An Easy Guide to Exploring the Portage South/Central Greenway

With the recent beautiful and unseasonably warm weather we've been having, I decided to use my weekend to explore a nature preserve I had yet to visit: Eliason Nature Reserve.

Eliason Nature Reserve, in Portage, is made up of 141 acres with a 1.6-mile paved trail running through it. A quick three-mile hike sounded like the perfect way to start my Saturday. But, as I was walking the trail, I discovered that Eliason Nature Reserve is actually connected to three other parks/preserves.

Get our free mobile app

That's when I learned about the Portage South/Central Greenway. Want to check it out? Here's the route I took:

Exploring the Portage South/Central Greenway

Want to explore everything the Portage South/Central Greenway has to offer? Here's a quick guide.

Since I was unable to make my way through the bog to the West Lake Preserve, I instead finished my trek of the Eliason Nature Reserve. Overall, I turned my expected three-mile hike into a nearly six-mile hike.

Now, I'm not sure if bicycles are allowed on the docking over the bog. I would double-check before venturing out to tackle this greenway by bike. Otherwise, it was an absolutely gorgeous setting that I can't wait to hike again.

Love getting lost in nature? There are at least 7 nature preserves in West Michigan that you can explore year-round. See them below:

7 West Michigan Nature Preserves You Can Visit Year-Round

While the Fall colors may be fading as we enter November, it's never too early to plan your next Fall colors road trip!

10 Stops For a Great Fall Colors Road Trip in Michigan

There's no doubt that Fall in Michigan brings us some gorgeous sights. If you're looking to hit the road for a Fall Colors tour, hopefully, this guide will help.