Best Beach Hikes in West Michigan
West Michigan is home to one of the most beautiful lakes in the country, Lake Michigan. With that comes some amazing beach hiking trails that showcase the lake, the nature that surrounds it, and the communities that call it home. Below is a list of some of the best beach hiking trails in West Michigan.
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White Pine Trail
The longest trail in the Mitten state is right in West Michigan. The White Pine Trail is 92 miles long and runs from Cadillac to Comstock Park, with many businesses and fun things to do along the way. This paved trail offers beautiful views along with bike shops, restaurants, taverns, and hotels along the route. Enjoy wooded areas, bridges, fields, and so much more! Stop in some of the cities it runs through and see what they have to offer. Peek at the Rockford Farmer’s Market and grab some fresh, local food to chow on at one of the picnic areas offered along the route or stop in Belmont for ice cream. For a list of businesses along the route, head over to their website.
Grand Haven
Lakeshore Trail
Head over to Lakeshore Trail which is a 20-mile paved path that runs parallel to the west Michigan lakeshore all the way to Holland State Park. Travel through three Ottawa county beach parks and naturel areas. Rosy Mound Natural Area, Kirk Park, and Tunnel Park have so much to offer! The trail also follows a ridge of rolling dunes, beautiful tree lines, and much more. Explore this trail today!
Grand Haven Beach Walk
Looking for a short loop trail for a quick trip? Grand Haven Beach Walk is about one-and-a-half miles and is easily completed in just over 30 minutes. Stroll along the Grand Haven Beach, mosey towards the pier, and check out the lighthouse. Take this quick hike and spend your day at the beach enjoying the spectacular views and glistening water.
Warren Dunes State Park
Warren Dunes State Park offers a variety of trails with differing distances and views. The major plus side is that all of the trails are listed as moderate hikes. This means you get to challenge yourself a bit, while still not pushing yourself to the extreme. See the list of available trails below.
- Warren Dunes Trail: This trail takes just over an hour and a half to complete and is just under 5 miles in length.
- Warren Dunes Beach Trail: About 3.6 miles in length, this trail takes an estimated hour and 14 minutes to complete.
- Mount Randall Loop: This trail is about a 58-minute hike consisting of 2.1 miles of stunning views!
- Sandy Woods Dune Hike: Complete this mile-and-a-half of trails in just over 30 minutes!
Rosy Mountain Natural Area
Spend the day at Rosy Mountain Natural Area and enjoy hiking trails and boardwalks. Make your way to the swimming beach (walk to beach is strenuous), and hike up the stairways and deck to views of Lake Michigan. Bring your favorite foods and snacks and utilize the picnic tables and grills along the route. With modern restrooms near parking and rustic restrooms near beach, it’s a win-win for families with little ones. The trail to the shoreline is less than a mile followed by the 1000 feet of stairs up and down the dunes. For a different route, stroll down the dune boardwalk trail near the beach.
Saugatuck
Dunes State Park
With four different trails that total about 13 miles, you can enjoy as much or as little hiking as you choose at Dunes State Park. Labeled by different colors, the trails offered and their lengths are listed below.
- Saugatuck Dunes Beach Trail is marked yellow and is one-and-a-half miles long.
- Saugatuck Dunes Livingston Trail is marked red and is two-and-a-half miles long.
- Saugatuck Dunes North Trail marked white and is two-and-a-half miles long.
- Saugatuck Dunes South Trail is marked blue and is fine-and-a-half miles long.
The park also features a two mile mountain bike trail, a disc golf course, and other outdoor recreation opportunities.
Holland
Tunnel Park
Take a light stroll down the 480 foot paved path to Tunnel Beach and 240 foot sloped sand to Lake Michigan . If you’re looking for a different view or can’t make it down the sloped sand to the beach, head up the dune stairway and enjoy breath-taking scenic views of Lake Michigan. Make sure to check out the unique tunnel through a dune to the beach. The park does include a parking fee from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The fee is $8 per day or annual permits are available for purchase.
Muskegon
Muskegon State Park
This state park offers six different trails ranging from just under one mile to five miles. Choose how many you want to enjoy during your trip. The trails are listed below.
- Lost Lake Trail: Three Quarters of a Mile
- Devil’s Kitchen Trail: One Mile
- Scenic Ridge Trail: One-and-a-Quarter Mile
- Dune Ridge Trail: One and Three Quarters of a Mile
- Hearty Hiker Trail: One and Three Quarters of a Mile
- Loop to Loop Trail: Five Miles
Grand Rapids
Lake Leota Trail is just over four miles, is considered a super easy route, and is usually completed in just over an hour. It offers fishing, as well as hiking, along route. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash. Plus, there’s a paved walk with beach access! Benches and picnic tables are available along the route for breaks and snacks, so don’t worry about needing to take a breather!
Sandy Hansen Shoreline is a relatively short loop of about one-and-a-half miles, and is easily completed in about 30 minutes. It’s popular for hiking, road biking, and trail running. The trail is open year round and dog friendly, as long as your furry friend is leashed. The paved loop links to several other trails that may increase the length of your trip, if you decide you’re having too much fun to leave! Most sections are gentle grade but watch out because there are a couple of moderately steep sections.
Fennville
South Swan Creek Loop Trail is just over a five-and-a-half-mile loop and considered fairly easy. The average the complete the full route takes about two hours. This trail is a popular spot for birding, camping, and hiking.
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Betsy Connor
Betsy is a West Michigan native who loves all that the area has to offer. She spends her time taking advantage of the wide array of things to experience in the area, whether it be enjoying events with her family or savoring a delicious craft beer from a local brewery with her husband and friends.
