Northwestern Trail

While, in its entirety, it's only 2.7 miles one way, the Northwestern Trail is rich with variety. In that short distance, it crosses Silver Creek (of the Lake Michigan watershed) twice. You transition from city limits to rural. Along the way you pass through deciduous woods and a conifer tree farm, along marshland, farmland, prairie, and a quarry lake - nearly all within view of the creek bed. The local Noon Kiwanis club enlists volunteers to maintain it. There are a couple of picnic tables along the way - even an occasional bench and a garbage pail or two. These could come as a surprise if you feel like you're in the middle of the countryside! The trail's first leg starts up an easy climb from the public library parking lot and over a Silver Creek bridge. There are a few steep grades that fall and rise from the raised bed to street (or creek) level and back up. This might make it difficult for some strollers and road bikes, especially if there is ice or mud. Note, too, there is a section where the trail is shared with snow mobiles.