For some, the day after Thanksgiving is a day for shopping in crowded stores searching for the best Black Friday deals.
Growing in popularity over the last years however, a new movement is underfoot; called “#optoutside,” the initiative challenges people to ditch the shopping and spend the day enjoying outdoor reaction.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is waiving recreation passport entry fees into state parks on Friday and offering an #optoutside scangener hunt list as well as many activity ideas.
“In Michigan, you’re never more than a half-hour away from a state park, recreation area, state forest campground or state trail,” Ron Olson, DNR Parks and Recreation Division chief said in a press release. “#OptOutside is an invitation to residents and those traveling to spend time outside during the holiday weekend and help continue or build new Thanksgiving traditions.”
In mid-Michigan, miles of hiking trails, waterways and other outdoor recreation activities are open year round in county parks and public preserves.
Parks and recreation officials all cautioned those enjoying the outdoors to wear bright colors because Friday is in the middle of firearm deer hunting season and shared these suggestions:
Isabella County Parks and Recreation Director Sue Ann Kopmeyer suggests a few spots to spend time Friday:
* Pere Marquette Rail-Trail – part of a 100 mile rail-trail, Isabella County has just over 8 mile to enjoy biking, running, walking or inline skating on a 14-foot wide paved trail. Easiest access is at the Loomis Trailhead in Wise Township.
* Deerfield Nature Park – just seven miles west of Mt. Pleasant off of M-20. This beautiful 600 acre park has hiking trails, two disc golf courses, fishing, birding, and views of the Chippewa Rive.
*Meridian Park – Five miles west of town off Meridian Road just south of M-20; Hiking, biking, dog walking and river views.
*Coldwater Park – just outside of Beal City and Weidman. For the off season, the park has parking access on the north side; enjoy a walk along the lakefront walk way. Beautiful view of the lake with benches to stop along the way and enjoy a breath of fresh cool air.
Gratiot County Parks and Recreation Director Peter Little said all four county parks are open year-round, and offered suggestions on hiking, biking and more:
*Reed Park has a half-mile nature trail, 18 hole disc golf course and a large playground
*Hubscher Park has two miles of walking trails, playgrounds and one softball field
*The Mid-Michigan community Pathway along U.S. 127 is more than six miles of non-motorized trail
The Chippewa Watershed Conservancy holds several properties open for public use; Director Jon Breithaupt said he’s a “big believer” in the #optoutside movement and offered these thoughts:
“I think it’s a great opportunity for people to escape the hectic consumerism in urban areas and find respite in the quiet natural world. If preserve visitors are interested in a late-fall hike on one of our preserves, say Sylvan Solace, Halls Lake Natural Area or Bundy Hill, I would strongly recommend wearing hunter orange. Additionally, it is always a best practice to recreate on public lands in Michigan from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. during the midst of rifle deer season.”
