saginaw Valley Rail Trail, Pere Marquette boasts endless scenery and several staging areas. The trail starts in Midland and takes you northwest through Sanford, Coleman and Loomis, and ends in downtown Clare.
Bay County Riverwalk
- Length: 17.8 miles
- North end point: Bay City State Recreation Area, 3582 State Park Dr. in Bay City
- South end point: N. Tuscola Road between 27th Street and 22nd Street in Bay City
This looping paved trail connects the wildlife refuge of Tobico Marsh with the historic Bay City district. See migratory waterfowl on Saginaw Bay, or go through the loop and see the Saginaw River where shipping vessels thrive, and take a stop at Veterans Memorial Park and other Bay City landmarks.
Related article: Take a hike in the Tri-Cities
