The Great Lake State has an abundance of beautiful natural scenery. Visitors may feel a bit overwhelmed by just how many opportunities there are to go hiking and enjoy the wilderness just outside of their chosen vacation destination. For those staying in the town of Saugatuck along the shore of Lake Michigan, we’ve narrowed your many choices down to three hikes that we think will give you the best sampler of the watery wonderland that is Michigan.
The River Bluff Park Trail is an easy, scenic stroll.
Mitchel Yaciw/ alltrails.com At a distance of a mile and a half, this trail is a casual 30-40 minute walk through River Bluff Park. Not only is the trail pretty flat, but once you start it won’t be long before the trees close in to offer a nice shady canopy, so you don’t need to fear being exposed to too much sun while you hike this path.
The foliage never gets too overwhelming to block your view of the Kalamazoo River.
Raul Reyes/ alltrails.com There are plenty of places to potentially snap a photo of the natural beauty showcased in this park. From birds and other small wildlife to the wide river flowing next to you, you’ll be sure to head home with a plethora of beautiful snapshots to share with your loved ones.
Fishtown Trail is a hidden gem of a hike.
Babaamise Zaagabiwin/ alltrails.com Just a short stroll from the much more popular Mount Baldhead Trail is a nice looping path called Fishtown Trail. At just over a mile, it won’t take you long to complete if you are looking to fit a half-hour hike into your day. But you’ll probably stay longer to stop and admire the views.
So lovely you’ll almost forget you’re right next to a town.
Jennifer Foess-Halaas/ alltrails.com Fishtown Trail winds around the top of a pretty tall hill, so you’ll be able to see quite far from almost anywhere on the path. The trees can be a bit thick in places, so you might not be able to see all of the sights when the forest is in bloom. But who could fault the trees when they look so lovely covered in green.
These trails are open all year round so you can visit any time.
Babaamise Zaagabiwin/ alltrails.com Woods covered in snow have a unique beauty to them, so you’ll still enjoy a lovely setting even if you miss hiking these trails while the weather is warm. Just be mindful of any possible icy patches when there’s snow on the ground. Fishtown Trail is a bit hilly as well, so make sure you wear your good hiking boots no matter the season.
If you’re looking for a real trek, the Tallmadge Woods and Crows Nest are for you.
Austin McGregor/ alltrails.com This hike is 2.6 miles, so you’ll be walking for a good hour. And if you have difficulty with hiking up and down hills you may have to plan to take longer. But everyone who has taken this hike agrees the views are well worth it.
See three different bodies of water from one vantage point.
Isa Jara/ alltrails.com Lake Michigan is the biggest selling point of the Crows Nest overlook, but the Kalamazoo River and Oxbow Lagoon are also visible from the midpoint of this loop trail. All three are very photogenic no matter what time of year you visit, and a gorgeous backdrop for this elevated trek.
Have you tried any of these trails yourself? Perhaps you’ve hiked them all? We’d love to hear your thoughts on them in the comments!
Mitchel Yaciw/ alltrails.com
At a distance of a mile and a half, this trail is a casual 30-40 minute walk through River Bluff Park. Not only is the trail pretty flat, but once you start it won’t be long before the trees close in to offer a nice shady canopy, so you don’t need to fear being exposed to too much sun while you hike this path.
Raul Reyes/ alltrails.com
There are plenty of places to potentially snap a photo of the natural beauty showcased in this park. From birds and other small wildlife to the wide river flowing next to you, you’ll be sure to head home with a plethora of beautiful snapshots to share with your loved ones.
Babaamise Zaagabiwin/ alltrails.com
Just a short stroll from the much more popular Mount Baldhead Trail is a nice looping path called Fishtown Trail. At just over a mile, it won’t take you long to complete if you are looking to fit a half-hour hike into your day. But you’ll probably stay longer to stop and admire the views.
Jennifer Foess-Halaas/ alltrails.com
Fishtown Trail winds around the top of a pretty tall hill, so you’ll be able to see quite far from almost anywhere on the path. The trees can be a bit thick in places, so you might not be able to see all of the sights when the forest is in bloom. But who could fault the trees when they look so lovely covered in green.
Woods covered in snow have a unique beauty to them, so you’ll still enjoy a lovely setting even if you miss hiking these trails while the weather is warm. Just be mindful of any possible icy patches when there’s snow on the ground. Fishtown Trail is a bit hilly as well, so make sure you wear your good hiking boots no matter the season.
Austin McGregor/ alltrails.com
This hike is 2.6 miles, so you’ll be walking for a good hour. And if you have difficulty with hiking up and down hills you may have to plan to take longer. But everyone who has taken this hike agrees the views are well worth it.
Isa Jara/ alltrails.com
Lake Michigan is the biggest selling point of the Crows Nest overlook, but the Kalamazoo River and Oxbow Lagoon are also visible from the midpoint of this loop trail. All three are very photogenic no matter what time of year you visit, and a gorgeous backdrop for this elevated trek.
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Address: Saugatuck, MI 49453, USA
