Grand Rapids, Michigan, offers an exceptional blend of fresh-air adventure and hands-on nature experiences, perfectly exemplified by Ed Dunneback’s outdoor activities and the vibrant Girls Fruit Farm. Begin your hike with Ed Dunneback, a local guide who leads you through sprawling woodlands, where the terrain challenges your footing but rewards you with panoramic views over the Grand River. The route spans about 6 miles with a manageable elevation gain of 800 feet, weaving through mixed hardwood forests where trees reach skyward and the ground underfoot hums with life. Waterways appear suddenly, daring you to navigate their trickling paths or pause and listen as currents push forward relentlessly.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite and thirst for discovery, Girls Fruit Farm lies just moments away. Here, the outdoor excursion transforms into a hands-on taste of Michigan’s fertile farmland. Rows of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries invite casual picking, under clear blue skies or the soft glow of late afternoon sun. The farm combines family-friendly fun with practical education about sustainable farming, showing you how the land cooperates with seasons to produce food as fiercely as wilderness sustains its creatures.

Timing your visit is key. Start early to avoid the midday heat and catch quieter forest moments, or aim for late afternoon when light slants through leaves, casting the trails in warm hues. Wear solid, treaded footwear because trails can shift from packed dirt to rocky inclines within minutes. Hydration is non-negotiable: carry at least two liters, as Michigan’s humidity can sneak up on unprepared hikers even during spring or fall.

Ed’s guided hikes emphasize respect for the natural environment: the forest and river aren’t obstacles to conquer, but forces that engage and challenge your senses and skills. At Girls Fruit Farm, picking your own fruit connects you to the earth’s seasonal rhythms, enriching your outdoor experience beyond sneakers and backpacks.

Whether you’re a casual walker or a seasoned hiker, this combo offers variety without overwhelming complexity. It feeds your need for movement and connection, refreshes with nature’s bounty, and leaves you equipped with practical know-how to return or expand your outdoor activity range in West Michigan and beyond.