Allegan MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Allegan, Michigan.
1. Armintrout-Milbocker Nature Preserve
RIVERSIDE FOREST TRAILS
Armintrout-Milbocker Nature Preserve offers winding trails through pine and hardwood forests with high overlooks and serene riverside paths. The preserve covers 140 acres and provides hikers with sweeping views of the Kalamazoo River and opportunities for wildlife observation. Just a short distance from downtown Allegan, this nature retreat immerses visitors in a tranquil, natural setting.
2. Allegan State Game Area
EXPANSIVE WILDLIFE AREA
Allegan State Game Area features nearly 30 miles of foot trails traversing forests, marshes, and riverside bluffs. Hikers can choose from various loop trails, including scenic routes along Swan Creek and through the heart of this vast natural area. The game area is known for its diverse wildlife, gentle terrain, and year-round recreational opportunities.
3. River Junction Preserve
RIVER MEETING LANDSCAPE
River Junction Preserve encompasses almost 300 acres where the Kalamazoo and Rabbit Rivers converge, offering three miles of wide, flat walking trails. This greenway is accessible and pet-friendly, making it ideal for families and those seeking an easy hike. Trails meander alongside the Rabbit River, providing peaceful water views and abundant birdwatching.
4. Wau-Ke-Na William Erby Smith Preserve
FORESTED COASTAL RETREAT
Wau-Ke-Na William Erby Smith Preserve consists of 365 acres divided into two tracts, both featuring forest and wetland habitats near Lake Michigan. The preserve's trails offer immersive views of woodland, grassland, and wetland ecosystems, perfect for nature lovers and wildlife spotting. Boardwalks and paths bring visitors close to the water, blending forest serenity with lakeshore beauty.
5. Saugatuck Dunes State Park
DUNES AND LAKE VIEWS
Saugatuck Dunes State Park offers an extensive network of sandy trails through rolling dunes and lush forests, leading to secluded beaches along Lake Michigan. Hikers can explore a variety of loop trails that provide both challenging climbs and gentle walks. The park is renowned for its picturesque views and the tranquil atmosphere of its untouched shoreline.
6. Allegan County Heritage Trail
HISTORIC SCENIC TOUR
Allegan County Heritage Trail is a 122-mile driving and walking tour that highlights the county's rich history and scenic landscapes. With stops across small towns and natural sites, visitors can walk short trails at various heritage points. This route is perfect for those seeking a blend of historical exploration and gentle, accessible hiking experiences.
7. Swan Creek Trail
CREEKSIDE LOOP PATH
Swan Creek Trail winds through the heart of Allegan State Game Area, offering a scenic 5.8-mile loop along the banks of Swan Creek. The trail features gentle elevation changes, marsh views, and access to tranquil ponds, making it suitable for most hikers. Its peaceful environment and abundant wildlife spotting opportunities are a highlight for visitors.
8. Littlejohn Lake County Park
LAKESIDE FOREST HIKE
Littlejohn Lake County Park offers shady woodland trails that loop around a scenic inland lake just outside Allegan. Hikers can enjoy quiet walks, fishing spots, and picnic areas amidst a peaceful forest setting. The park is a favorite for families and nature enthusiasts seeking a relaxed lakeside escape.
9. New Richmond Bridge County Park
RAILROAD BRIDGE VIEWS
New Richmond Bridge County Park features hiking trails and boardwalks that run along the Kalamazoo River and lead to the historic swing bridge. Visitors enjoy river views, birdwatching, and access to the restored railroad bridge, which is an impressive local landmark. The park's natural beauty and historical features make it a unique destination for a day hike.
10. Holland State Park & Mt. Pisgah
DUNES AND OVERLOOKS
Holland State Park & Mt. Pisgah offer several miles of sandy, wooded, and stairway trails leading up to breathtaking lake vistas. The Mt. Pisgah trail rewards hikers with a panoramic view of Lake Michigan, Holland Harbor, and the surrounding dunes. This popular destination blends scenic hikes with the fun of a classic beach park.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
TOP HIKING DESTINATIONS
Best Michigan Hiking encompasses the most celebrated trails throughout the state, ranging from dense hardwood forests to dramatic lakeshore bluffs. Hikers find a diverse landscape, including waterfalls, sand dunes, and rugged wilderness, each trail presenting its own unique adventure. The state attracts enthusiasts from around the country who seek premier outdoor experiences year-round.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
COASTAL AND BEACH TRAILS
Michigan Shoreline Hiking highlights the best of the state's beach and coastal trails along Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, and Lake Huron. These paths traverse scenic dunes, forested lakeshores, and sandy beaches, offering refreshing lake breezes and dramatic sunsets. Hikers revel in the unparalleled mix of water views, natural habitats, and endless open skies.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED WILDERNESS TRAILS
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems feature lesser-known trails celebrated for their solitude and wildlife viewing opportunities. These hikes wind through remote forests, quiet wetlands, and pristine nature preserves, providing a peaceful escape from the crowds. Outdoor enthusiasts can discover rare plants and animals while enjoying the tranquility of Michigan's undisturbed landscapes.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE TRAILS
Michigan Autumn Hiking features the most scenic trails for fall foliage, with forests that burst into brilliant hues of red, orange, and gold each season. Hikers can stroll through hardwood groves, along lakeshores, and up rolling hills to fully immerse themselves in the vibrant colors. Peak leaf-viewing season draws nature lovers eager to experience the best of Michigan's autumn splendor.
15. Ottawa National Forest
EXPANSIVE WILD FOREST
Ottawa National Forest, located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, boasts hundreds of miles of hiking trails through old-growth forests, past waterfalls, and across rugged terrain. The forest is a haven for backpackers, wildlife watchers, and those seeking deep wilderness solitude. With its diverse landscapes and extensive trail network, Ottawa National Forest is a top destination for serious hikers in Michigan.