Discover the Nature of West Michigan: Best Hiking Trails in Saugatuck
From easy to moderate trails, the rolling dunes of the Saugatuck State Park and the surrounding areas create an atmosphere to bond with nature and your friends and family. Bask in the calming landscapes of Saugatuck and breathtaking views of the lake from sunrise to sunset.
Mount Baldhead
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Length: 1 mile loop
This 1 mile loop trail is perfect for a fun for hike. There are also steps that bring you up to the summit where you can see breathtaking views of Lake Michigan. There are 15 flights, with seats for resting at the end of every other flight. After catching your breath, you can simply hike back down the steps or you can choose one of the three trails down to Oval Beach.
Livingston Loop
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Length: 0.9 mile loop
This loop is full of wooded area and takes you along part of the lake. It’s a mix of easy and moderate trail and a wonderful way to see the lake and natural areas of Saugatuck. Enter the trail, take the immediate right, and follow the red signs. You can walk to the shore on this trail and follow to the beach.
North Trail
Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult
Length: 2 mile loop
A beautiful and short hike to the lake. You’ll walk through a wooded area by passing a small pond and then there are two loop options. The inner loop consists of mostly packed sand in beautiful, wooded areas with tall pine trees. The outer loop offers wide open vistas, rolling dunes, and soft sand.
South Trail
Difficulty: More Difficult
Length: 5.2 mile loop
This trail is an adventurous one to explore the state park with a beach access point and view of the lake. Enjoy a rigorous hike involving a good deal of hiking up and down small hills with lots of soft sand. South Trail is a less crowded option due to length and degree of difficulty.
Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area
Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult
Length: 3 mile loop
This nature filled trail begins at Oval Beach. The area encompasses 173 acres of dunes, forest, and wetlands. It’s bordered by Lake Michigan, the Kalamazoo River, and a woodland area. There are beautiful views looking east to the Crow’s Nest, south to the lagoon, and west to the lake.
