Get Out is Your Guide to What’s Great in the Great Outdoors.
According to the calendar, the dog days of summer are officially over, ending a span of time marked by sweltering heat, humidity, and mild complaining.
Aside from a Florence + The Machine reference, who here has really thought about what “dog days” means? I had to look it up, and it’s kind of interesting. During early July through roughly the first couple weeks of August, Sirius—nicknamed the “Dog Star” because of its placement in the Canis Major (or “Greater Dog”) constellation—rises and sets alongside the sun. Ancient astronomers noticed this alignment coincided with summer’s hottest, most humid days and concluded that Sirius, in collusion with the sun, must be responsible for this weather pattern.
They surmised incorrectly, but the real answer is another story for another time. The important part is that many of us learned something new today!
The “dog days” moniker has endured for two millennia, and just delving into its origins had me thinking about our canine friends and how they feel about their eponymous season. If you’ve ever been out on a hike, you’ve probably seen some pretty enthusiastic dogs taking their owners for walks. Some trails and some locations are better than others when it comes to this kind of frolicking, and I got the scoop from some friends on what those are. Let’s jump in!
Grand Ravines Dog Park is located at Grand Ravines South off Fillmore, and widely considered to be the best of its kind in West Michigan. Human companions appreciate that they have benches, doggy drinking fountains available seasonally from spring through fall, and separate fenced-in play areas for large dogs and small dogs. There are also fenced, off-leash trails, as well as paved and wooded trails when leashes are required. There are modern restrooms, too, that include a dog wash station and water bottle refill stations.
Wahlfield Dog Park is newly opened and in stiff competition for recognition among the top play spots. And, being on the opposite side of town, it offers a closer option for many. The fully enclosed, 10-acre park is at the north end of Wahlfield Park and has a number of appealing features. Among them are a fenced-in, one-acre area only for small dogs (under 25 pounds), a two-acre open activity field for dogs of all sizes, and a large swimming pond with a dog beach and jumping dock. In addition to crushed-stone walking trails, there are agility ramps and training obstacles throughout. The four-season family restroom with a dog wash station is also a plus.
Hillcrest Dog Park is in the northeast quadrant of GR, and while it doesn’t have as many flashy features as other parks, it does offer the convenience of a more central location. It’s safely fenced and also has designated areas for large and small dogs. There’s plenty of shade and a wooded path, plus repurposed fallen logs that serve as agility tools. Benches, a water fountain with an accessible dog bowl, and a lively, social vibe are some of its other draws.
Kirk Park in Grand Haven has an off-leash dog beach on the south end, which allows dogs to run and swim freely May 1st through September 30th, during open hours from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. The space is not fenced and is somewhat limited, but it’s a great option for enjoying water play. There are restrictions for other parts of the park, including trails, restrooms, and buildings where dogs aren’t allowed at all, so make sure to plan accordingly!
Huff Park, in addition to the next couple spots, does not specifically cater to canines, but it is a friendly spot on the northeast side where leashed dogs are welcome. The trail is partially paved at the entrances with an elevated boardwalk at the south end that forms a loop and cuts through the center where there’s a scenic overlook. It’s largely marshy wetlands where wildlife spotting and birdwatching are abundant. Wildflowers start cropping up early in spring, and there’s always something interesting off trail to sniff and explore.
Blandford Nature Center & The Highlands are both great for leashed dog walking for their natural setting and variety of terrain, ranging from woods to meadows to wetlands. The trails at Blandford connect to The Highlands, so it’s easy to extend to a longer hike. They’re open year round from dawn until dusk, but be aware that there are places where dogs are strictly prohibited, including the Wildlife Trail and the buildings.
Crahen Valley is one of the more challenging trails, so it’s ideal for pups that need more exercise and activity. The top section is relatively flat with a paved walkway that runs along Leonard, but there’s also a somewhat steep dirt hill that leads downward to a prairie with a pond, and a wooded area deeper in with running creeks and more bodies of water to splash in. There’s lots to smell here, too, with tons of flora and tall trees. Be aware that it’s not well marked, so pay attention to your surrounds!
As is true of any place, be a responsible pet owner and pick up waste, be conscious of others on the path, and abide by the rules where leashes are enforced.
