Exploring God’s Creation in Community
The communities of Eastern and Western Michigan are invited to join our local chapter of Holy Hikes Great Lakes (a bi-diocesan ministry!) for worship, fellowship, and fun in 2023.
In 2023, we’ll take on five hikes throughout the lower peninsula, from April through October 2023. Our Holy Hikes are like liturgy on the move — we will be hiking and praying along the way, hearing scripture and learning about God’s creation.
All hiking sites have been carefully selected to be rated “easy” treks to ensure access for all generations and most mobilities. We expect to spend about 90 minutes on the trail, including time both hiking and stopping for prayer and reflection. We end each hike with trailside fellowship! In the case of heavy rain, the date will be rescheduled.
Please read below for the 2023 season dates and locations, to learn how your congregation can support a nearby hike, and to learn more about the church-wide Holy Hikes network. We ask that all participants RSVP so we know how many to expect and so that we can be in touch with more specific directions to the trailhead and in case of inclement weather.
(Photo: The group pauses for a photo during last season’s Holy Hike at the Blue Water Riverwalk in Port Huron.)
Our Holy Hikes Chapter Coordinator is Beckett Leclaire (Eastern Regional Youth Missioner; St. John’s, Dryden). Questions? Contact Beckett at bleclaire@eastmich.org or bleclaire@edwm.org.
ABOUT HOLY HIKES
Holy Hikes is a church-wide eco-ministry network affiliated with the Episcopal Church, the Anglican Communion, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. It was developed with the goal of helping individuals be renewed in their relationship with the earth, the Church, and the Creator. Holy Hikes calls us beyond the walls of comfort, to take a step (or a hike!) towards reunion with the earth and all of its life and beauty.
2023 SCHEDULE & LOCATIONS
APRIL 22nd at 1PM
EARTH DAY & VALUING WATER
Stepping Stone Falls
5161 Branch Road
Flint, MI 48506
Visit their website for information about handicap accessibility and maps.
2.5 mile hike.
Leashed dogs are welcome.
Make a day of it — The Episcopal Church’s Concert for the Human Family will take place nearby later that evening. Learn more and buy tickets.
JUNE 17th at 1PM
STEWARDSHIP OF CREATION
Lake Huron Trail from Camp Chickagami
6952 Kauffman Road
Presque Isle, MI 49777
Less than two mile hike.
Leashed dogs are welcome.
Make a weekend of it — Camp Chickagami’s “Days at the Lake” Camp for adults and families takes place June 16-19, 2023 and participants will have the option to join us for our hike. Learn more and register.
AUGUST 26th at 1PM
THE KINSHIP AND UNITY OF ALL CREATION
Newaygo Welcome Center Loop
4684 Evergreen Dr.
Newaygo, MI 48337
Visit their website for information about handicap accessibility and maps.
2 mile hike.
Leashed dogs are welcome.
SEPTEMBER 23rd at 1PM
CELEBRATING CREATION
Mill Pond Park
607 S. Adams St.
Mount Pleasant, MI 48858
Visit their website for information about handicap accessibility and maps.
Less than 2 mile hike.
Leashed dogs are welcome.
OCTOBER 14th at 1PM
POLLUTION AND RECYCLING
Woodland Park and Nature Preserve
2518 Gethings Rd.
Battle Creek, MI 49015
Visit their website for information about handicap accessibility and maps.
Less than 3 mile hike.
Leashed dogs are welcome.
FAQs & DETAILS
How can my congregation support a nearby Holy Hike?
First, we’d love for you to share this invitation broadly with your community. We’d love to welcome as many people as possible as participants! Additionally, we could use some support manning the welcome station (helping greet latecomers, especially) and preparing the hospitality post-hike. To get in touch with Beckett, please email bleclaire@eastmich.org or bleclaire@edwm.org.
How should we pack for a Holy Hike?
For all participants to keep safe and healthy during our hikes, we ask that you pack the following items:
- Water bottle with plenty of water
- Bug spray (look for one that wards off ticks)
- Sunscreen
- (If bringing a dog) Six-foot leash and waste baggies
- (Optional) Bag chair, for fellowship at the trailhead
Please wear close-toed shoes, comfortable for heavy walking.
Who’s invited?
Holy Hikes are open to all – you do not need to be an Episcopalian or a member of a church to join. Bring friends!
There are no age limits to participation, but we do require that any minors (kids under 18) be accompanied by a designated adult.
Can my dog come?
Friendly dogs are welcome to join us if permitted by the particular site. In all circumstances, the dog should be leashed (6 ft. max leash) and all waste picked up and removed.
RSVP
There is no cost to attend any of the Holy Hikes events, but your RSVP helps us plan and communicate in case of weather.
