The Falling Water Trail
has another feature that is unusual to most railtrails: Jackson County
Parks Officer, Jerry Klima, assigned only to security patrol of the
Trail. This friendly patrolman will be seen cruising the Trail on most
days with a watchful eye. He watches the wildlife along this rural
Trail and the users. Jerry talks to any patron who has a question, a
cheerful hello, or even a problem to solve such as a flat tire or other
emergencies.
Trail User Comments:
4/3/10 We
visited the Falling Water Trail for the first time today. I am a 10
month breast cancer survivor and am training for the Susan G. Komen 3day
walk in Detroit in August. I'm always looking for a safe and scenic
place to train. I loved the trail. We had a deer cross right in front
of us - the birds were singing - the sun was shining. We met so many
nice people using the trail, walking, biking, roller blading. The hours
just flew. It didn't even feel like training. I can't wait to come
back for another long training walk. Thank you. Jacki & Larry H.,
Eaton Rapids, MI
3/19/10 I
have spent a great deal of time on the trail. I worked for the Jackson
County Parks and recreation helping to maintain the accessibility of
this wonderful and successful addition to the Jackson community. I
enjoy the freedom of cruising my skateboard while being pulled by my
dog, taking pictures of the beauty and wonder beheld in nature, and
running and training in my preparation of entry into the United States
Air Force. This trail is a great way to fulfill mans desire to a return
of experience of the appreciation of nature in our ever increasing
movement toward the separation of. Eric H, Spring Arbor
10/7/09
I run/walk this trail regularly and it is the most relaxing and peaceful
place! The people you pass are always friendly and I have never been on
the trail without seeing at least one deer crossing my path. This
morning, during my 6 mile run down the trail, I counted 16 wild turkeys
crossing in front of me! Thank you for making this trail and giving
Jackson such a wonderful place to enjoy the outdoors! Laurie G.,
Jackson
July5,
2009: Great trail! The Jackson area community should be proud for having
such a great resource close by. Mike K., Fort Wayne IN
May 8,2009
at Mile Marker 6.5 between Reynolds & Moscow Rd.--Spotted a SNIPE
(Wilson's--YES, they are real!) walking along the trail. They have a
long, strange looking beak.
Peg C., Jackson, MI
April 24,
2009--Just east of Mile Marker 4.5, we saw bluebirds in the nest boxes
between the two Lime Lakes. It appears that they are currently battling
it out with the swallows.
Peg C., Jackson, MI
March 18,
2009--Spotted a large mink crossing the Trail near mile marker 7.0.
Peg C., Jackson, MI
Mother
Nature is doing a beautiful job of painting along the trail with her
autumn colors! H.S., Jackson MI
About 10
miles into my daily bike ride I was nearing the end of the trail as my
back tire went flat. Disheartened about not finishing the ride, I began
the long hike back to my house a little over ten miles away. The very
first person I saw asked if I was ok, and I said sure, just a flat tire.
He said alright and continued on his way mentioning that if he had a
pump he would certainly help out.
So I continued walking, bike with flat tire by my side as I passed about
ten more people. None of them offered a helping hand which is ok, I
understand that we are all very busy in our lives and awareness isn't a
guiding force within us all. It would have been nice if any of the
others stopped to offer help, and I was surprised no one had, but such
is life. :)
What happened next is most surprising and thoughtful though. The first
man I saw had turned around and was heading the other direction when he
noticed I had been walking for some time. He asked this time how far I
had to go and I let him know it was another 8 miles or so. In turn he
offered assistance and a ride home if I liked and I nearly cried being
so happy he had offered. It was a very hot day and I just began
wondering what I could do for such a nice person being an unemployed
artist.
Then he turned around and headed for his truck, went a short distance
and thought twice, turned around once more and rode back to me. He then
asked if I wanted any cool water from his cooler! He said he had an
unopened bottle and offered it right to me, who he had never met. Then
he went and got his truck and gave me a delightful ride home including
a nice discussion, exchange of names while he drove several miles out
of his way (yes with gas prices so high!) to drop me off at home.
I hope Chuck's kindness rubs of on those visiting the trail, and hope
somehow he reaps reward for it. As a trail user I learned a couple
things today; take a bike pump with you, and keep your head up because
you never know when you might be the one with the flat tire. ;)
Amanda H., Jackson
Mom
and I are photography buffs and nature enthusiasts from Jonesville but
this was our first visit to the Falling Waters Trail. It was fun! We
captured a few good pictures. The only thing that would have made it
better would be more shade -- it was a fully sunny afternoon.
Heather R., Jonesville
Thank you
to all the people who saw my clip-on sunglasses sitting on a bench off
th Weatherwax entranceway to the trail and left them ther for me to
find.I
rode on
the trail Sunday evening, August 24, 2008. I left my clip-on sunglasses
on the bench by accident and realized my loss later that night at home.
I
was too tired to go back for them the same night.This morning (August
25,2008) I pedaled back to the bench. I was thrilled to find them atop
of the bench's backrest. Thank you to everyone who saw them and trusted
the owner would return for them. By the way, to the person who left
their empty water bottle under the bench. That is still there too,
waiting for you to pick up and dispose of it in the nearest recycling
facility. I trust you will be back for your property as well. Greta
P., Jackson
We enjoy
riding on the path. My wife to be and our 8 week old baby rode 25 miles
and enjoyed every second of it! We crossed paths with alot of friendly
people. We hope people like it as much as we do. Robert V., Concord
Love
it!...Vickie R.,
We just
got back. Absolutely beautiful! And so well-maintained. I want to
return. ... Pam R., Jackson
I have
ridden the trail twice on my horse. I'd like to complement the numerous
bikers, hikers, & rollerbladers who were so courteous to the horses.
Thank you all for speaking to us when we greeted you. Horses aren't
afraid of people so will not spook if you'll just say something,
anything. Thanks again for being so courteous. Riding along the side of
the trail was surely a pleasure. .Julia
V
July
28--Just west of Moscow Road on the north side of the Trail is a very
small sunny meadow filled with wildflowers of purples, whites, yellows,
orange and blues.
JULY 12
Weekend Wildlife/death Report: Cycling gets us up close and
personal with roadkill. On Reynolds Road within ¼ mile of the Trail in
the wetland we examined a deceased BEAVER and a MINK. By the time we
rode on to Weatherwax and back again, both had been picked up. We can't
figure out what a very large beaver would be doing trying to cross the
road far from moving water and have never seen signs of a dam in the
Spring Arbor Lakes or Sandstone Creek. P Clevenger, Jackson
Bridge At Moscow Rd.,
Going West to Parsons Rd., At Cross Rd. Going East.
I've been taking some pictures of the trail now that the trees are full
and thought i would send them in now so others can see what they are
missing! H. Skinner, Jackson
I have
watched this old railroad grade turn into a wonderful gift to the
Jackson County Residents. I have lived in many parts of Michigan, and
around the country, and often wondered why Jackson, MI did not have
outdoor recreational activities placed within the county. Many people
will say that they are outdoor enthusiast with their four wheelers/
motorcycles, and snowmobiles. I recently rode my bike from West Ave. to
Concord back to West Ave. It was great to experience the final outcome!
Thanks again for all of the volunteers whom made this trail possible. I
think that the residents
need to come up with a plan to keep it clean, and safe! Laura M.,
Grand Haven MI
The Birds
The Sky
I
love the trail and hope we all take good care of it. Dawn G, Grass
Lake, MI
What a beautiful trail! It was well worth the 2 hour drive I made to
get there! The scenery is gorgeous and the trail surface and signage
are superb. I only regret that it isn't longer...I could have ridden it
all day. Laurie G., Rochester Hills, MI
We attended the opening ceremony today for the trail. Then we had a
picnic lunch and rollerbladed 7 miles with our toddler daughter in tow.
We had a lovely day. Thanks to everyone who was involved with this
project.
Dawn P, Jackson
Click on the thumbnails for larger view
Protected Michigan White Trillium Along the trail
Mountain Biking on the Trail
Spring is waking up the trail beautifully!
Apple
Blossom near Lime Lake, May Apples Flourishing in the woods ,Spring
Flowers along the Trail, On the Edge of the Marsh, The wetlands near
Concord. Photos by H. Skinner,
Jackson
On the Way to Lime Lake, North Half of Lime Lake, Concord Millpond, Boat
Launch at Lime Lake, Swan Near Concord. Photos by H. Skinner,
Jackson
My
husband & I live next to the trail and remember when trains
used the old track. For many years it was a "hangout" for
dirt bikes and ATV's, creating loud and dusty conditions.
We are so glad that this trail has finally become reality -
we love seeing the happy people skate, ride and walk by.
Even more, we now have a safe place to ride our new
bicycles! Thank you so much for a wonderful addition to our
community!- Yvonne N, Jackson MI
Photo: My first walk
in October, 2007 About the 8.5 mile marker between
Weatherwax & Reynolds
Fantastic
trail! This is a photo I took last fall. Most of the trees
were bare but there was this little stretch where the leaves
were still green and hanging on while most had fallen. It
was on the Weatherwax to Reynolds Road stretch about a mile
from Reynolds Road.
H.S., Jackson MI
Thank You so much Falling Waters Trail members for providing
our community with a safe and beautiful place to walk and
ride bikes. This is something that will last for
generations. It is an asset to our area. S.R.
I want to thank the Friends of the Falling Waters
Trail for sticking with it and finally getting
Jackson our own rails to trail. Such a beautiful
wide trail for all to enjoy the great outdoors!
I know its going to be a popular place this
spring when it warms up and people get to enjoy
it again.
It's a fantastic trail! Many of the other trails
are made from old railroad beds going through
old abandoned industry sites or through crowded
city neighborhoods but not the Falling Water
Trail! A beautiful trail through the countryside
with the safety of not having to ride where the
cars and trucks roar past you.
In the fall, each time that I rode my bike on
the trail I would always stop and chat a bit
with the Parks Officer that is patrolling the
trail. He was telling me about a couple that was
on the trail that he stopped to talk to. They
told him that they look up trails like this on
the web. If they are close enough, they drive to
it and enjoy a walk.
They are from Illinois and found the Falling
Waters Trail and drove up. They told him of all
the Trails they have walked on, the Falling
Waters Trail is the best that they have seen yet.
Two things made it the best, the trail is nice
and wide with plenty of room, and the scenery is
the best. A beautiful walk in the country,
through the woods, across the lake, along the
wetlands to a big old millpond. They said it's
the best!
I couldn't agree more, I'll be out there on my
bike every chance I get so thank you Friends of
the Falling Waters Trail for all you have done to
finally get Jackson County a beautiful safe
trail for all to enjoy and to promote a healthy
community. H.S., Jackson MI |
