Dragon Trail Complete With 45 Miles Of Mt. Biking Paradise

If you love to mountain bike or hike the Dragon Trail which wraps around Hardy Pond and has 45 miles of trails has finally been completed.

The Dragon Trail

The Dragon Trail got its name from the shape of the Hardy Pond which looks similar to a Chinese dragon. The Hardy Pond stretches across Newaygo and Mecosta Counties providing mountain bikers and hikers with 45 miles of trails in 11 sections to enjoy.

The idea of the Dragon Trail began in 2009 but it took 10 years and a lot of money before the idea gained enough traction for approval and groundbreaking. You can enter the trail on either side of the Hardy Dam with the southside being more for beginners and the northside for the advanced. Don't get me wrong, there is advanced mountain biking on the south side of Hardy Pond but the first few miles are set up so those who are handicapped or need easier trails to walk can enjoy the Dragon Trail too.

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The Dragon Trail is Finished

After 15 years of development, the Dragon Trail has been completed around Hardy Pond. The ll segments are marked as well as mile markers along the way. My son and I have been mountain biking on several sections over the last couple of years and having a blast. We have biked on about 20 miles of trails and now that is finished we hope to finish them all next summer.

The Dragon Trails are maintained and if a tree falls or gets some help from a beaver the county has someone on it so the next time you visit your trail is clear.

There are bridges made of steel and wood depending on what type of water you are crossing.

There are a lot of great views of Hardy Pond and you can hike or bike around the Dragon Trail plus benches periodically you can take a break or enjoy some lunch you packed for your trip.

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I feel lucky to have the Dragon Trail right down the street from my house. The Dragon Trail is something my son and I will enjoy for a lifetime and you can too. The Dragon Trail website will tell you everything about the trails and provide maps, trail conditions, trail etiquette, rules, and more. If you like mountain biking or hiking through the woods you now have 45 miles of groomed trails to enjoy. There are lots of campgrounds that are near the Dragon Trail if you would like to make a week or a weekend of it.