Spring Lake MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Spring Lake, Michigan.
1. Lakeside Trail
SCENIC LAKEFRONT LOOP
Lakeside Trail offers a picturesque, paved pathway that loops around Spring Lake, providing over 12 miles of accessible hiking and biking with beautiful water views. The trail is well-lit year-round and links directly to regional parks and downtown destinations, making it ideal for casual strolls or extended excursions. Hikers enjoy gentle terrain, frequent benches, and easy connections to North Beach Park and Grand Haven.
2. North Bank Trail
REGIONAL CONNECTOR PATH
The North Bank Trail is a developing rail-trail connecting Spring Lake to neighboring communities like Nunica and Grand Haven, with seamless links to the Lakeside Trail. Its smooth, flat route offers hikers a peaceful journey through woodlands, meadows, and rural landscapes. The trail is perfect for those seeking longer hikes and easy access to Ottawa County's network of paths.
3. Rycenga Park Trails
FOREST & WETLAND WALKS
Rycenga Park features a network of wooded and wetland trails, ideal for those looking to explore varied ecosystems just minutes from downtown Spring Lake. Hikers can enjoy quiet paths beneath mature trees, wildlife spotting, and interpretive signage that enhances the natural experience. The park also offers family-friendly amenities like playgrounds and picnic areas for post-hike relaxation.
4. Rosy Mound Natural Area
DUNES AND BEACH VIEWS
Rosy Mound Natural Area provides an unforgettable hike through rare dune ecosystems, featuring shaded boardwalks, sandy climbs, and stunning Lake Michigan overlooks. The trail leads visitors through forested areas out to a quiet beach, perfect for a peaceful nature retreat. Varying terrain and natural beauty make this an iconic Ottawa County hiking destination.
5. Chinook Pier Park Trail
WATERFRONT URBAN HIKE
Chinook Pier Park Trail offers a lively walking route along Grand Haven's picturesque waterfront, with easy access to the iconic South Pier and lighthouse. The path is popular for short, scenic strolls and connects to dining, shopping, and marina attractions. It's a great option for hikers wanting a mix of nature and local activity along the lakeshore.
6. North Ottawa Dunes
EXPANSIVE DUNE TRAILS
The North Ottawa Dunes trail system features more than 10 miles of interconnected sandy paths winding through dramatic dunes, forests, and ridges near Lake Michigan. Hikers are rewarded with panoramic lake and woodland views, as well as unique opportunities to observe local flora and fauna. This area is ideal for those seeking longer hikes or trail running adventures.
7. Hoffmaster State Park
DUNE & FOREST TRAILS
Hoffmaster State Park boasts miles of sandy and forested trails, including the scenic Dune Climb Stairway and educational nature center. Trails weave through towering dunes, hardwood forests, and lead to a pristine Lake Michigan beach. The park's well-marked routes suit both casual hikers and those seeking more challenging terrain.
8. Muskegon State Park Trails
LAKE VIEWS AND WOODS
Muskegon State Park offers an extensive trail system with loops through wooded ridges, coastal dunes, and along the shores of Lake Michigan and Muskegon Lake. Hikers enjoy ever-changing vistas, from forested glens to panoramic beach overlooks. The park's diverse scenery makes it a favored destination for nature lovers year-round.
9. Grand Haven State Park Boardwalk
ICONIC BEACH WALKWAY
Grand Haven State Park Boardwalk is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, stretching along sandy beaches out to the famous pier and lighthouse. This flat, accessible trail is perfect for casual walks at sunset, people watching, or enjoying sweeping views of Lake Michigan. Its location at the heart of Grand Haven makes it a perennial favorite for locals and visitors alike.
10. Hemlock Crossing
RIVERSIDE WOODLAND TRAILS
Hemlock Crossing features miles of peaceful trails along the banks of the Pigeon River, winding through mature forests, wetlands, and open meadows. Interpretive centers and observation decks enhance the hiking experience, offering insights into local ecology and birdwatching opportunities. This Ottawa County park is known for its tranquility and woodland beauty.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
TOP TRAILS IN MICHIGAN
Best Michigan Hiking encompasses a diverse range of the state's most popular and scenic trails, from forested state park loops to rugged Upper Peninsula adventures. Hikers can experience sandy shorelines, tranquil inland woods, and dramatic waterfalls across Michigan's varied landscapes. These celebrated trails are ideal for adventurers looking to explore the very best of Michigan's natural beauty.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
COASTAL TRAILS & BEACHES
Michigan Shoreline Hiking highlights the best routes along Lake Michigan and other Great Lakes, featuring sandy beaches, dramatic dunes, and lakefront boardwalks. These trails are perfect for those seeking fresh air, stunning water views, and easy access to swimming or picnicking. Coastal hiking in Michigan offers a unique blend of relaxation, scenic beauty, and wildlife observation.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED & WILDLIFE TRAILS
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems consist of lesser-known trails found in remote forests, quiet preserves, and off-the-beaten-path natural areas. These secluded hikes offer tranquility, opportunities for wildlife viewing, and a chance to connect deeply with nature. They are perfect for hikers seeking peaceful walks away from the crowds.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL COLORS ADVENTURES
Michigan Autumn Hiking showcases the most spectacular fall foliage trails, where hikers can immerse themselves in vibrant displays of red, orange, and gold. Popular destinations include forested state parks, hilly ridges, and scenic overlooks perfect for leaf-peeping. These hikes make autumn the most colorful and breathtaking time to hit Michigan's trails.
15. Ottawa National Forest
WILDERNESS UPPER PENINSULA
Ottawa National Forest covers nearly one million acres in Michigan's Upper Peninsula and offers a vast network of hiking trails through deep woods, over sparkling rivers, and past dramatic waterfalls. Hikers experience pristine wilderness, abundant wildlife, and unparalleled solitude on trails like North Country Trail and Sturgeon River Gorge. This forest is an essential destination for those seeking rugged adventure and unspoiled natural beauty.