Now that summer is finally here to stay, the warm weather makes it the perfect time to go outside to enjoy nature. Luckily here in Michigan, there are so many great outdoor adventures you can go on from visiting the beaches of Lake Michigan to exploring the Upper Peninsula’s beautiful wonders. Personally, I really enjoy finding new trails to go hiking on. It is a perfect outdoor activity that people of all ages can enjoy whether you are very active or just want to get outside. You can choose to stay more in the city, venture out to the more rugged areas, or visit Lake Michigan. Here in West Michigan, there are truly so many different trails to take wonderful hikes on but here are some of the best trails narrowed down for you to visit in the area.
Reeds Lake Trail
Located in East Grand Rapids, the Reeds Lake Trail is a 4.5-mile trail in total that many avid runners enjoy. This trail is considered a more “city” like adventure as it will loop you around Reeds Lake itself and through a few different parks in the area. On a sunny day, you might see sailboats out on the lake to enjoy watching. Whether you want to take a scenic run, or you are pushing a stroller with kids, this trail offers the perfect balance of scenery and places to stop and take a break if needed. After you have conquered this trail, you will be right in the heart of downtown Reeds Lake offering a variety of restaurants, boutique shops, and more to enjoy.
Cascade Peace Park Trail
The Cascade Peace Park Trail resembles its name in many ways offering a very peaceful hike right in Ada township. This trail is more rugged as it runs right through the middle of the woods. The distance is a short 2.7 miles in total making it a quick and easy hike for anyone. Take in the natural beauty of the trees and woodsy area here. It is likely that you may encounter more wildlife on this trail than other people hiking. This is what makes it very peaceful and relaxing for hiking! This trail also allows dogs who are on a leash to go on the adventure with you.
P.J. Hoffmaster State Park
If you are looking to enjoy a nice hike and want to spend some time by the water, P.J. Hoffmaster State Park is for you! Located in Muskegon along the shores of Lake Michigan, you can hike through these trails for a workout with the end leading you to the water. There are a few different options you can choose from including a 1-mile to a 3-mile hike depending on what you want to do. There are a series of wooded trails that you can follow to ultimately reach Lake Michigan shores.
Saugatuck Dunes State Park
The Saugatuck Dunes State Park is one of my favorite hikes to take! The trails are secluded and surrounded by many trees and coastal dunes. You can find so many cool birds and plants along your hike to the water. The trail is 2.5 miles and is somewhat rugged terrain with hills and rocks. It’s the perfect trip to hike through the trails and then spend the afternoon down at the beach at the end!
If you have been hiking on any of these trails or think that there’s a better trail in West Michigan that didn’t make the list, please let me know below in the comments! Happy hiking.