The weather was favorable for a hike on New Year’s Day 2023, well above freezing and not too windy, unlike the week before Christmas, which was not suitable for any traveling due to the cold temperatures and fierce winds. On Sunday, January 1, a few dozen people met at Ménwabek Meadow Park in Albion, a spot which is part of several trails. The park is owned and managed by Calhoun County. The purpose of the hike was to encourage membership in the Chief Noonday Chapter of the North Country Trail.
Chief Noonday Chapter of the North Country Trail
People of all ages came and started the walk towards Riverside Cemetery, past the Held Equestrian Center, and on to Victory Park. Here we are starting out. It was an easy downhill paved trail for most of the way, including this first section in the meadow. You can see the elders at the rear of the group.
You can see Riverside Cemetery past the trees in this view. The walk started downhill which made it easy to get started. This walk was designed for non-walkers to feel comfortable to come out, and not have to walk the full 3 miles of the hike to participate. The idea was to try something new, and to set a good intention for the year, and to introduce the trails to some people who might not have tried an official hike.
We are thankful to all of the people and groups who made this trail possible, in Albion and connecting us to people across the United States.
Calhoun County Parks
Victory Park
The old trees of Victory Park are impressive. This is the view coming in from the new trail extension and that is the sledding hill in the background, also the site of the steps leading up to the top, as mentioned in the bluebird house section below. An Eagle Scout project. Some historical information about Victory Park, including the dam and waterfall, can be found in the following post. We hope that the trees of Victory Park can have some new trees planted in the proper places for forestry management purposes because we know these old trees will not last forever.
Victory Park Waterfall – Aerial View
Birdhouses along the trail – with information about Coyote Neighbors
The unveiling of the park name on National Trails Day, June 4, 2022.
Ménwabek Meadow Park Trail extension
Other articles about Albion Trails on this website