Lawton MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Lawton, Michigan.
1. Kal-Haven Trail State Park
RAIL TRAIL ADVENTURE
Kal-Haven Trail State Park offers a scenic 33.5-mile rail-trail experience connecting South Haven and Kalamazoo. Visitors enjoy walking, hiking, biking, and even cross-country skiing along this mostly flat trail that passes through farmland, woodlands, and charming rural communities. The trail features multiple access points, making it easy to customize hike length for any skill level.
2. Al Sabo Preserve
WETLAND FOREST WALK
Al Sabo Preserve features over 25 miles of hiking trails winding through woods, marshes, and boardwalks just northeast of Lawton. The preserve is a haven for wildlife watchers and birding enthusiasts, with tranquil paths leading to peaceful lookout points and wetlands. Its varied terrain and close proximity make it a favorite escape for both casual walkers and serious hikers.
3. Phillips Family Memorial Nature Sanctuary
NATURE SANCTUARY ESCAPE
The Phillips Family Memorial Nature Sanctuary in Lawton offers a quiet forested retreat ideal for gentle hikes and wildlife spotting. Its well-maintained trails meander through oak and maple woods, often providing glimpses of local flora and fauna. This sanctuary is a peaceful option for those looking for a serene, close-to-home nature experience.
4. Ely Lake Park
LAKESIDE FOREST HIKES
Ely Lake Park, located near Marcellus, features a mix of wooded and lakeside trails that are perfect for family hikes. The park's paths wind among mature hardwoods and offer access to Ely Lake, ideal for tranquil nature strolls. Visitors often enjoy picnics and birdwatching in this quiet, natural setting.
5. Dowagiac Woods Nature Sanctuary
SPRING WILDFLOWER HAVEN
Dowagiac Woods Nature Sanctuary is a renowned wildflower and old-growth forest destination near Dowagiac. The sanctuary's hiking trails offer outstanding spring wildflower displays alongside rich birdlife and towering trees. Hikers can enjoy peaceful meanders along its shaded, well-marked loops.
6. Van Buren State Park and Trail Spur
DUNES AND FOREST TRAILS
Van Buren State Park, just south of South Haven, connects to the Van Buren Trail Spur and features forested and dune trails. The pathways wind through shaded woods and offer hiking opportunities along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Beach access and scenic picnic areas make this a top spot for a variety of outdoor activities.
7. Dune Succession Trail
DUNE CLIMB CHALLENGE
The Dune Succession Trail, located at Warren Dunes State Park in Sawyer, is a renowned 0.6-mile loop that showcases Michigan's dramatic sand dunes. Hikers climb steep grades to reach expansive views over Lake Michigan and descend through forested stages of dune succession. Interpretive signs along the way explain the unique ecosystem, making this a favorite educational outing.
8. Crow's Nest/Tallmadge Woods Trail
ELEVATED FOREST VIEWS
Crow's Nest/Tallmadge Woods Trail in Saugatuck offers a 1.7-mile adventure through mature woods topped by a scenic overlook. The trail ascends to an observation point providing panoramic views of the Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area and Lake Michigan. With a mix of vigorous climbing and tranquil wooded paths, it's a rewarding hike for all levels.
9. Beech Tree Loop
EASY FAMILY LOOP
The Beech Tree Loop near Three Rivers is a gentle 0.9-mile circuit ideal for families and beginners. Surrounded by tall beech and maple trees, it guides hikers through lush forest with frequent wildlife sightings. Its short distance and gentle terrain make it perfect for a quick and relaxing nature outing.
10. Wakazoo Trail (Northwest Trail)
LONG WOODED TREK
The Wakazoo Trail, also known as the Northwest Trail, in Portage spans 11.4 miles through a blend of woodlands and open fields. This trail is favored by long-distance hikers and runners for its peaceful, natural setting and diverse habitats. Multiple entry points allow for a range of hiking distances within this scenic corridor.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
TOP STATE TRAIL PICKS
Best Michigan Hiking encompasses the state's premier hiking destinations, from renowned state parks to preserved forests and unique geological features. Popular trails traverse dunes, lakeshores, dense forests, and rolling hills, offering something for every skill level in every season. Michigan is celebrated for its accessible and well-maintained network of trails that showcase the natural diversity of the Great Lakes region.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
COASTAL TRAIL ADVENTURES
Michigan Shoreline Hiking highlights the outstanding trails along Lake Michigan and other Great Lakes shorelines, where sandy beaches and coastal dunes meet forested paths. These trails provide breathtaking water views and opportunities for beachcombing, wildlife observation, and unique geological exploration. Hikers can experience picturesque sunsets, dramatic bluffs, and tranquil lakeside forests on these iconic routes.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED TRAIL RETREATS
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems refers to those lesser-known trails that offer solitude, abundant wildlife, and pristine natural settings. These out-of-the-way paths wind through quiet forests, remote nature preserves, and hidden wetlands, perfect for birdwatching and peaceful hikes. Hikers seeking seclusion and a deeper connection with nature will find these understated trails especially rewarding.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE TRAILS
Michigan Autumn Hiking showcases the state's finest trails for experiencing vibrant fall foliage in hardwood forests and hilly landscapes. These routes are especially popular in October, offering colorful displays of red, orange, and gold against crystal blue lakes and rivers. Visitors flock to these trails for leaf-peeping, photography, and crisp autumn air surrounded by breathtaking seasonal color.
15. Ottawa National Forest
WILDERNESS TRAIL PARADISE
Ottawa National Forest in Michigan's Upper Peninsula offers hundreds of miles of rugged hiking trails through deep woods, wild rivers, and pristine lakes. The forest features both short nature walks and challenging backpacking routes, with opportunities for solitude and encounters with wildlife. Hikers can explore waterfalls, old-growth forests, and scenic vistas that epitomize Michigan's wilderness heritage.