76 Hardy Dam Nature Trail 
and Muskegon
River
wildlife viewing | directions and facility information
The raccoon is common throughout Michigan,
and is easily
recognized by its distinctive “bandit” face markings.
Photo: David Kenyon, MI DNR
Old-growth hardwood forest with an excellent diversity of
tree species is the primary setting for this nature trail along scenic
Croton Pond below the Hardy Dam. Consumers Energy Company owns this land
as well as a considerable amount of the Muskegon River
riverfront from Big Rapids down past the Croton Dam. Most of this land is
open to public use. Plan to visit Operator’s Village Park,
located on the east side of the hydroelectric dam. The park boasts a
picnic shelter, a 30-space parking lot, and vault toilets. Another
completed improvement shortens the canoe portage path by moving it from
the west side of the dam to the east side. Parking and fishing access for
the areas below the dam have also been improved.
 Wildlife
Viewing
The careful observer has a good chance of seeing pileated woodpeckers along the trail. The mature
forest here contains large, old trees that provide excellent feeding and
nesting areas for these showy, crow-sized woodpeckers. Deer, wild
turkeys, grouse, raccoons, otters, and porcupines also are common
residents of this area. Bald eagles are seen frequently along the river,
and they have nested along Croton Pond. Canoes make great platforms for
viewing eagles and other wildlife. The Muskegon is a scenic, enjoyable river
to float, and there are portages around all three dams. Rogers Dam,
Consumers Energy’s third hydro plant on the Muskegon, is approximately 18 river
miles upstream of Hardy Dam. To take full advantage of the lands open to
the public in this area, contact the site owners below for further
information, or go to Consumers Energy’s Web site, www.consumersenergy.com. Click
on “Our Company.” Then “Electric Operations” and scroll down to “Muskegon
River Dams.”
Portions of this area
are open to public hunting. Contact the Michigan
Department of Natural Resources and the appropriate site owners for
affected areas, hunting seasons, and regulations.
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