Seven Bridges

There is a small nature area on Valley Rd about 3 or 4 miles east of Rapid City, MI, called Seven Bridges.  The Rapid River divides into several small streams that flow through the area.  There are several bridges across these streams, but I have not found seven of them.  However, it is a wonderful place.  It has always been cool and quiet in the summer and fall, but I had never been there in the winter, until a couple weeks ago.

This is a view under the first bridge you come to.  The walk down the snowy incline was a bit slippery, but the combination of the stone walls and multiple falls made it work the effort.

 This is a closer view of the stream.

A little further along is a place where two of the streams merge.  Another bridge is just upstream from here.

The small rapids in the stream to the left are only 3 to 4 feet across.

These three tree stumps are located nearby in a wider, slower section of the river.

I only photographed the streams on this trip.  As you cross the bridge in the photos above, you enter an area where the tree roots are exposed above the ground.  These roots twist and turn in all directions, so watch your step.  The main trail continues back into an open field which, when followed to the right, takes you to another trail through a forest that has shown beautiful fall colors.

So, the next time you head to Alden or Torch Lake, take a side trip to Seven Bridges.

Mark