Led by Berrien County Parks Naturalist Lamanda Hilty, the Harbor Country Hikers (HCH) will repeat our annual Berrien County Parks Fall Tour, watching the fall colors change while learning some interesting facts about our parks and the wildlife they support. We will finish our “Chasing Fall” color tour at the Galien River County Park and hike through some of Berrien's most memorable fall trails. On this hike, you will have perfect views of the Galien River Marsh, which is one of Michigan's most ecologically significant landscapes. This rare Great Lakes coastal wetland functions as a highly productive ecosystem, supporting more than 140 bird species (eBird is tracking 210 native and naturalized species), unique native flora, and diverse populations of fish, reptiles, and mammals.

Besides the upland Ridge Trail, there are spectacular views from the tree level observation platform, marsh level boardwalk and fishing platform, especially in the fall. The park includes a mix of upland and wetland habitats along the Galien River. The wetland area is particularly significant in that it is a part of the larger “Great Lakes Marsh” that formed along the Galien River just upstream from the river's mouth at Lake Michigan. The area is a home and a popular rest stop for many protected birds including bald eagles and Sandhill cranes.

• Theme: Chasing Fall at the Galien River

• Venue: Galien River County Park

• When: Saturday, November 7, 2026 @ 1:00 PM ET

• Estimated Presentation Time: 10 minutes

• Hike Leader: Lamanda Hilty, Berrien County Parks Naturalist

• Estimated Time: ~ 1.5 hours

• Hiking Distance: 1 mile

• Physical Difficulty: Moderate, flat on the bluff and overlook, with stairs or a pitched switchback trail to the river boardwalk

• Location: 17424 Red Arrow Hwy, New Buffalo, MI 49117

• Parking GPS: 41.805577, -86.718843 (DD)

Directions: From the light on US-12, head north on Red Arrow Highway for 0.3 miles. Watch for the park entrance on the left. We will gather at the parking lot before hitting the trail. The New Buffalo Twp Hall (across the highway from the park) has a large public parking lot you are welcome to use. There is a pedestrian push button, cross Red Arrow with caution!