Holland MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Holland, Michigan.
1. Riley Trails
WOODLAND PATHWAYS & DUNES
Riley Trails offers 300 acres of scenic hiking through beech-maple forests, pine plantations, open plains, and sandy dunes in Holland. The diverse landscape ensures hikers enjoy new vistas and experiences on every visit, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Well-maintained trails invite exploration year-round for walkers, hikers, and mountain bikers.
2. Holland State Park
LAKE MICHIGAN BEACH HIKES
Holland State Park is renowned for its beautiful sandy beach along Lake Michigan, iconic Big Red Lighthouse, and a variety of paved and unpaved hiking trails. Trails wind through dunes, marshland, and scenic overlooks with picturesque lake views. It's a popular destination for both beachgoers and hikers seeking a blend of water and woodland environments.
3. Mt. Pisgah Dune Boardwalk
DUNE STAIRS & VISTAS
Mt. Pisgah offers a rigorous stair climb to a bluff with panoramic views of Lake Michigan and Lake Macatawa. The boardwalk and stairs wind through dune ecosystems, providing excellent vantage points and native plant life observation. It's a must-see for those wanting an invigorating hike and sweeping vistas near Holland's shoreline.
4. Outdoor Discovery Center
WILDLIFE & FAMILY TRAILS
The Outdoor Discovery Center features more than four miles of trails winding through 155 acres of meadows, remnant dunes, forests, marshes, and ponds. Visitors can observe diverse wildlife, from amphibians and reptiles to a wide variety of birds. Interactive programs and natural playscapes also make it a favorite destination for families and nature lovers.
5. Hemlock Crossing
RIVERSIDE WOODS & MARSHES
Hemlock Crossing encompasses over 230 acres of woods and wetlands along the Pigeon River near Holland. Hiking trails and boardwalks wind through scenic forests and over wetlands, with birdwatching opportunities and a modern nature center. This tranquil preserve appeals to hikers seeking seclusion, wildlife, and riverside beauty.
6. Stu Visser Trails
SHORT SCENIC BOARDWALKS
Stu Visser Trails provides winding paths and wooden boardwalks through wetland habitats near Lake Macatawa in Holland. The trail is ideal for a quick, peaceful hike with excellent views of native birdlife and marshland flora. Its manageable length and easy access make it perfect for a casual nature walk.
7. Van Raalte Farm Park
PRAIRIE & FOREST LANDSCAPES
Van Raalte Farm Park is a historic site offering over 160 acres of rolling hills, restored prairie, and wooded trails. Hikers can explore a mixture of landscapes, spot wildlife, and visit a 19th-century farmhouse. The park is popular for family outings, seasonal events, and tranquil hikes in a natural setting.
8. Olive Shores County Park
DUNE STAIRS TO BEACH
Olive Shores County Park features a dramatic wooden staircase over forested dunes leading to a quiet Lake Michigan beach. The short but steep hike provides scenic overlooks and access to the lakeshore. It's a favored spot for those looking to combine hiking, dune ecology, and a secluded beach experience.
9. Kouw Park
SANDY TRAILS & SHORE
Kouw Park is located northeast of Holland and offers sandy footpaths through beach grasses down to the lakeshore. The park provides breathtaking views of Lake Michigan and a peaceful atmosphere for hikers. Its natural setting makes it an excellent place for a quiet stroll or beach hike.
10. Upper Macatawa Natural Area
WETLANDS & BIRDING TRAILS
Upper Macatawa Natural Area near Holland offers miles of hiking and biking trails through restored wetlands and woodlands. Boardwalks and observation decks provide birdwatching opportunities and views of the Macatawa River Valley. It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a variety of ecosystems and abundant wildlife.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
TOP RATED STATE TRAILS
Best Michigan Hiking highlights the top-rated trails and natural sites across the state, from the rugged Upper Peninsula to the coastal dunes of Lake Michigan. Hikers can explore a remarkable diversity, including dense forests, scenic overlooks, and challenging terrain. These destinations are celebrated for their natural beauty, variety of ecosystems, and year-round accessibility.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
BEACHES & COASTAL TRAILS
Michigan Shoreline Hiking features some of the best beach and coastal hiking in the state, with miles of sandy trails stretching along the Great Lakes. Hikers enjoy expansive views, towering dunes, and opportunities to explore both remote shores and bustling lakeside parks. These trails capture the essence of Michigan's freshwater coastline and offer unforgettable lakeshore adventures.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED TRAILS & WILDLIFE
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems are trails treasured for their tranquility, lesser-known status, and abundant wildlife. These pathways lead through quiet forests, secluded wetlands, and peaceful preserves, offering an ideal setting for those seeking solitude and excellent opportunities for wildlife observation. They are perfect for hikers who want off-the-beaten-path adventures surrounded by nature.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL COLORS & FORESTS
Michigan Autumn Hiking showcases the state's most spectacular trails for viewing fall foliage, from hardwood forests to scenic bluffs overlooking lakes. These hikes are renowned for their brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows as the seasons change, creating a visual feast for outdoor enthusiasts. The crisp air and vibrant landscapes make autumn an unforgettable hiking season in Michigan.
15. Ottawa National Forest
VAST FOREST WILDERNESS
Ottawa National Forest encompasses nearly one million acres in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula, offering extensive hiking trails through old-growth forests, pristine lakes, and rolling hills. Hikers can discover waterfalls, remote backcountry routes, and abundant wildlife throughout the forest. It stands out as a premier destination for wilderness hiking and outdoor adventure in Michigan.