10 Hiking Trails Along The Lakeshore

living local in the Lakeshore

The lakeshore boasts of so many great trails to visit and hike! Keep scrolling for a list of 10 that we absolutely love. There are way more than 10, but here are some of our favs! (If you go out to hike any of these trails, be sure to pack some water and sunscreen!)

Have a favorite lakeshore trail that’s not on the list? Shoot us a message and we would love to add it!

1. Hoffmaster State Park

P.J. Hoffmaster State Park is located in Muskegon, MI and is definitely an all time favorite of ours.

Our favorite trail to take is the 2 mile round trip Homestead Trail that takes you out to the beach. The trail winds through the woods and you come out on a dune that leads you down by the lakeshore. If you want a bit of an easier hike, there is also a half mile round trip Dune Overlook trail with stairs that offer the perfect beach view.

2. Rosy Mound Natural Area

Yet another trail that brings you to see BEAUTIFUL views of Lake Michigan, Rosy Mound is located in Grand Haven, Michigan.

The main trail there is 1.5 miles round trip (0.7 miles one way) and be sure to pack a swimsuit in your hiking bag as it brings you out to a stunning beach area! The trail includes 1,000 ft of stairs and scenic views of the dunes.

3. Mount Baldhead

This Saugatuck trail is built up of 302 steps and descends down into the coastal sands.

Mount Baldhead is a 1 mile round trip loop trail and at the top of the summit you can view both Saugatuck and Douglas. The views are worth the climb and we highly recommend this hike!

4. Fred Meijer Berry Junction Trail

Bear with us as we share this longer trail located in the Whitehall and Muskegon area!

The trail is 14 miles long and connects North Muskegon and Whitehall, MI. This is a crowd favorite for hiking and biking as it is a paved trail that runs through wooded areas and rural roads with plenty of shaded area. When you reach the Whitehall part of the trail (whether you start there or end there), be sure to venture into the town and stop at one of the local breweries! We recommend Fetch Brewing, Sawyer Brewing, or North Grove Brewers.

5. Mt Pisgah

This dune climb and boardwalk is located in Holland, MI and offers beautiful views of Lake Michigan and the Big Red lighthouse!

Trust us, you won’t want to miss out on this trail. The stairs will bring you up 157 ft above Lake Michigan and at the top of the stairs you can see both Lake Macatawa and Lake Michigan. The trail can be accessed off of Ottawa Beach Rd and you’ll walk through a beautiful wooded area before reaching the steps.

6. Pigeon Creek Park

Pigeon Creek Park is a quiet retreat located in West Olive which is between Holland and Grand Haven.

The park consists of over 10 miles of trails for hiking and in the winter months the park is a popular place for cross country skiing and snowshoeing. This park is truly a hidden gem and we love it!

7. North Ottawa Dunes

This trail is located in Ferrysburg which is within the greater Grand Haven area and brings you around the wooded dunes lining the lakeshore.

You can find the trail entrance at Coast Guard Park and ten miles of wooded trails link North Ottawa Dunes to PJ Hoffmaster State Park with eight distinct dunes along the trail and scenic views that come along with them!

8. Duck Lake Trail

Between Duck Lake State Park and Lake Michigan is where this 2.8 miles of trail is found.

Along the trail you’ll find plenty of Michigan wildflowers and wildlife that allow for a peaceful walk. The towering trees also provide plenty of shade while you take in the views!

9. Silver Lake State Park

This dune hike at Silver Lake State Park in Mears MI is truly breathtaking.

While there’s no specific trail, walking the 2.6 miles of dunes is seriously one of the coolest “hikes”. Razorback dune is one of the highest sand dunes along the shoreline of Lake Michigan and can be climbed on your hike there. From the top of the dune you can see both Silver Lake and Lake Michigan.

10. Kirk Park Loop

This park in the West Olive area offers easy trails to walk close to the beach.

You can also bring your pup with you when you go and don’t forget your swimsuit as well as the hike takes you right out to a beautiful Lake Michigan beach! There are 1.2 miles of trails to enjoy at Kirk Park and the main trail connects to the Southern parking lot with other little trails around it.

We are so thankful for where we live for so many reasons, but one reason being the beautiful places to hike along the lakeshore!

We hope this list is helpful and you are able to utilize it the next time you’re looking for a new (or old) spot to go for a beautiful walk near the lakeshore!

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