Top 5 Hikes Near South Haven

Top 5 Hikes Near South Haven


Your Vintage Inn B&B room is booked, the car is packed, the pets are cared for, and the Lake Michigan shoreline weather is calling. But what to do first? There are so many sights to see in South Haven and you can’t go wrong with any sightseeing choices.

If you like being outdoors, wind in your hair and sun on your back, hiking a remote trail in the beautiful dunes and grasslands surrounding Lake Michigan…here are 5 of our best South Haven area hikes for you.

Van Buren State Park

If you’re looking for a great hike near South Haven, Michigan, you can’t go wrong with Van Buren State Park. The park offers over 10 miles of trails to explore, including a 2-mile loop that takes you through a beautiful hardwood forest. There are also several scenic overlooks where you can take in views of Lake Michigan and the surrounding area.

Van Buren State Park sandy path

Warren Dunes State Park

Warren Dunes State Park is another great option for those looking for a good hike near South Haven. The park has over 6 miles of trails, including a 1.5-mile loop that takes you through the dunes and along the shore of Lake Michigan. The park also has several towering sand dunes that are perfect for climbing and exploring

Warren Dunes State Park

Saugatuck Dunes State Park

Saugatuck Dunes State Park is a unique park just north of Saugatuck on the lake shore. The park has 13 miles of sandy trails, ranging from a 0.6 miles walk to the beach or a 5.5 mile loop. The park’s 300-acre Patty Birkholz Natural Area contains a coastal dune system and three endangered plant species. Felt Estate and Shore Acres Township Park are located adjacent to the park and feature a 2-mile mountain bike trail, a disc golf course and other outdoor recreation opportunities.

Saugatuck Dunes State Park sandy path at sunset

Black River Preserve

Black River Preserve’s deep ravines, beech-maple forests, streams, rolling uplands, and views of the big Black River provide visitors with a wide variety of southwest Michigan habitats in which to hike, snowshoe, cross-country ski, look for birds, or just enjoy being outdoors. There are 4 miles of easy to moderate hiking trails in this 121 acre preserve.

Black River Preserve

Mount Baldhead to Oval Beach

This one mile trek is HARD, but the rewards are many. The top of Mount Baldhead offers views of Lake Kalamazoo, Lake Michigan, and the surrounding rivers and towns. After summiting Baldy, you can hike down to Oval Beach to catch some rays. However, you do have to hike back UP Baldy to get back to your car.

Mount Baldhead to Oval Beach

If you’re planning a trip to the South Haven area (or have already booked your stay at the Vintage Inn Bed & Breakfast), put together an astonishing itinerary to the South Haven area lakeshore and Lake Michigan. You won’t be sorry!

Top 5 Hikes Near South Haven
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