Tails and Trails Adventures - Chaltron Photography

Taking your dog for a walk is not just a routine; it’s a powerful boost to their health that enriches their life in numerous ways. Regular walks help maintain your dog’s cardiovascular fitness, support healthy joints, and aid in digestive and urinary health. Additionally, these outings are crucial for their mental stimulation and emotional stability, helping to reduce anxiety and prevent behavioral issues. By committing to this enjoyable exercise, you nurture a physically fit, mentally sharp, and emotionally satisfied companion. Come on out and explore some of the beautiful trails and adventures right here in your own backyard. Meet other dog owners and allow your dog to socialize and sniff-sniff-sniff to their hearts content.

There is no cost to join our walks.

NO RETRACTABLE LEASHES on our adventures and please remember owners are expected to clean up after their own dog. Be sure to bring appropriate snack and drinks for yourself and your pet.

Group photo (digital) provided for all those who get off the couch and join us!

QUESTIONS about these events can be directed to bonnie@chaltronphotography.com

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Keep an eye on Chaltron Photography’s Facebook page for rain cancellations.

Monday, 27 MAY, 10am * ISLAND TRAIL Ludington State Park
Friday, 7 JUNE, 6pm * FAMILY FUN RUN Ludington
Wednesday, 12 JUNE, 6:30pm * CARTIER PATHWAY
Saturday, 22 JUNE, 7pm * BIG SABLE LIGHTHOUSE
Tuesday, 25 JUNE, 10am * HART-MONTAGUE TRAIL

Tails and Trails Event Details

ISLAND TRAIL

Explore the sandy shoreline of Hamlin Lake along the Island Trail at Ludington State Park. We will follow the trail out to the loop and come back the same route watching for wildlife that often visits the area: sandhill cranes, blue heron, turtles, and song birds. The trail and terrain are considered Easy, with plenty of tree roots and uneven ground. There are benches for resting and enjoying the quiet settings along the way.

We will depart from the parking lot at Hamlin Lake at 10am.

Learn more about the trails at Ludington State Park.

FAMILY FUN RUN

The annual Lakestride event brings thousands of visitors to Ludington each year. It is a busy, crazy, and exciting time for this quiet small town.

Did you know there is a way for you and your dog to get in on the action and you don’t have to be a long-distance runner! You and your pet can participate in the 1 Mile Family Fun Run. The race is timed and participants will be able to see their time on a large display at the finish line.

Are you’re wanting to join in the fun but you can’t convince your friends or family to join you? Let’s do this together! We will meet just south of Sterns Park at the end of Ludington Ave and depart at 6pm together!

There is no cost to participate in the event. Please register for the Lakestride Fun Run Event: Register Here.

CARTIER PARK PATHWAY

Enjoy an easy, after-work stroll through the woods with your dog for a Tails and Trails Adventure on the 1.36 mile paved path of Cartier Park Pathway. Experience recently installed artwork along the trail by members of the Ludington Center For the Arts.

OPTION: There are three posted Geocaches along the path that you may want to find. Not sure what Geocaching is? Visit geocaching.com

OPTION: You are welcome to visit the Bark Park Dog Park at the north end of Cartier Park Pathway either before or after our walk.

We will gather and depart from the parking lot at the corner of Bryant and Rath at 6:30pm.

BIG SABLE LIGHTHOUSE

Join us on a memorable Tails and Trails Adventure sunset hike to Big Sable Point Lighthouse at Ludington State Park.

We will gather and depart from the parking lot just inside the park (park pass required) at 7pm. We will walk the 1.8 gravel/sand road out to the lighthouse in hopes of catching a beautiful Northern Michigan Sunset on Lake Michigan. There are benches along the way if we need to take a rest.

Be sure to bring plenty of snacks and drinks for both you and your pup. We will have a bit of leisure time once we arrive at the lighthouse grounds so we can explore, create an epic group photo, and wait for the sunset.

Our return trip to the parking lot will begin at dusk but will be dark by the time we complete the trek. If the skies are clear we will be guided back by the full moon. But just in case; a headlamp or flashlight is recommended gear.

NOTE: There is a vault toilet available at the parking lot where we will begin and porta potties at the lighthouse, otherwise there are no amenities whatsoever. Please come prepared for this 4 hour adventure. We can not guarantee a sunset but we can guarantee a fun adventure.

HART-MONTAGUE TRAIL

Get up & get moving! Join us as we visit the Hart-Montague Trail for a brief morning walk with the puppies.

We will gather and depart from the Trail Head Parking Lot on Polk Road, in Hart, MI just west of Hansen’s Market at 10am.

The trail is paved and flat for easy walking and is open to foot traffic as well as biking & roller blading.

OPTION: There are three Geocaches along the stretch of trail that we will be walking if you are interested in searching for them. Not sure what Geocaching is? Learn more at geocaching.com