We were looking for something to do in the early afternoon and decided to check out what was happening at the old steel bridge at Port Crescent State Park. The DNR has been working on the bridge for about a month, and we recently noticed fresh new decking was installed. The Steel Bridge Trail and nearby Dark Sky Tavern & Lodge make for a easy little couples date.
A Bridge Not To Far
We had skipped lunch and thought we would take a walk around Port Crescent, the site of the old lumbering town that once stood in the area. it was a cool afternoon overcast but breezy and we parked in the expanded Trailhead area for the Steel Bridge. The DNR had widened the parking area which was once only able to hold a few cars, and now they can probably hold a dozen.
As we approached the bridge, a group of about half a dozen young people was working on it. They were setting up new railings along the sides of the bridge. The old bars were bent up and had lots of sharp spots, so they were replacing them. It looked great.
The Port Crescent Road Steel Bridge is the trailhead entrance. This is a fine example of a Michigan truss bridge featuring a six-panel pin-connected Pratt-through truss with unique vertical members. The bridge still has the original silver paint remnants and minimal rust. It once led to the long-gone lumbering town of Port Crescent.
The Steel Bridge Trail Awaits
We crossed the bridge went off into the woods along the old dune trail, and there were several other people. We noticed they had beach toys. We walked straight out to the high overlook and Cliff that went along the Pinnebog River. There were a lot of kayakers out exploring the river and the spit of sand that went along between the day use part of the park and the campground. There were a few people paddling up the river.
We walked along the edge of the steep sandy cliff that went down to the Pinnebog, taking in a gentle breeze and taking some pictures. A recent storm had knocked over a huge pine tree that blocked part of the trail along the cliff, but we quickly stepped over it and continued along the steep bluff.
At the end of the trail, we had a choice: We could continue to the beach area near the campgrounds or turn back and resume the trail in the woods. The Pork Crescent campgrounds are undergoing renovation, so nobody was camping, and there was a lot of construction material nearby. We figured that we didn’t want to see that, and we still had about halfway to go.
Secrets Of The Woods
Walking in the woods, it’s interesting if you pay attention. Numerous squirrels were playing in the wooded area. We also noticed some black raspberry bushes and huckleberries, which were just starting to turn blue. I sampled on. It wasn’t very juicy, but it was tasty. There are numerous old growth Oaks along this part of the trail. However, it looks like there’s been evidence of a fire or maybe a lightning strike, as you can see black remnants of trees still standing.
We looked at our smartphones, and it appeared we had done over 3,500 steps on the one Loop of the trail, which equates to about just over a mile and a half. Which I found out later was the distance of the Golden Gate Bridge. So, our 35-minute walk, while brisk, was also very scenic, and it’s well worth doing. We noticed the dogs were allowed, and there were small bags to take with you on the trail in case you had to do a clean-up. The trail is well-marked, and there are maps at key intersections, so you never get lost.
The Dark Sky Taven Beckons
We ended up back on the bridge and decided, “Hey, we were really close to the Dark Sky Lodge & Tavern”, so we walked over and went in. I haven’t visited Dark Sky since we did a surprise stelth review a couple of years ago. They have totally revamped their menu. I don’t see any barbecue anymore, and the interior has been freshened up with lots of high-end images from local photographers.
Melissa and I just decided to split a sandwich and have a light beer, that was our lunch, and it was tasty. It was mid-afternoon, so it wasn’t very busy, and it was midweek, just to make it even more quiet which was fine with us. However, the kitchen outdid itself. The sandwich was delicious, and we look forward to coming back. We decided that we’re going to do this about three days a week for the next several weeks as we are getting more in shape for a vacation overseas.
It was a great, cheap date: a scenic walk along the trails of Port Crescent State Park and a light lunch at the Dark Sky Tavern.
