Benjamin Hikes ASMR

Benjamin Hikes ASMR

By: Benjamin Hough

Language: en

Categories: Sports, Wilderness

Enjoy the calming sounds of nature wash over you as you listen to the crunch of gravel underfoot, the wind whisper through the trees, or the songs of birds in the branches.

Episodes

Luton Park’s BLUE TRAIL in the SNOW
Jan 10, 2026

One of my favorites, in the snow! We return once more to Luton Park, can you believe we've never hiked the blue trail in the winter? The snow is beautiful in the brush and trees.


Location: Luton Park; Rockford, Michigan

Weather: 20° F / -6.67° C, Cloudy


Difficulty: 3/5

Length: 1.6 miles / 2.57 kilometers

Duration: 30 minutes


Explore Kent County, Michigan's Luton Park: https://www.kentcountymi.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/Luton-Park-20


Romans 1:20 - "For his invisible attributes, namely, his et...

Duration: 00:30:06
Revisiting the Green Trail, in the SNOW
Dec 27, 2025

We return to an old favorite, the Green Trail at Luton Park! We have hiked this trail multiple times, but never in the snow. Let's venture into a snowy adventure at Luton Park!


Location: Luton Park; Rockford, Michigan

Weather: 20° F / -6.67° C, Cloudy


Difficulty: 3/5

Length: 1.1 miles / 1.77 kilometers

Duration: 21 minutes


Explore Kent County, Michigan's Luton Park: https://www.kentcountymi.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/Luton-Park-20


Romans 1:20 - "For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power an...

Duration: 00:21:40
Our LAST HIKE, 100 Miles on the NCT
Dec 20, 2025

You've been waiting a year for this hike. Today, we hike the FINAL 5 miles on the North Country Trail's HIKE 100 Challenge! At the end of today's video, we will have hiked 100 MILES on America's Longest Scenic Trail!


Join the challenge!

Consider signing up for the HIKE100 challenge: https://northcountrytrail.org/hike-100-challenge/

Join my hikes throughout 2025! All of my 2025 NCT HIKE100 videos will be included in this playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkr0LRCl3xsMVjRusAHi_GM54wWjqreaM


Location: Paul Henry Thornapple Trail; Middleville...

Duration: 01:27:31
EXPLORING CAVES and the SPRING HOUSE
Dec 13, 2025

We're at Wabasis Lake Park! I've never visited this park before. I didn't find a lot of trails, but there are a few cool stops including a live Spring House and a small CAVE!


Location: Wasbasis Lake Park; Rockford, Michigan

Weather: 25° F / -3.89° C, Sunny


Difficulty: 2/5

Length: 0.9 miles / 1.45 kilometers

Duration: 30 minutes


Explore Kent County, Michigan's Wabasis Lake Park: https://www.kentcountymi.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/Wabasis-Lake-Park-64


Romans 1:20 - "For his invisible attributes, namely, hi...

Duration: 00:20:38
SNOW (AGAIN) on the NCT
Dec 06, 2025

Today not only are we back on the North Country Trail, but we're back in the snow! We hike just 2 miles after a snow storm as we near the end of our challenge. Snow always brings a peace to the trail and yet another challenge to the hike.


Join the challenge!

Consider signing up for the HIKE100 challenge: https://northcountrytrail.org/hike-100-challenge/

Join my hikes throughout 2025! All of my 2025 NCT HIKE100 videos will be included in this playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkr0LRCl3xsMVjRusAHi_GM54wWjqreaM<...

Duration: 00:38:57
REVISITING the BALK Family Park!
Nov 29, 2025

Today we return to the Balk Family Park. We visited this park about a year ago and it was very new. More development has been completed over the summer and we return to explore and see what has changed! There is still so much more planned for this brand new addition in Kent County!


Location: Balk Family Park; Rockford, Michigan

Weather: 25° F / -3.89° C, Sunny


Difficulty: 2/5

Length: 2.5 miles / 4.02 kilometers

Duration: 40 minutes


Explore Kent County, MI's Balk Family Park: ht...

Duration: 00:42:51
We’re Getting CLOSE! NCT Hike 100 CHALLENGE
Nov 22, 2025

We're closing in on our 100-mile goal on the North Country Trail! Today we hike a portion that overlaps with the Cannonsburg Trail through beautiful Cannonsburg, Michigan! I was forced to begin my hike on a road portion of the trail, but we quickly find the Cannonsburg Trail and our hike becomes more interesting.


Join the challenge!

Consider signing up for the HIKE100 challenge: https://northcountrytrail.org/hike-100-challenge/

Join my hikes throughout 2025! All of my 2025 NCT HIKE100 videos will be included in this playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist...

Duration: 01:27:16
Fall Colors on THE OUTER LIMITS
Nov 15, 2025

Welcome to THE OUTER LIMITS. A new hike in Greenville, Michigan's Alan G. Davis Park. Today we again explore a new path, which I hope to hike more. This trail was bursting with fall colors. I did cut the hike short when it began to rain and caught me unprepared.


Location: Alan G. Davis Park; Greenville, Michigan

Weather: 60° F / 15.56° C, Rainy


Difficulty: 2/5

Length: 0.7 miles / 1.13 kilometers

Duration: 15 minutes


Explore Greenville, MI's Alan G. Davis Park: https://greenvillemi.org/government/de...

Duration: 00:15:14
I LOST THE TRAIL NCT HIKE 100 Challenge
Nov 08, 2025

Welcome back to the North Country Trail! Today we find that maps are not always correct. Although I pre-planned my route and used All Trails to map the trail, I quickly discovered that the map was wildly inaccurate I had a bit of adventure finding the trail's new location. I hope the NCT Association can correct these maps soon. The trail was not well marked or well kept on the new portion.


Join the challenge!

Consider signing up for the HIKE100 challenge: https://northcountrytrail.org/hike-100-challenge/

Join my hikes...

Duration: 01:34:35
Exploring ROLLING THUNDER
Nov 01, 2025

Welcome to ROLLING THUNDER! Today, we explore Alan G. Davis Park in Greenville, MI for the first time. Let's just wander and discover a new trail, this one with a really cool name!


Location: Alan G. Davis Park; Greenville, Michigan

Weather: 60° F / 15.56° C, Cloudy


Difficulty: 2/5

Length: 1.1 miles / 1.77 kilometers

Duration: 24 minutes


Explore Greenville, MI's Alan G. Davis Park: https://greenvillemi.org/government/departments/greenville_area_recreation___community_center/programs___events/athletics/outdoor_recreation/parks/index.php


...

Duration: 00:23:41
Fall Colors Along SPRING CREEK NCT HIKE 100
Oct 25, 2025

Today we hike 5 miles north in the Rouge River Game Area, enjoying stunning autumn colors and views along Spring Creek. We're quickly nearing our goal of 100 miles on the North Country Trail, less than 20 miles to go!


Join the challenge!

Consider signing up for the HIKE100 challenge: https://northcountrytrail.org/hike-100-challenge/

Join my hikes throughout 2025! All of my 2025 NCT HIKE100 videos will be included in this playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkr0LRCl3xsMVjRusAHi_GM54wWjqreaM


Location: Rouge River State Game Area...

Duration: 01:41:15
EXPLORING the Fred Meijer HEARTLAND Trail
Oct 18, 2025

Let's hike through Michigan's Heartland on the Fred Meijer Heartland Trail! This rail trail winds through rural Michigan from Greenville to Alma. This is another new trail for me and I invite you to explore it with me.


Location: Fred Meijer Heartland Trail; Greenville, Michigan

Weather: 72° F / 22.22° C, Sunny


Difficulty: 1/5

Length: 1.57 miles / 2.5 kilometers

Duration: 30 minutes


Explore the Fred Meijer Heartland Trail: https://www.fredmeijerheartlandtrail.org/


Romans 1:20 - "For his invisible attributes, namely, his et...

Duration: 00:30:49
NCT 100 WILDERNESS Hike
Oct 11, 2025

Join me for a hike in the wilderness on the North Country Trail! Today, we are in the Rouge River State Game area in West Michigan hiking another 5 miles towards the 100 mile Challenge goal.


Location: Rouge River State Game Area; Kent City, Michigan

Weather: 75° F / 23.9° C, Sunny


Difficulty: 3/5

Length: 5.2 miles / 8.37 kilometers

Duration: 1 hour, 41 minutes


Join the challenge!

Consider signing up for the HIKE100 challenge: https://northcountrytrail.org/hike-100-challenge/

Join my hikes throughout 2025! All of...

Duration: 01:42:41
ALL NEW TRAIL Fred Meijer Flat River Trail
Oct 04, 2025

Welcome to another West Michigan rail trail! Today, we enjoy an early autumn hike along the banks of the Flat River on the Fred Meijer Flat River Trail! I've never hiked this trail, so let's explore together.


Location: Fred Meijer Flat River Trail; Greenville, Michigan

Weather: 72° F / 22.22° C, Sunny


Difficulty: 1/5

Length: 1.56 miles / 2.5 kilometers

Duration: 31 minutes


Explore the Fred Meijer Flat River Trail: https://fmrvrt.org/


Romans 1:20 - "For his invisible attributes, namely, his et...

Duration: 00:31:49
This Trail is Only Open ONE DAY A YEAR! NCT Hike 100 Challenge
Sep 27, 2025

Welcome back to the North Country Trail! Today we hike a very special portion, so special that pedestrians can only hike it once a year, on Labor Day! If you're from Michigan, you may already know the Mighty Mac, the Mackinac Bridge! This suspension bridge, the longest in the Western Hemisphere, connects Michigan's two peninsulas and carries the North Country Trail across the Straights of Mackinac.


Join the challenge!

Consider signing up for the HIKE100 challenge: https://northcountrytrail.org/hike-100-challenge/

Join my hikes throughout 2025! All of my 2025 NCT HIKE100...

Duration: 02:20:16
WANDERING at Grand Rapids’ Aman Park
Sep 20, 2025

Some parks have amazing trail loops, but the loops do not start near each other. On today's hike, we enjoy a walk between a few of the larger loop systems and just explore. I didn't track my distance or route, but just enjoyed the hike. Let's hike together!


Location: Aman Park; Grand Rapids, Michigan

Weather: 75° F / 23.9° C, Sunny


Difficulty: 2/5


Explore Grand Rapids, Michigan's Aman Park: https://www.grandrapidsmi.gov/Directory/Places/Parks/Aman-Park


Romans 1:20 - "For his in...

Duration: 00:12:49
TWO Trails on ONE Hike! NCT HIKE 100 Challenge
Sep 13, 2025

We're back on the North Country Trail AND the Fred Meijer White Pine Trail! The NCT joins the White Pine Trail in Rockford and splits in Cedar Springs, Michigan. Today, we begin at that split in Cedar Springs and hike south, gaining another 5 miles towards our Hike 100 Challenge goal of 100 miles.


Join the challenge!

Consider signing up for the HIKE100 challenge: https://northcountrytrail.org/hike-100-challenge/

Join my hikes throughout 2025! All of my 2025 NCT HIKE100 videos will be included in this playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkr0LRCl3...

Duration: 01:40:36
PRIVATE HIKE at Aman Park, Blue Loop
Sep 06, 2025

The Blue Loop at Aman Park is a wonderfully quiet and private hike! The simple loop was fun and peaceful, but watch out for the steep hill near the end!


Location: Aman Park; Grand Rapids, Michigan

Weather: 75° F / 23.9° C, Sunny


Difficulty: 3/5

Length: 1.2 miles / 1.93 kilometers

Duration: 27 minutes


Explore Grand Rapids, Michigan's Aman Park: https://www.grandrapidsmi.gov/Directory/Places/Parks/Aman-Park


Romans 1:20 - "For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, ha...

Duration: 00:27:42
ELEVATION on the North Country Trail, Hike 100 Challenge
Aug 30, 2025

Another 5 miles on the Hike 100 Challenge! We've completed 60% of the challenge! Today, we hike a difficult portion of the North Country Trail in Yankee Springs Recreation Area/Barry State Game Area. The trail was incredibly overgrown, with some obstacles, and I was quite sore from another hike, but we enjoyed the sights and finished the hike.


Join the challenge!

Consider signing up for the HIKE100 challenge: https://northcountrytrail.org/hike-100-challenge/

Join my hikes throughout 2025! All of my 2025 NCT HIKE100 videos will be included in this playlist: https://www.youtube...

Duration: 01:41:14
HIKING Alongside SAND CREEK, Aman Park
Aug 23, 2025

Welcome to Sand Creek in Grand Rapids' Aman Park! This trail was a challenge, but is was an interesting trek along the banks of Sand Creek. Sand Creek offers great views, the peaceful sound of rushing waters, and a bit of the challenge of stumbling through a distant jungle. At times it felt like an adventure through the Amazon!


Location: Aman Park; Grand Rapids, Michigan

Weather: 75° F / 23.9° C, Sunny


Difficulty: 4/5

Length: 1 miles / 1.45 kilometers

Duration: 24 minutes


Explore Grand Rapids, Mi...

Duration: 00:23:59
NCT through Yankee Springs, HIKE 100 Challenge
Aug 16, 2025

Welcome back to the North Country Trail! Today we're hike 5 more miles on the NCT in the Yankee Springs Recreation Area and Barry State Game Area with over 20,000 acres of total recreation, hiking, and exploration. This was a great and fairly simple hike. We've completed 55 miles towards our 100 mile HIKE 100 Challenge goal!


Join the challenge!

Consider signing up for the HIKE100 challenge: https://northcountrytrail.org/hike-100-challenge/

Join my hikes throughout 2025! All of my 2025 NCT HIKE100 videos will be included in this playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkr0...

Duration: 01:40:20
MONUMENTS at Aman Park, Orange Loop
Aug 09, 2025

We're back at Aman Park to hike the trails we missed last winter! Today, we find the Sweet's Monument, a dedication of Aman Park, and Jacob Aman's grave who has become the namesake of Aman Park after donating much of this land for public recreation.


Location: Aman Park; Grand Rapids, Michigan

Weather: 75° F / 23.9° C, Sunny


Difficulty: 2/5

Length: 0.9 miles / 1.45 kilometers

Duration: 20 minutes


Explore Grand Rapids, Michigan's Aman Park: {Link to Park}


Romans 1:20 - "For hi...

Duration: 00:22:43
HIKING STAIRS at Marshall Memorial Park
Aug 02, 2025

Welcome to Marshall Memorial Park in Newaygo, MI! This simple park is hiding a beautiful trail, but watch out! There are a LOT of stairs. The views and peaceful creek vistas are worth it though. Marshall Memorial Park is named in honor of Michigan State Trooper Kevin M. Marshall who gave his life in the line of duty and served the people of Newaygo. You can see a statue depicting Trooper Marshall in the flower garden at the front of the park.


Location: Marshall Memorial Park; Newaygo, Michigan

Weather: 70° F / 21.11° C, Sunny

...

Duration: 00:27:20
50 MILES COMPLETE on the NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL
Jul 26, 2025

We're finishing HALF of the 2025 North Country Trail HIKE100 Challenge! Today, we begin our hike at Newaygo, MI's Croton Dam, hiking away from the Muskegon River before turning around. The trail was quite overgrown, but while hiking I met a volunteer working diligently to clear it. Thank you volunteers!


Join the challenge!

Consider signing up for the HIKE100 challenge: https://northcountrytrail.org/hike-100-challenge/

Join my hikes throughout 2025! All of my 2025 NCT HIKE100 videos will be included in this playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkr0LRCl3xsMVjRusAHi_GM54...

Duration: 01:43:15
Getting LOST in the HUNGER GAMES
Jul 23, 2025

Today, I get lost in the arena of the Hunger Games! Seriously though, this was my most difficult hike in a woods very similar to that of the first Hunger Games novel and movie. Lots of tripping hazards, lots of elevation, the expert loop isn't for the faint of heart.


Location: Merrell Trail; Rockford, Michigan

Weather: 75° F / 23.9° C, Sunny


Difficulty: 4/5

Length: 3.08 miles / 4.96 kilometers

Duration: 1 hour, 4 minutes


Explore Rockford's Merrell Trail: https://www.wmmba.org/trails


...

Duration: 01:02:28
How Easy is the BEGINNER Loop on Merrell Trail??
Jul 19, 2025

Another quick and easy hike on Merrell Trail's Beginner Loop! There are some obstacles and elevation change, and watch out for the mountain bikers!


Location: Merrell Trail; Rockford, Michigan

Weather: 72° F / 22.22° C, Sunny


Difficulty: 3/5

Length: 0.71 miles / 1.14 kilometers

Duration: 13 minutes


Explore Rockford's Merrell Trail: https://www.wmmba.org/trails


Romans 1:20 - "For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in th...

Duration: 00:13:40
Saul Lake Bog Trail and STUNNING BOG Views!
Jul 16, 2025

We're finally hiking near the BOG at Saul Lake BOG! This unique ecosystems is stunning and we have a great view from an elevated boardwalk. Additionally, we'll hike through small portions of prairie and woods. Let's hike the bog!


Location: Saul Lake Bog Nature Preserve; Rockford, Michigan

Weather: 79 ° F / 26.11° C, Sunny


Difficulty: 3/5

Length: 0.6 miles / 0.97 kilometers

Duration: 15 minutes


Explore The Land Conservancy of West Michigan's Saul Lake Bog Nature Preserve: https://naturenearby.org/portfolio_page/explore/saul-lake-bog-nature-preserve/

Duration: 00:14:37

DO NOT REPEAT THIS HIKE, North Country Trail HIKE100
Jul 12, 2025

Today we take a hike you shouldn't copy. I hiked another 5 miles towards the NCT HIKE 100 Challenge (for a total of 45 miles completed) in the Mackinaw State Forest in Boyne Falls, Michigan. Due to a recent devasting ice storm, the trail conditions were dangerous. Thankfully I made it out, but please do not repeat my mistake. Of course, enjoy this video of my mistakes from the comfort of home.


Learn More About the Ice Storm Recovery and Help: https://www.michigan.gov/msp/divisions/emhsd/2025-northern-michigan-ice-storm

Images and Context to the Ice...

Duration: 01:44:45
EASY SHADY Summer Forest Hike, Saul Lake BOG
Jul 09, 2025

Saul Lake Bog Nature Preserve again! We're hiking the Forest loop third of the property and see our first beautiful view of the Bog! Although there are some obstacles (sticks and roots), this was another fast and fairly easy hike.


Location: Saul Lake Bog Nature Preserve; Rockford, Michigan

Weather: 79 ° F / 26.11° C, Sunny


Difficulty: 3/5

Length: 0.8 miles / 1.29 kilometers

Duration: 18 minutes


Explore The Land Conservancy of West Michigan's Saul Lake Bog Nature Preserve: https://naturenearby.org/portfolio_page/explore/saul-lake-bog-nature-preserve/

...

Duration: 00:18:22
Prairie Flowers BLOOMING at Saul Lake Bog
Jul 05, 2025

Saul Lake Bog Nature Preserve is beautiful! This unique preserve has three distinct features, today we're hiking the Prairie Loop. The entire area is alive with wildflowers which look and smell amazing! Let's hike!


Location: Saul Lake Bog Nature Preserve; Rockford, Michigan

Weather: 79 ° F / 26.11° C, Sunny


Difficulty: 2/5

Length: 0.5 miles / 0.8 kilometers

Duration: 12 minutes


Explore The Land Conservancy of West Michigan's Saul Lake Bog Nature Preserve: https://naturenearby.org/portfolio_page/explore/saul-lake-bog-nature-preserve/


Romans 1:20 - "Fo...

Duration: 00:12:17
Spring LUPINE at Maas Family Preserve
Jul 02, 2025

Spring lupine is beautiful! The Maas Family Preserve is home to Blue Lupine and the endangered Karner Blue Butterfly. This trail is quick, easy, and beautiful, the 3 best characteristics!


Location: Maas Family Preserve; Rockford, Michigan

Weather: 47° F / 8.33° C, Cloudy


Difficulty: 2/5

Length: 0.62 miles / 1 kilometers

Duration: 13 minutes


Explore The Land Conservancy of West Michigan's Maas Family Preserve: https://naturenearby.org/portfolio_page/explore/maas-family-nature-preserve/


Romans 1:20 - "For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and di...

Duration: 00:13:23
FLYING PIGS on the North Country Trail, HIKE 100 Miles 36-40
Jun 28, 2025

Ever seen a flying pig?? I caught a few on this North Country Trail hike! Keep those eyes open and you'll catch them too! We've now completed 40 total miles on the North Country Trail towards our HIKE100 challenege!


Join the challenge!

Consider signing up for the HIKE100 challenge: https://northcountrytrail.org/hike-100-challenge/

Join my hikes throughout 2025! All of my 2025 NCT HIKE100 videos will be included in this playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkr0LRCl3xsMVjRusAHi_GM54wWjqreaM


Location: North Country Trail (Portion, ~...

Duration: 01:35:56
Enjoying Variety on the Trail, Connecting Trails
Jun 25, 2025

Once more, we hike at Wege! Don't turn away yet! We're hiking a few connecting trails and portions of every major loop in the preserve. These trails allow us to see a massive variety of ecosystems and environments on the property. Let's hike!


Location: Wege Nature Area; Lowell, Michigan

Weather: 70° F / 21° C, Cloudy


Difficulty: 3/5

Length: 1.19 miles / 1.92 kilometers

Duration: 24 minutes


Explore The Land Conservancy's Wege Nature Area: https://naturenearby.org/portfolio_page/explore/wege-foundation-natural-area/


Ro...

Duration: 00:22:24
Hiking Through Prescribed BURNS in Wege Natural Area
Jun 21, 2025

Prescribed burns are a key tool of land stewardship and environmental protection. Today, we hike through a recent prescribed burn area at Wege Natural Area providing a unique view in a familiar area.


Learn more about Prescribed Burns and Land Stewardship: https://naturenearby.org/stewardship/


Location: Wege Nature Area; Lowell, Michigan

Weather: 70° F / 21° C, Cloudy


Difficulty: 3/5

Length: 0.7 miles / 1.13 kilometers

Duration: 15 minutes


Explore The Land Conservancy's Wege Nature Area: https://naturenearby.org/portfolio_page/ex...

Duration: 00:14:04
Hiking Through an OAK FOREST, Wege Natural Area
Jun 18, 2025

Welcome to the Orange Trail at Wege Natural Area! Winding through an oak forest and over a stream, this trail was a very peaceful and beautiful hike. Where the trees part, shorter flowers and foliage can grow. It was an amazing hike!


Location: Wege Nature Area; Lowell, Michigan

Weather: 70° F / 21° C, Sunny


Difficulty: 3/5

Length: 1.46 miles / 2.35 kilometers

Duration: 32 minutes


Explore The Land Conservancy's Wege Nature Area: https://naturenearby.org/portfolio_page/explore/wege-foundation-natural-area/


Romans 1:20...

Duration: 00:29:30
America’s LONGEST TRAIL, NCT HIKE 100 Miles 31-35
Jun 14, 2025

5 more miles on the North Country Trail! We'll be hiking through Seidman Park in Ada, Michigan. The trail provides lots of varierty through the woods, open grass, and a stunning boardwalk portion. We've now compelte 35 miles towards our 100 mile HIKE100 goal!


Join the challenge!

Consider signing up for the HIKE100 challenge: https://northcountrytrail.org/hike-100-challenge/

Join my hikes throughout 2025! All of my 2025 NCT HIKE100 videos will be included in this playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkr0LRCl3xsMVjRusAHi_GM54wWjqreaM


Location: North...

Duration: 01:43:34
Taking a Walk on America’s Prairie, Wege Natural Area
Jun 11, 2025

Welcome back to the Wege Natural Area! We're hiking through the prairie, one of my favorite places to hike! If you're looking for an easy and beautiful hike, consider this one.


Location: Wege Nature Area; Lowell, Michigan

Weather: 70° F / 21° C, Cloudy


Difficulty: 2/5

Length: 1.05 miles / 1.69 kilometers

Duration: 23 minutes


Explore The Land Conservancy's Wege Nature Area: https://naturenearby.org/portfolio_page/explore/wege-foundation-natural-area/


Romans 1:20 - "For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine na...

Duration: 00:21:00
Beautiful, Stunning PINES at Wege Natural Area
Jun 07, 2025

Welcome to Wege Nature Area! I was surprised to find multiple trails within this expansive preserve. Today, we'll be hiking the yellow trail through the pine plantation stands. Let's hike!


Location: Wege Nature Area; Lowell, Michigan

Weather: 52° F / 11.1° C, Cloudy


Difficulty: 2/5

Length: 0.77 miles / 1.2 kilometers

Duration: 16 minutes


Explore The Land Conservancy's Wege Nature Area: https://naturenearby.org/portfolio_page/explore/wege-foundation-natural-area/


Romans 1:20 - "For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, ha...

Duration: 00:14:33
TIMBER FRAME BRIDGE over the Grand River!
Jun 04, 2025

Today we're walking over one of the country's longest timber frame bridge, crossing the Grand River! It rained a bit, but these trails were simple and a fun walk. Let's hike!


Location: Grand River Riverfront Park; Lowell Township, Michigan

Weather: 54° F / 12.2° C, Cloudy with Rain


Difficulty: 2/5

Length: 1.36 miles / 2.2 kilometers

Duration: 29 minutes


Explore Lowell Township, Michigan's Grand River Riverfront Park: https://www.lowelltwp.org/departments/parks___recreation/township_facilities.php


Romans 1:20 - "For his in...

Duration: 00:25:27
NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL Hiking, HIKE 100 Miles 26-30
May 31, 2025

Another 5 miles on the North Country Trail! Today, we hike miles 26 to 30 towards our HIKE 100 mile challenge near points MI-1002 and MI-1004. We even have the oppurtunity to visit the North Country Trail Association's Headquarters! If you hike this portion, remember bug spray. Wow, those mosquitoes were huge!


Join the challenge!

Consider signing up for the HIKE100 challenge: https://northcountrytrail.org/hike-100-challenge/

Join my hikes throughout 2025! All of my 2025 NCT HIKE100 videos will be included in this playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkr0LRCl3xsMVjRusAHi_GM54wWjqreaM<...

Duration: 01:36:07
A DIFFICULT…but quick hike at Bradford
May 28, 2025

We're hiking at the beautiful Bradford Dickinson White Nature Preserve! This stunning preserve is operated by The Land Conservancy of West Michigan. It appeared to be a simple hike, but found it had significant elevation changes and lots of obstacles (perhaps because of a recent storm). Let's hike!


Location: Bradford Dickinson White Nature Preserve; Lowell, Michigan

Weather: 52° F / 11.11° C, Cloudy


Difficulty: 3/5

Length: 1.8 miles / 2.9 kilometers

Duration: 26 minutes


Explore The Land Conservancy's Bradford Dickinson White Nature Preserve: {Link to Park}

...

Duration: 00:23:30
Getting LOST at Townsend Park
May 24, 2025

We're back at Townsend Park! The maps indicated that there was a longer loop (we walked a shorter loop on this hike: https://youtu.be/joPv3vFTZ0Q), which I could not find. I reached the Cannon Trail, but no where could I find another dirt trail as indicated by my GPS tracking app. We may have to explore Townsend Park again. For today, experience my confusion and the beautiful trails at Townsend Park!


Location: Townsend Park; Kent County, Michigan

Weather: 46° F / 7.8° C, Cloudy


Difficulty: 2/5

Le...

Duration: 00:28:53
WETLAND Views at Huff Park, Short Loop
May 21, 2025

We're back at Huff Park for an easy walk on the Short Loop! Earlier this Spring I walked the long loop and saw lots of animals (hike here: https://youtu.be/Vd_Oi1pxhAQ), but today we focus on the stunning wetland views from the short loop's observation deck. If you're looking for an easy hike in Grand Rapids, MI, visit Huff Park!


Location: Huff Park; Grand Rapids, Michigan

Weather: 58° F / 14.4° C, Sunny


Difficulty: 1/5

Length: 0.6 miles / 1 kilometer

Duration: 12 minutes


...

Duration: 00:13:37
SAND DUNE in the WOODS, Exploring Provin Trails
May 17, 2025

Have you ever seen a SAND DUNE in the middle of a pine forest?? Perhaps the most unique aspect of Provin Trails in the sandy bottom forest and sand dune right in the middle of the park, in the woods! If you haven't hiked this park, or explored on your own, hike with me and consider a visit to Provin Trails!


Location: Provin Trails; Kent County, Michigan

Weather: 55° F / 12.8° C, Sunny


Difficulty: 4/5

Length: 0.7 miles / 1.1 kilometers

Duration: 13 minutes



...

Duration: 00:16:00
STUNNING Provin Trails, Yellow Loop
May 14, 2025

Today we explore the STUNNING Provin Trails! This property is a beautiful and unique (more on that next hike!) walk through a sandy bottom forest of pines. I do (again) get a bit lost because many trails simply wander through the park with little signs or directions.


Location: Provin Trails; Kent County, Michigan

Weather: 55° F / 12.8° C, Sunny


Difficulty: 3/5

Length: 1 mile / 1.6 kilometers

Duration: 18 minutes


Explore Kent County, Michigan's Provin Trails: https://www.kentcountymi.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/Provin-Trails-Park-54

...

Duration: 00:19:49
100 MILES on the NCT, Part 5, Miles 21 - 25
May 10, 2025

We're back on the North Country Trail for another 5 miles towards the North Country Trail! We've completed 25% of our 100 mile goal for the 2025 HIKE100 Challenge! These 5 miles begin in Kent County, Michigan's Fallasburg Park, continue through the park, down a country gravel road, and into the Lowell State Game Area where I was challenged with steep climbs, but rewarded with stunning views!


Thank you for hiking with me today!


Join the challenge!

Consider signing up for the HIKE100 challenge: https://northcountrytrail.org/hike-100-challenge/

Join...

Duration: 01:39:27
Exploring the PINE PLANTATIONS, Townsend Park
May 07, 2025

Today we walk among the pines at Townsend Park! The trails are a bit confusing here, but the expansive pine plantations (pine forest) are stunning and amazing to walk between. This is my first hike at Townsend Park, let's explore together on a beautiful warm and sunny spring day!


Location: Townsend Park; Kent County, Michigan

Weather: 73° F / 22.8° C, Sunny


Difficulty: 2/5

Length: 1 mile / 1.6 kilometers

Duration: 25 minutes


Explore Kent County, Michigan's Townsend Park: https://www.kentcountymi.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/To...

Duration: 00:23:06
Soggy and Wet, the Green Loop at Creekside Park
May 03, 2025

Welcome back to Creekside Park! This was a soggy walk... Listen carefully when I reach the grassy portions of the trail, you'll hear my socks and shoes getting rather moist. Also, get an inside look at what happens when I miss a sign and walk down the wrong trail! Except for the wet, this was a nice walk, just come back when it is a bit more dry if you plan to hike.


Location: Creekside Park; Kent County, Michigan

Weather: 45° F / 7.2° C, Cloudy


Difficulty: 2/5

Length: 1 mi...

Duration: 00:17:48
A Quiet Stroll Along the Rouge River
Apr 30, 2025

We're hiking along the Rouge River at Kent County, Michigan's Rouge River Park! This park offers so much, from the standard playgrounds and picnic shelters, to stunning trails and fish hatcheries! We're hiking on the warmest day of the year here in Michigan. I loved this hike and will be returning later in the summer when the fish hatcheries are full and in use. It is a beautiful place!


Location: Rouge River Park; Kent County, Michigan

Weather: 68° F / 20° C, Cloudy


Difficulty: 2/5

Length: 1.6 miles / 2.6 kilometers

...

Duration: 00:32:59
Simple Walk on the Blue Loop at Creekside Park
Apr 26, 2025

We're back at Creekside Park to walk the Blue Loop! This path is another easy walk, but a bit longer at 0.6 miles. The Blue Loop wanders through the ballfields, grasslands, open fields, and a beautiful bridge over the park's featured creek. Let's hike!


Location: Creekside Park; Kent County, Michigan

Weather: 45° F / 7.2° C, Cloudy


Difficulty: 1/5

Length: 0.6 miles / 1 kilometer

Duration: 10 minutes


Explore Kent County, Michigan's Creekside Park: https://www.kentcountymi.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/Creekside-Park-7


Ro...

Duration: 00:11:35
Quick and Easy, the Red Loop at Creekside Park
Apr 23, 2025

Welcome to Creekside Park! This modest park in Kent County, Michigan offers three quick and easy walks through the park and nature. I'll be walking the shortest path, the Red Loop, which spans about 0.3 miles around the front half of the park. Let's walk, it's easy!


Location: Creekside Park; Kent County, Michigan

Weather: 45° F / 7.2° C, Cloudy


Difficulty: 1/5

Length: 0.4 miles / 1 kilometer

Duration: 6 minutes


Explore Kent County, Michigan's Creekside Park: https://www.kentcountymi.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/Creekside-Park-7

Duration: 00:06:55

HIKE 100, Miles 16-20, Part 4 on the NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL
Apr 19, 2025

We're back on the North Country Trail for another 5 miles (miles 16 to 20) towards the 2025 North Country Trail HIKE 100 challenge! As always, this full hike POV will present my hike exactly as I walked it. We'll be hiking near NCT points MI-975.5 and MI-972.5 which overlap with the Cannon Trail, another popular trail I would love to hike in the future. Join me and hike with me!


Join the challenge!

Consider signing up for the HIKE100 challenge: https://northcountrytrail.org/hike-100-challenge/

Join my hikes throughout 2025! All of my 2025 NCT HIKE100...

Duration: 01:31:37
Exploring the Red Trail at Aman Park, Sunny Hike
Apr 16, 2025

We're at Aman Park once again to hike the longest trail, the Red Trail! I was surprised with the scenery, multiple bridges, waterways, and beautiful forests.


Location: Aman Park; Grand Rapids, Michigan

Weather: 32 ° F / 0° C, Sunny


Difficulty: 3/5

Length: 1.3 miles / 2.1 kilometers

Duration: 23 minutes


Explore Grand Rapids, Michigan's Aman Park: https://www.grandrapidsmi.gov/Directory/Places/Parks/Aman-Park


Romans 1:20 - "For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ev...

Duration: 00:25:56
DEER & DUCKS at Huff Park, Long Loop
Apr 12, 2025

We're at Huff Park in Grand Rapids, Michigan! I've been near this park, but never explored it. The wetlands, boardwalks, brief forest, and open fields are STUNNING! Adding to this easy hike, we're DEER and DUCKS, very near to the trail and content to allow me to quietly stand and observe them. Amazing!


Location: Huff Park; Grand Rapids, Michigan

Weather: 31° F / -0.55° C, Sunny


Difficulty: 1/5

Length: 1.3 miles / 2.1 kilometers

Duration: 23 minutes


Explore Grand Rapids, Michigan's Huff Park: https://www.gr...

Duration: 00:25:25
Green Loop at Aman Park, Sunny Spring Hike
Apr 09, 2025

We're back at Aman Park for a quick and beautiful hike! The Green Trail, accessed through the Red Trail, wanders near the creek and through a narrow gap in the soft earth of spring.


Location: Aman Park; Grand Rapids, Michigan

Weather: 32 ° F / 0° C, Sunny


Difficulty: 2/5

Length: 0.7 miles / 1.1 kilometers

Duration: 11 minutes


Explore Grand Rapids, Michigan's Aman Park: https://www.grandrapidsmi.gov/Directory/Places/Parks/Aman-Park


Romans 1:20 - "For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal po...

Duration: 00:13:39
Hiking the Yellow Loop at Aman Park, Spring Hike
Apr 05, 2025

Welcome back to the trail! We explore a new location today, Aman Park in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In this video, we'll specifically hike the Yellow Loop, a beautiful hike past the Aman gravesite through a stunning forest.


Location: Aman Park; Grand Rapids, Michigan

Weather: 32° F / 0° C, Sunny


Difficulty: 2/5

Length: 1.1 miles / 1.8 kilometers

Duration: 19 minutes


Explore Grand Rapids, Michigan's Aman Park: https://www.grandrapidsmi.gov/Directory/Places/Parks/Aman-Park


Romans 1:20 - "For his invisible attributes, na...

Duration: 00:20:33
[APRIL FOOLS] Exploring Spencer Forest, Sunny Spring Hike
Apr 02, 2025

We're at Spencer Forest once again! This property is stunning and incredible. I was shocked by the sheer size of the Forest. Today, I walk back towards the parking lot and just explore the area. I hike portions of the Purple Loop and 17 Mile Road which divides Cooper Creek Park and Spencer Forest.


Location: Cooper Creek Park & Spencer Forest; Kent County, Michigan

Weather: 31° F / -0.55° C, Sunny


Difficulty: 2/5

Length: 1.2 miles / 1.9 kilometers

Duration: 22 minutes


Explore Kent County, Michigan's Cooper Cr...

Duration: 00:23:08
Miles 11-15, Part 3 - 2025 North Country Trail HIKE 100
Mar 29, 2025

We're back on the North Country Trail for the HIKE 100 Challenge! Today, we'll be adding another five miles towards our one-hundred mile goal, miles 11 through 15, in Cedar Springs, Michigan. If you're interested in hiking this portion, check out the North Country Trail map. I'll be hiking near the points marked ~MI-950.5 and ~MI-948.5.


Join the challenge!

Consider signing up for the HIKE100 challenge: https://northcountrytrail.org/hike-100-challenge/

Join my hikes throughout 2025! All of my 2025 NCT HIKE100 videos will be included in this playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list...

Duration: 01:43:12
Purple Loop at Spencer Forest, Sunny Spring Hike
Mar 26, 2025

We're back at Spencer Forest for a hike on the Purple Trail! This Forest spans hundreds of acres and truly feels like a place where you can escape in the wonder of God's creation and His very art. Let's hike through this stunning forest together and enjoy a sunny, warm, Spring day!


Location: Cooper Creek Park & Spencer Forest; Kent County, Michigan

Weather: 62° F / 16.7° C, Sunny


Difficulty: 2/5

Length: 2.6 miles / 4.2 kilometers

Duration: 48 minutes


Explore Kent County, Michigan's Cooper Creek Park & Sp...

Duration: 00:53:08
Green Loop at Spencer Forest, Sunny Spring Hike
Mar 22, 2025

We're back at Spencer Forest for a hike on the Green Trail! This Forest spans hundreds of acres and truly feels like a place where you can escape in the wonder of God's creation and His very art. Let's hike through this stunning forest together and enjoy a sunny Spring day!


Location: Cooper Creek Park & Spencer Forest; Kent County, Michigan

Weather: 31° F / 0.55° C, Sunny


Difficulty: 2/5

Length: 1.6 miles / 2.6 kilometers

Duration: 28 minutes


Explore Kent County, Michigan's Cooper Creek Park & Spencer Fo...

Duration: 00:31:28
Hiking in Cooper Creek Park/Spencer Forest
Mar 19, 2025

Today we're at Kent County's Cooper Creek Park and Spencer Forest! These adjacent parks offer over 500 acres of pine stands, deciduous forests, and fields to explore. There are two entry tails connected to two loops within the parks. We'll be hiking both entry trails and a bit of the trails in between.


Location: Cooper Creek Park & Spencer Forest; Kent County, Michigan

Weather: 31° F / 0.55° C, Sunny


Difficulty: 2/5

Length: 1.9 miles / 3.1 kilometers

Duration: 31 minutes


Explore Kent County, Michigan's Cooper Creek Park & Sp...

Duration: 00:37:19
Exploring Saul Lake Bog Nature Preserve
Mar 15, 2025

We're exploring a brand new location, the Saul Lake Bog Nature Preserve in Rockford, Michigan! This stunning property, operated by the Land Conservatory of West Michigan, features the Saul Lake Bog, unique ecosystem of carnivorous plants, grasses, and a variety of wildlife spread across 123 acres. I plan on returning to the Preserve again to hike the entire trail system, but join me as I explore!


Location: Saul Lake Bog Nature Preserve; Rockford, Michigan

Weather: 31° F / 0.55° C, Sunny


Difficulty: 3/5

Length: 0.8 miles / 1.3 kilometers

Duration: 13 minutes

...

Duration: 00:18:16
I SHOULD NOT Have Hiked - Blue Loop, Seidman Park
Mar 12, 2025

We return once more to Seidman Park in Kent County, Michigan for a our first Spring hike! I wish it would have been a touch warmer... Honestly, should have delayed this hike, the trail was a solid rink of ice! Watch close and laugh at my pain as I fall right on my behind... Seriously, I paused all hikes this day. Do not repeat my mistakes, if your trail is solid ice, try it some other day.


Location: Seidman Park, Kent County, Michigan

Weather: 19° F / -7.2° C, Sunny with Ice

Duration: 00:55:17

Yellow Loop at Seidman Park, Sunny Winter Hike
Mar 08, 2025

Welcome back to Seidman Park in Kent County, Michigan! Today we'll be hiking the Yellow Loop through woodland and over a stunning Honey Creek bubbling over snow covered rocks. The North Country Trail runs through this park and we'll be hiking portions of this National Scenic Trail. Let's hike one of our last winter hikes!


Location: Seidman Park, Kent County, Michigan

Weather: 30° F / -1.11° C, Sunny and Snow


Difficulty: 2/5

Length: 1.4 miles / 2.25 kilometers

Duration: 23 minutes


Explore Kent County, Michigan's Se...

Duration: 00:34:48
Seidman Park Red Loop, Sunny Snowy Hike
Mar 05, 2025

Today we explore a new park, Seidman Park in Kent County, Michigan! This park features a stunning creek and many trails, including three distinct trail loops. We'll be hiking the Red Loop and covering portions of the National Scenic Trail, North Country Trail, which cuts through the 400 acres of wetlands and woodlands.


Location: Seidman Park; Kent County, Michigan

Weather: 30° F / -1.11° C, Sunny and Snow


Difficulty: 2/5

Length: 1.1 miles / 1.8 kilometers

Duration: 19 minutes


Explore Kent County, Michigan's Seidman Park: https://ww...

Duration: 00:24:01
Wandering at Wahlfield Park, Snowy Winter Hike
Feb 26, 2025

Today we're exploring Kent County, Michigan's Wahlfield Park! This park contains miles of trails, but today we just wander and explore. I find this park especially beautiful this time of year and in the sun. There is a mix between a snowy winter and the hope of sunny Spring over the course of this hike.


Thank you for hiking with me today!


Location: Wahlfield Park; Kent County, Michigan

Weather: 40° F / 4.4° C, Sunny


Difficulty: 3/5

Length: 1.7 miles / 2.7 kilometers

Duration: 26 minutes

...

Duration: 00:39:54
2025 North Country Trail HIKE 100, Part 2 | Miles 6-10 | Snowy Hike
Feb 26, 2025

Today we're back on the North Country Trial for miles 5 through 10 of our HIKE 100 challenge! If you missed my first video, I'm hiking 100 miles on the North Country Trail in 2025. This challenge will be divided across several videos throughout the year. Today, I hike a roadside portion of the NCT in Rockford, starting at the corner of 10 Mile Road and Courtland Road proceeding 2.5 miles south and back (from about NCT MI-966.5 to about MI-969 and back).


Join the challenge!

Consider signing up for the HIKE100 challenge: https://northcountrytrail.org/hike-100-challenge/

<...

Duration: 01:31:22
Snowy Hike at Annis Fish Hatchery Preserve
Feb 22, 2025

Today I'm back at the newest Courtland Township park, the Annis Fish Hatchery Preserve! This preserve, may be small, but the trails are beautiful and easy for anyone to tackle. The snow adds even more beauty to the landscape!


These trails may look familiar. We've hiked them twice before, on a sunny autumn afternoon and in the rain! Check out the Annis Fish Hatchery Preserve playlist:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkr0LRCl3xsPh6H2Z2Z36s9r9oz8BY9Ui


Location: Annis Fish Hatchery...

Duration: 00:10:23
2025 NCT HIKE 100, Part 1 | Miles 1-5 | The Challenge Starts NOW!!
Feb 19, 2025

Today we begin our first challenge, the North Country Trail HIKE100! Our goal: hike 100 miles on the North Country Trail in 2025. This challenge will be divided across several videos throughout the year. Today, I hike 5 miles towards our goal starting near downtown Rockford, MI and hiking north (from about NCT MI-965 to about MI-962.5 and back).


Join me on this challenge!

Consider signing up for the HIKE100 challenge: https://northcountrytrail.org/hike-100-challenge/

Join my hikes throughout 2025! All of my 2025 NCT HIKE100 videos will be included in this playlist: https...

Duration: 01:39:56
Unwind. Experience. Discover.
Feb 15, 2025

Today I make a rare appearance in front of the microphone to share a bit more about my channel, my purpose, goals, and dreams! THANK YOU for your continued support and subscriptions. The larger our community grows the more exotic and varied locations we can hike together!


I'll be back on the trail for our first CHALLENGE in the next episode!


Prefer to see and experience my hikes? Subscribe on YouTube, Benjamin Hikes!

https://www.youtube.com/@benjaminhikes


FOLLOW ME:

...

Duration: 00:08:41
5K Loop at Coffee Creek Preserve, Windy Winter Hike
Feb 12, 2025

My first hike in Indiana! I explore and hike Coffee Creek Preserve in Chesterton, Indiana. This preserve protects 157 acres of wetlands and the 5K loop offers a sample of all that Coffee Creek offers. Today we'll hike over woodland paths, stunning bridges, meandering boardwalks, and lake vistas.


Location: Coffee Creek Preserve, Chesterton, Indiana

Weather: 36° F / 2.2° C, Windy and Cloudy


Difficulty: 2/5

Length: 3.2 miles / 5.1 kilometers

Duration: 1 hour and 2 minutes


Explore Chesterton, IN's Coffee Creek Preserve: https://www.coffeecreekpreserve.org/

...

Duration: 01:09:45
Twin Hemlock Loop on the Pine Baron, Snowy Hike
Feb 08, 2025

Today I hike the remaining loop on the Pine Baron Pathway, the Highland Loop! Due to the continued rain, this hike was my most challenging. Who knew hiking in melting snow would be so difficult or painful?


Location: Pine Baron Pathway, Gaylord, Michigan

Weather: 36° F / 2.2° C, Rainy and Snowy


Difficulty: 3/5

Length: 2.25 miles / 3.6 kilometers

Duration: 45 minutes


Explore Gaylord, MI's Pine Baron Pathway: https://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/details.aspx?id=44&type=SFPW


Prefer to se...

Duration: 00:47:58
Highland Loop on the Pine Baron, Snowy/Rainy Hike
Feb 05, 2025

We're back on the Pine Baron Pathway in Gaylord, Michigan! This time, I hike the Highland Loop. When I hiked this trail, rain was just beginning to fall which added a challenge to the softening snow. I still love the look of snow in the forest!


Location: Pine Baron Pathway, Gaylord, Michigan

Weather: 36° F / 2.2° C, Rainy and Snowy


Difficulty: 3/5

Length: 2.4 miles / 3.9 kilometers

Duration: 35 minutes


Explore Gaylord, MI's Pine Baron Pathway: https://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/details.aspx?id=44&ty...

Duration: 00:55:37
Exploring the Sturgeon River Preserve, Snowy Winter Hike
Feb 01, 2025

Today we're visiting the Sturgeon River Preserve in Gaylord, Michigan! Although small, this preserve offers truly beautiful views of the Sturgeon River and challenging hikes up and down narrow terrain. For those looking for something more relaxing, the preserve includes a 400 foot boardwalk that features the best river views on the property!


Location: Sturgeon River Preserve, Gaylord, Michigan

Weather: 36° F / 2.2° C, Rainy and Snowy


Difficulty: 3/5

Length: 0.7 miles / 1.1 kilometers

Duration: 7 minutes


Explore the Sturgeon River Preserve: https://headwatersconservancy.org/st...

Duration: 00:22:07
Wandering Green Timbers, Snowy Winter Hike
Jan 29, 2025

On today's hike, we explore a small portion of the Green Timbers trail within Michigan's Pigeon River State Forest! The snow did add some additional difficulty on this hike, but the snowy forest vistas are worth it! The Pigeon River State Forest is known as Michigan's "Big Wild" and is home to the largest Elk population east of the Mississippi River.


Location: Pigeon River State Forest, Vanderbilt, Michigan

Weather: 30° F / -1.1° C, Snowy and Cloudy


Difficulty: 3/5

Length: 1.6 miles / 2.6 kilometers

Duration: 28 minutes

Duration: 00:39:48

Winter Hike on the Relic Pine Loop, Pine Baron Pathway
Jan 25, 2025

Today we're back at Gaylord's Pine Baron Pathway on the Relic Pine Loop! I enjoy the snow on trees and bushes, it feels like a Christmas movie or magical forest.


Location: Pine Baron Pathway, Gaylord, Michigan

Weather: 30° F / -1.1° C, Snowy and Cloudy


Difficulty: 3/5

Length: 1.8 miles / 2.9 kilometers

Duration: 31 minutes


Explore Gaylord, MI's Pine Baron Pathway: https://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/details.aspx?id=44&type=SFPW


Prefer to see and experience my hikes? Subscribe on...

Duration: 00:38:04
Whoopsy Loop on the Pine Baron, Snowy Winter Hike
Jan 22, 2025

Our first hike in the snow! Today, I hike the Whoopsy Loop on the Pine Baron Pathway in Gaylord, Michigan. The hike was a beautiful hike in a Northern Michigan snowy winter.


Location: Pine Baron Pathway, Gaylord, Michigan

Weather: 30° F / -1.1° C, Snowy and Cloudy


Difficulty: 3/5

Length: 2.1 miles / 3.4 kilometers

Duration: 37 minutes


Explore Gaylord, MI's Pine Baron Pathway: https://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/details.aspx?id=44&type=SFPW


Prefer to see and experience my hi...

Duration: 00:51:06
TURKEYS on the Woodland Trail, Cloudy Fall Hike
Jan 18, 2025

Today I hike the Woodland Trail at Pickerel Lake Park and see wildlife! An entire flock of turkeys crossed the trail and the camera captured the flock just off the trail. The Woodland Hike is a short walk (though there are quite a bit of hills, up and down), so I continued unto a portion of the Lake Trail.


Location: Pickerel Lake Park, Kent County, Michigan

Weather: 48° F / 8.9° C, Cloudy


Difficulty: 4/5

Length: 0.9 miles / 1.4 kilometers

Duration: 13 minutes


Explore Kent Co...

Duration: 00:19:23
Sandy Knoll Trail at Pickerel Lake, Cloudy Fall Hike
Jan 15, 2025

Today we hike the Sandy Knoll Trail at Pickerel Lake Park in Kent County, Michigan! This trail traverses stunning highlands, beautiful woodlands, and surprising vistas of lakes and ponds. I even found a curved tree on the trail!


Location: Pickerel Lake Park, Kent County, Michigan

Weather: 48° F / 8.9° C, Cloudy


Difficulty: 3/5

Length: 0.9 miles / 1.4 kilometers

Duration: 16 minutes


Explore Kent County, Michigan's Pickerel Lake Park: https://kentcountyparks.org/parks-trails/pickerel-lake-park/


Prefer to see and experience my hi...

Duration: 00:20:12
Larch Swamp Trail at Pickerel Lake, Cloudy Fall Hike
Jan 11, 2025

Today we explore the Larch Swamp Trail at Pickerel Lake Park in Kent County, Michigan! This trail is a quick hike and I continue unto the Lake Trail at Pickerel Lake Park to round out today's video. This trail features a stunning boardwalk through a wetland area and the foggy weather added an eerie atmosphere that was fun to experience.


Location: Pickerel Lake Park, Kent County, Michigan

Weather: 48° F / 8.9° C, Cloudy


Difficulty: 3/5

Length: 0.8 miles / 1.3 kilometers

Duration: 14 minutes


Explore Ke...

Duration: 00:19:37
Highland Trail at Pickerel Lake, Cloudy Fall Hike
Jan 04, 2025

Today we hike the Highland Trail and portions of the Lake Trail at Pickerel Lake Park! This trail navigates the woods above Pickerel Lake and offers a challenge up and down small hills over freshly fallen leaves.


Join My Hike of the Entire Lake Trail: https://youtu.be/h2LbWvFUxiY


Location: Pickerel Lake Park, Kent County, Michigan

Weather: 48° F / 8.9° C, Cloudy


Difficulty: 3/5

Length: 0.6 miles / 0.9 kilometers

Duration: 12 minutes


Explore Kent County, Michigan's Pickerel Lake Pa...

Duration: 00:14:26
Exploring the Balk Family Park, Cloudy Fall Hike
Dec 28, 2024

Today I explore the new James and Shirley Balk Family Park. Although it was established in 2022, the park is still under development and is being converted from the Silver Lake Country Club golf course into a beautiful 125 acre park. There is still much work to be done and it will be exciting to watch! If you'd like to support this project, please visit the Kent County Parks Foundation website here: https://www.kcpf.org/balk


Location: James and Shirley Balk Family Park, Kent County, Michigan

Weather: 48° F / 8.9° C, Cloudy and Windy

...

Duration: 00:19:08
A Rainy Hike on the Blue Trail, Luton Park
Dec 25, 2024

Today I explore Luton Park's Blue Trail again, this time, in the rain! I love hikes in the rain. It brings a new atmosphere to the forest and an interesting silence.


Location: Luton Park, Kent County, Michigan

Weather: 42° F / 5.6° C, Rainy and Cloudy


Difficulty: 3/5

Length: 1.6 miles / 2.6 kilometers

Duration: 27 minutes


Explore Kent County, Michgan's Luton Park: https://kentcountyparks.org/parks-trails/luton-park/


Prefer to see and experience my hikes? Subscribe on YouTube, Benjamin Hikes!

...

Duration: 00:39:50
Rouge River Nature Trail, Sunny Fall Walk
Dec 21, 2024

Today I walk the Rouge River Nature Trail, a boardwalk high above the Rouge River in downtown Rockford, Michigan! This trail is an easy walk and offers stunning views of the forest, the Rouge River, and even wildlife at times.


Location: Rouge River Nature Trail, Rockford, Michigan

Weather: 40° F/4.4° C, Sunny and Windy


Difficulty: 2/5

Length: 1 mile / 1.6 kilometers

Duration: 20 minutes


Explore Rockford, MI's Rouge River Trail: https://www.rockford.mi.us/community/visitors/parks___trails.php


...

Duration: 00:27:26
Walking the White Pine Trail South, Sunny Fall Hike
Dec 18, 2024

Today I walk 1.5 miles on the Fred Meijer White Pine Trail! This trail extends from Grand Rapids to Cadillac, Michigan. I walked south from Rockford along a smaller portion of the trail.


Location: White Pine Trail, Rockford, Michigan

Weather: 53° F/11.7° C, Sunny and Windy


Difficulty: 1/5

Length: 1.6 miles / 2.6 kilometers

Duration: 32 minutes


Explore Michigan's Fred Meijer White Pine Trail: https://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/details.aspx?id=508&type=SPRK


Prefer to see and experience my hi...

Duration: 00:36:13
Wandering at Pickerel Lake Park, Cloudy Fall Hike
Dec 14, 2024

Today I wander over multiple trails at Pickerel Lake Park in Kent County, Michigan! I explore portions of the Wilderness Branch Trail and the Lake Trail.


Location: Pickerel Lake Park, Rockford, Michigan

Weather: 50° F / 10° C, Party Cloudy


Difficulty: 2/5

Length: 0.9 miles / 1.4 kilometers

Duration: 18 minutes


Explore Kent County, Michigan's Pickerel Lake Park: https://kentcountyparks.org/parks-trails/pickerel-lake-park/


Prefer to see and experience my hikes? Subscribe on YouTube, Benjamin Hikes!

https://www.youtube.com/@be...

Duration: 00:17:53
Lake Trail at Pickerel Lake Park, Sunny Fall Hike
Dec 12, 2024

Join me on my first hike of Pickerel Lake Park's Lake Trail! This 2 mile trail winds over multiple boardwalks offering stunning views of Pickerel Lake and beautiful Michigan forest.


Location: Pickerel Lake Park, Kent County, Michigan

Weather: 50° F / 10° C, Sunny


Difficulty: 3/5

Length: 2.1 miles / 3.7 kilometers

Duration: 42 minutes


Explore Kent County, MI's Pickerel Lake Park: https://kentcountyparks.org/parks-trails/pickerel-lake-park/


Prefer a video version of my hikes? Subscribe on YouTube, Benjamin Hikes.

https://ww...

Duration: 00:44:35
Exploring Merrell Trail, Sunny Fall Hike
Dec 07, 2024

Join me on my first hike on Merrell Trail in Rockford, Michigan! I've never explored this trail, so today I wander and get to know it a bit better.


Location: Merrell Trail, Rockford, Michigan

Weather: 52° F / 11° C, Sunny


Difficulty: 2/5

Length: 1.8 miles / 2.9 kilometers

Duration: 29 minutes


Explore Rockford's Merrell Trail: https://www.wmmba.org/trails


Prefer an video version of my hikes? Check out my YouTube channel!

https://www.youtube.com/@benjaminhikes

...

Duration: 00:39:31
Prairie Overlook Trail at Luton Park
Dec 04, 2024

Today I hike Luton Park's Prairie Overlook trail. This may be my favorite walk at Luton Park and presents a stunning view of Michigan prairie. I can almost imagine covered wagons trekking across the landscape.


Location: Luton Park, Kent County, Michigan

Weather: 53° F / 11.67° C, Clouds


Difficulty: 2/5

Duration: 39 minutes

Distance: 1.9 miles / 1.6 kilometers


Filmed on GoPro Hero 12 Black.

Filmed on November 6, 2024.


Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benjaminhikes/

Explore Ke...

Duration: 00:42:12
Exploring the Prairie at Luton Park
Nov 30, 2024

Today I take a quick gander through the prairie at Kent County's Luton Park! Please excuse the excesive wind noise, I'm still learning and have already ordered the solution.


Location: Luton Park, Kent County, Michigan

Weather: 67° F / 19.45° C, Rain and Clouds

Difficulty: 2/5

Duration: 15 minutes


Filmed on GoPro Hero 12 Black.

Filmed on November 5, 2024.


Explore Kent County's Luton Park: https://kentcountyparks.org/parks-trails/luton-park/

Duration: 00:13:34
Orange Trail at Luton Park, Rainy Fall Hike
Nov 27, 2024

Join me on a rainy hike at Luton Park on the Orange Trail! The rain and gloom enhance the natural beauty of Michigan's forests and prairie.


Location: Luton Park, Kent County, Michigan

Weather: 67° F / 19.45° C, Rain and Clouds

Difficulty: 3/5

Length: 0.9 miles / 1.45 kilometers

Duration: 22 minutes


Filmed on GoPro Hero 12 Black.

Filmed on November 5, 2024.


Explore Kent County's Luton Park: https://kentcountyparks.org/parks-trails/luton-park/

Duration: 00:22:02
Green Trail at Luton Park, Rainy Fall Hike
Nov 23, 2024

Join me on a rainy hike at Luton Park on the green trail! The rain and clouds bring a new atmosphere to this stunning hike through the Michigan forest and meadows.


Location: Luton Park, Kent County, Michigan

Weather: 50° F / 10° C, Cloudy and Rain

Difficulty: 2/5

Length: 1.4 miles / 2.25 kilometers

Duration: 22 minutes


Filmed on GoPro Hero 12 Black.

Filmed Saturday, November 4, 2024.

Explore Kent County's Luton Park: https://kentcountyparks.org/parks-trails/luton-park/

Duration: 00:22:09
Annis Fish Hatchery Preserve, Cloudy Fall Hike
Nov 20, 2024

Join me on an easy walk on the new trail at Annis Fish Hatchery Preserve in Courtland Township, Michigan. This trail was recently completed and showcases a relaxed walk through mild forest, meadow, and two beautiful boardwalks.


Location: Annis Fish Hatchery Preserve, Courtland Township, Michigan


Difficulty: 1/5

Length: ~0.75 miles / ~1.21 kilometers

Duration: 10 minutes


Recorded on GoPro Hero 12 Black.

Recorded Saturday, November 4, 2024.

Duration: 00:10:30
Yellow Trail at Luton Park, Sunny Fall Hike
Nov 17, 2024

Join me on a hike of Luton Park's Yellow Trail in Kent County, Michigan! The Yellow Trail is one of six trails at Luton Park and presents relative easy hike through the Michigan forest covered in freshly fallen leaves. I nearly slip in on this hike!


Location: Luton Park, Kent County, Michigan

Weather: 50° F / 10° C, Sunny


Difficulty: 3/5

Length: 1.1 miles / 1.77 kilometers

Duration: 20 minutes


Recorded on GoPro Hero 12 Black.

Recorded Saturday, November 3, 2024 at about 2:00pm.

Duration: 00:20:50
Blue Trail at Luton Park, Sunny Fall Hike
Nov 13, 2024

Join me on a hike of Luton Park's Blue Trail in Kent County, Michigan! The Blue Trail is one of six trails at Luton Park and presents relative easy hike through the Michigan forest covered in freshly fallen leaves and up to a scenic prairie overlook.


Location: Luton Park, Kent County, Michigan

Weather: 50° F / 10° C, Sunny


Difficulty: 2/5

Length: 1.4 miles / 2.25 kilometers

Duration: 27 minutes


Recorded on GoPro Hero 12 Black.

Recorded Saturday, November 3, 2024 at about 1:30pm.

Duration: 00:32:07
Green Trail at Luton Park, Sunny Fall Hike
Nov 09, 2024

Join me on a hike of Luton Park's Green Trail in Kent County, Michigan! The Green Trail is one of six trails at Luton Park and presents relative easy hike through the Michigan forest covered in freshly fallen leaves. Location: Luton Park, Kent County, Michigan Weather: 50° F / 10° C, Sunny Difficulty: 2/5 Length: 1.4 miles / 2.25 kilometers Duration: 27 minutes Recorded on GoPro Hero 12 Black. Recorded Saturday, November 3, 2024 at about 1pm.

Duration: 00:26:24
Easy Hike on Warm October Afternoon
Nov 05, 2024

Join me on an easy walk on the new trail at Annis Fish Hatchery Preserve in Courtland Township, Michigan. This trail was recently completed and showcases a relaxed walk through mild forest, meadow, and two beautiful boardwalks. Location: Annis Fish Hatchery Preserve, Courtland Township, Michigan Weather: 75° F, Sunny Difficulty: Easy Length: ~0.75 miles / ~1.21 kilometers Duration: ~8 minutes Recorded on Google Pixel 7. Recorded October 29, 2024 at about 12pm.

Duration: 00:08:23