Donald F. Nichols Bridge

Spans: South Branch, Black River
Built: 1988

The Donald F. Nichols Bridge is a highlight of the Kal-Haven Trail Linear State Park, which extends from Kalamazoo to South Haven. Luckily, it's just a mile east of the trail head at South Haven, so it's easily accessible to casual walkers as well as to avid bicyclists.

Nichols Bridge is one of West Michigan's newest covered bridges. Robert Nichols donated the materials in 1988 to convert an existing railroad trestle bridge into a covered bridge in memory of his late father. The Michigan Civilian Conservation Corps actually rebuilt the trestle into a 108-foot long covered footbridge. It crosses the south branch of the Black River about one mile east of the South Haven trail head and one-half mile east of the Blue Star Highway.

The linear trail has been converted from an abandoned railroad bed to a 33.5 mile trail with a limestone/slag surface. It is open to non-motorized bicycles and for hiking and cross-country skiing. Snowmobiles are welcome when a minimum four-inch snow base is present. There are also 14 miles of equestrian trails along the route.

The Kal-Haven Trail is operated by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and promoted by the Friends of the Kal-Haven Trail. Park hours are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. year around. Day passes are $2 per individual and $5 per family. An annual pass is $10 per individual and $25 per family.

For more information, contact:
West Michigan Tourist Association
800-442-2084 or info@wmta.org

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