Commune with nature, right in the City.
Brian "Doc" Backus Nature Trail
The nature trail is at the North end of the City of Harbor Beach with an entrance at North Park Campground and another via a parking lot off of Pierce Road near Rapson Road.
The trail meanders through marshland and forest with an ADA compliant portion as well as more natural areas to explore. There are several boardwalks and bridges throughout the trail to help tackle the terrain without too much effort.
The trail is a great hike in any season…see the leaves change in Autumn, walk in the the silence of freshly fallen snow in the Winter, see the landscape bloom and stream swell in the Spring, or get out of the Summer heat in the shady canopy of trees.
A covered bridge dedicated to the memory of beloved local Randy Rapson greets you as you enter from North Park.
A creative, natural wood gazebo was donated & built by the Harbor Beach Community Chest organization.
The Harbor Beach Rotary Club in conjunction with Corteva Agroscience donated over 75 new trees that were placed along the trail to fill in areas devastated by the emerald ash bore.
About Brian Backus
This trail is named in memory of Brian J. Backus, who served in the 10th Mountain Division, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, Blackhawk Company. Brian grew up in Harbor Beach and graduated from high school in 2008. In 2010 Brian joined the US Army and became a Combat Medic.
On June 18, 2011, during a patrol in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, the patrol was ambushed. Seven soldiers, including “Doc” Backus, were injured during the attack. Brian refused to give instructions on how to treat himself until his 6 injured soldiers were treated. Once his fellow soldiers were stabilized, only then did “Doc” start to explain how to treat his injuries. Unfortunately, his injuries were too severe to allow his life to be saved. All 6 of the treated soldiers survived. Brian was 21 years old when he was killed in action. He will always be a hero to the men of Blackhawk Company.
As you walk the trails, stop from time to time to listen and observe. Hear the birds chirping, watch for small creatures under logs and leaves. White tail deer, turkey and occasionally an owl are known to be in the woods. Enjoy the peace and tranquility these woods have to offer. Many brave men and women have served and died so that we can enjoy our freedoms here at home. Brian “Doc” Backus was one of those brave souls.