The Dragon Trail at Hardy Pond: choose a segment, not all 45 miles
All 45 miles of the nonmotorized Dragon Trail are open around Hardy Pond. The useful first step is choosing a segment, trailhead, and parking pass.
The Dragon is a 45-mile trail loop around Hardy Pond. It is open from end to end. Hikers and mountain bikers share the path. The number is not a dare: most people will have a better day on one mapped segment, with a turn-around point chosen ahead of time.
Get the current county map first. It marks the difficulty of each segment, plus parking, road crossings, restrooms, and water. Some facilities are seasonal, usually May through September. A trail line on the map does not promise an open restroom or a staffed gate.
Pick a trailhead and the right pass
Sandy Beach County Park is Newaygo County’s main year-round trailhead for segments 9 and 10. The southeast lot at Hardy Dam Marina is another starting point. A Newaygo County vehicle permit is required at both. You can register yourself when staff are away.
Other segments meet Newaygo State Park and Mecosta County’s Brower Park. Those sites have their own entry rules. One Dragon parking pass does not cover every lot around the pond.
For a shorter outing, Newaygo State Park has about two miles of the trail. The DNR points visitors to its boat-access parking lot. For a longer ride, use the county map to compare segment difficulty and road or dam crossings.
The Newaygo and Mecosta county park commissions manage the trail with the West Michigan Mountain Biking Alliance. Use the county trail page for current conditions and closures. The Hardy Pond guide covers launches, changing water levels, and dam-area safety.
Sources
Last reviewed against the listed sources: July 20, 2026.