For lovely forest and lakeshore views, explore these 3 beautiful hiking trails in Grand Haven, Michigan.
Must-See Hiking Trails in Grand Haven, Michigan
- Rosy Mound Natural Area
- Kirk Park
- Hofma Preserve
Map of Hiking Trails in Grand Haven, Michigan
Rosy Mound Natural Area
13925 Lakeshore Ave, Grand Haven, MI 49417
Parking: Large, paved parking lot
Restrooms: Modern restrooms in parking lot (open seasonally), vault toilets by beach
Dog-friendly: No, dogs are not allowed
Stroller-Friendly: No, there are lots of steps here at Rosy Mound – a baby carrier would be better
Fee: Ottawa County Parks Pass or $8 daily fee required from Memorial Day-Labor Day
Perfect for you if… you love a good stair climb for a gorgeous view of Lake Michigan
A Scenic Journey to Lake Michigan at Rosy Mound
Rosy Mound Natural Area is one of my all-time favorite spots for hiking. The main trail is 1.5 miles out and back from the trailhead by the parking lot out to Lake Michigan.
Your journey to the beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline will start through the backdune forest. The trail contains lots of wooden stairs as you go up and down the dunes, but there are scenic lookouts and benches to catch your breath. Definitely a good cardio workout!
Once you make it out to the lakeshore, additional boardwalk trails guide you through the sandy dunes and beach area.
For even more hiking at Rosy Mound, there is also a short 0.5 mile Acorn Trail close to the parking area. The Acorn Trail is a flat, accessible trail through the woods.
Kirk Park
9791 Lakeshore Ave, West Olive, MI 49460
Parking: Large paved parking lot
Restrooms: Modern restrooms in parking lot (open seasonally)
Dog-friendly: Yes, dogs are welcome on the beach during set hours and on-leash on trails
Stroller-Friendly: There is one short, paved path out to the beach, but most of the trails are sandy and have wooden stairways along the way
Fee: Ottawa County Parks Pass or $8 daily fee required from Memorial Day-Labor Day
Perfect for you if… want to visit a dog-friendly beach while hiking.
Easy Beach Access At Kirk Park
Kirk Park is a local outdoor gem. With picnic tables and grills, a small playground, easy beach access and some nice hiking trails, it’s easy to spend the whole day here.
While the trail system is not extensive at Kirk Park (about 1-2 miles total), the beauty of the area makes it a must-visit park. Similar to Rosy Mound, the Kirk Park trails involve lots of wooden steps up and down natural trails through the dunes.
One bonus of a Kirk Park visit is the easily accessible beach, just a short paved walk from the parking lot. At the beach overlook, make sure to check out the educational signs explaining the unique freshwater dunes in West Michigan.
Enjoy the Dog-Friendly Kirk Park
Another big draw of Kirk Park is the dog beach. If you want to explore Lake Michigan hiking trails with your best canine buddy, Kirk Park is the place for you.
During high traffic times, be mindful that dog access is more limited:
- May 1 – September 30: Limited dog beach hours are in effect (dogs are not allowed on the beach between 10am-6pm)
- October 1 – April 30: Dogs are allowed on Kirk Park beach off-leash; they must remain leashed on-trail
Hofma Preserve
16295 Sleeper St, Grand Haven, MI 49417
Parking: Medium paved parking lot
Restrooms: Modern restrooms in parking lot (open seasonally)
Dog-friendly: Yes, dogs are welcome on-leash
Stroller-Friendly: Somewhat, the terrain is fairly flat, but the trails are natural, dirt trails
Fee: No fee
Perfect for you if… you like lots of short trail options.
Stroll Through Wetlands & Wildlife at Hofma Preserve
With miles of hiking trails, a pavilion, and playground area, Hofma Preserve is an awesome spot for an outdoor adventure. Make sure to walk over the unique floating wooden boardwalk through a wetlands area, which is perfect for watching wildlife.
At Hofma Preserve, the trails are well-marked with lots of short connecting paths. There’s plenty of flexibility to hike a short loop or continue on to do several miles.
Happy Hiking!
I hope you enjoy your next adventure exploring these hiking trails in Grand Haven, Michigan!
For more beautiful West Michigan hiking trails check out:
