Ravines eco park

Take a Walk on the Wild Side The 2.5-mile Azalea Trail winds through the ravine systems of Ravine Gardens State Park. Rustic and shady, the route treats hikers to historic suspension bridges, stone staircases and, during blooming season, views of the park that cannot be matched. Hikers will encounter narrow and steep paths, muddy bottoms, roots and stairs to scramble over and an overall engaging experience. For those looking for a less challenging, but equally pleasing experience, the park offers the Main Park Drive Loop. This path includes a 1.8-mile paved loop that follows the boundaries of the ravine systems. Hikers are treated to views of the ravines from above and as they continue along the path will ultimately wind through the bottom of the system. During the park's blooming season (January through March), hikers will be surrounded by the park's signature flower, the azalea, along with several native trees and flowers that also bloom during this period.

North Jenison, MI 49428 South Jenison, MI 49428 Directions Grand Ravines North: From Fillmore Street travel one half mile north on 42nd Avenue to the entrance. Grand Ravines South: Entrance is on Fillmore Street east of 40th Avenue. Amenities & Activities • • Modern restrooms on north (in lodge) and south side of the park • Dog wash station on south side of the park (in restroom building) • Water bottle refill stations (in restroom buildings) • Newly completed • Hiking trails • Fishing • Paved parking areas • • Restored barn and windmill • Woodland staircase • Ravine overlook • Interpretive signage • 275' pedestrian suspension bridge (easiest access on south side of the park; take paved path on east side of the park) Map and Information This The southerly 68 acres of Grand Ravines, the former Timmer Farm, was acquired in 1999 with park millage funds. The adjacent 100-acre parcel, which included a house overlooking the river, was purchased in 2011 with assistance from a Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant. Later in 2011, the Parks Commission added Grand River frontage upstream to establish the 19-acre John J. Helstrom Natural Area. Major improvements to the park began in 2015, including the construction of the county’s first off-leash dog park and restoration of the historic barn. Trails, entrance improvements, and renovation of the lodge overlooking the river on the north side of the park were also completed in 2015. In 2017, parking was expanded and a north trailh...

CycleHere Media The lush park has 60 acres accessible for exploring, including two ravines up to 120 feet deep with steep banks at 45-degree angles. The ravines were formed over thousands of years through natural processes of erosion, by natural springs located in the park. The underground water bubbling up cuts into the bank and carries the sand and soil downstream to the St. Johns River. Over thousands of years, the ravines have widened and deepened. A Garden Park Ravine Gardens originally opened as a botanical tourist attraction, in 1934. When the park was first built, more than 100,000 species of plants were brought in, and most of them still exist today, thanks to the work of the Florida State Parks service, which took over care for the park in the 1970s. Rangers work diligently to maintain as many of the plant species as possible, but the most famous are the azaleas. There are currently 18 species of azaleas growing in the park, which bloom from January-March, depending on the weather. 3 Great Hikes Another unique aspect of the park is its suspension bridges, which span the ravines, at a height of 30-50 feet above ground. You can expect a minimal amount of wobble and swing when crossing. There’s a 1.8-mile paved loop around the rim of the park that is great for strolling and even cycling. Check with the park to see if current conditions will allow automobiles on the paved loop. There are also two moderate trails that take you down into the ravines, via narrow pathway...