.png)
Bridge to access trails at Hemlock Crossing
Outdoors
Story and photos by Joan Young, MCP contributor
Just north of Holland, in Ottawa County, and only a short hop from the freeway is a natural area comprised of Hemlock Crossing and Pine Bend Parks with miles of hiking trails, access to the Pigeon River, a Nature Center, and a public Observatory. The parks connect for a combination of 239 acres with a hiking surface and topography to suit any walker.
This particular Pigeon River is short, located entirely within Ottawa County. It becomes Pigeon Lake at Port Sheldon before flowing into Lake Michigan. Paddling is easy and there is a carry-in access at the entrance to Hemlock Crossing just off West Olive Road. The name was taken from the once plentiful passenger pigeons that lived in the area.
For those who need an accessible trail, there is the Meadow Loop of about one-half mile, which is paved and passes the Observatory and picnic shelters. A number of native plants have been added to this area.
Although natural surface, once you cross the river on a beautiful wooden footbridge, the trail that stays close to the river has very little topography, and would also be a possibility for some people with mobility issues, or anyone who just wants a pleasant stroll. Trails on the north side of the river are closed to cyclists. Dogs are allowed on a 6-foot leash. The trails are open year round for skiing and snowshoeing.
Pigeon River
The real treat for me in these parks was to discover that once you move away from the river, the trails climb and dip and wander with multiple ski loops. I had a time constraint, but I walked 5.3 miles without duplicating more than a few yards of trail. There are easily that many more unique miles there, with various connections to create customized hikes. The junctions are extremely well marked with numbers, maps and directional signs to the next numbered junction. I’ll be going back another day.
If you walk all the way to the Pine Bend trailhead, you can see the Weaver House, a restored 1901 mansion which can be rented for events.
The Nature Center and public Observatory are located at the Hemlock Crossing trailhead in the Meadow, along the paved trail. Ottawa County Parks offers a variety of activities throughout the year. Check the website for events and hours of operation. There are no fees for using the park, although renting specific facilities will incur a cost. All buildings are fully accessible, and there is a seasonal restroom and year-round latrine.
Hemlock Crossing entrance at 42.915 -86.145. See https://miottawa.org/park-locations/hemlock-crossing/
Trail at Hemlock Crossing
Please Support Local News Coverage
For generations, local newspapers were supported by subscriptions. Today, while Mason County Press and Oceana County Press remain free to everyone, the cost of producing quality local journalism continues to rise.
If you value independent local news coverage, we invite you to help sustain it by subscribing to the MCP/OCP Daily Briefing for $12 a month — about 40 cents a day — or $120 a year.
Your subscription helps support the reporters, photographers and editors who cover local government, schools, community events, sports, breaking news and the stories that matter most to Mason and Oceana counties. In return, you’ll receive the MCP/OCP Daily Briefing each morning with the day’s headlines, along with occasional breaking news and special email editions.
Monthly subscriptions are available for $12 per month.
Click here to subscribe monthly.
Annual subscriptions are available for $120 per year.
Click here to subscribe annually.
If you prefer to pay by check, mail your $120 annual payment to:
Media Group 31, LLC
P.O. Box 21
Scottville, MI 49454
Please include your name, mailing address, email address and telephone number so we can activate your subscription.
Subscription payments must be received before service is activated.
Whether you choose to subscribe or continue enjoying our free content, thank you for reading Mason County Press and Oceana County Press. Your readership—and your support—helps ensure that independent local journalism remains available to everyone in our communities.
This story and original photography are copyrighted © 2026 by Media Group 31, LLC, P.O. Box 21, Scottville, MI 49454. All rights reserved. No portion of this story or its images may be reproduced in any form, including print, broadcast or electronic media, without the express written permission of Media Group 31, LLC.
As a news organization, Media Group 31 maintains published content as part of the public and historical record. Accordingly, stories are not removed after publication. At the editor’s discretion, stories may be updated or corrected as new information becomes available. Updates may be made by revising the original story or by publishing a follow-up story. Media Group 31, LLC reserves the right to modify this policy at any time. Please refer to our Use Policy for additional information.
.jpg)
