{"id":14845,"date":"2019-09-13T15:41:48","date_gmt":"2019-09-13T15:41:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/souciehorner.com\/wickdev\/?p=14845"},"modified":"2019-09-13T15:41:51","modified_gmt":"2019-09-13T15:41:51","slug":"hike-the-trails-at-saugatuck-dunes-state-park","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/souciehorner.com\/wickdev\/hike-the-trails-at-saugatuck-dunes-state-park\/","title":{"rendered":"Hike The Trails & More At Saugatuck Dunes State Park"},"content":{"rendered":"

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How To Stumble Upon Stunning Scenery & Beautiful Views Of Lake Michigan<\/h2>\n

To hike the trails over Saugatuck’s dunes is sort of a right of passage.\u00a0 Maybe you already know that West Michigan has amazing golden sand beaches. But do you know about the towering sand dunes, part of the world’s largest freshwater dunes system, that provide amazing vistas? These 200-feet towers of sand look out over untouched wide open beaches.\u00a0 There are views like nowhere else in West Michigan.\u00a0 Lake Michigan, the third-largest of the great lakes, sparkles and shines with shades of brilliant blues. At the Saugatuck Dunes State Park, 2.5 miles of sandy, secluded Lake Michigan beach stretch out before you. 14 miles of trails wind their way through the 1000 acres of rolling, wooded dunes. All of this incredible natural beauty of the Saugatuck Dunes State Park<\/a> is less than 5 miles from Wickwood Inn. The “State Park,” a gem for locals and tourists alike, has been named One Of America\u2019s Most Endangered Historic Places, <\/strong>and we’re grateful for its pristine preservation.<\/p>\n

At the Saugatuck Dunes State Park you’re spared the lifeguard chairs, snack shacks, and playground equipment. Here, nature is the playground, and it is stunning.\u00a0 Sometimes, it’s so beautiful, you forget you’re in Michigan!<\/p>\n

Yes, getting to the beach on Lake Michigan involves a little effort.\u00a0 All good things do.\u00a0 However, if you take the most direct path, the beach is a 0.6 mile hike from the parking area. In this case, the joy is found in both the journey and the destination! There aren\u2019t many places in the state that can claim this much protected beach available for public access.<\/p>\n

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\u201cThose dunes are to the Midwest what the Grand Canyon is to Arizona and the Yosemite to California. They constitute a signature of time and eternity. Once lost, the loss would be irrevocable.\u201d
\n~ Carl Sandburg<\/h3>\n

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As you hike the trails and climb, notice the changes in the terrain.\u00a0 See the variation in trees, the songs of the birds, and the difference in plant species. There are 3 main trail loops on which you can hike, but each of these trails offers many different offshoots and variations for the more adventurous hiker. These trails are perfect to walk, run, snow shoe, or cross country ski.<\/p>\n

If it’s beach weather, you may reward yourself with losing track of time on the beach and in the water. Stroll. Nap. Look for lucky stones. Wait until sunset.\u00a0 Watch for the elusive and magical green flash before you hike the trails back.<\/p>\n

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“Climbing a dune is like walking up a down escalator, as many sand-savvy folks have noted…”
\n~ Lucinda Hahn, New York Times, ‘Out of the Blue’<\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n

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How To Hike The Trails Through Saugatuck Dunes State Park<\/h2>\n

To hike the trails follow the park’s 14-mile network of footpaths.\u00a0 The trails include three basic loops referred to on park maps as: North Trail, Beach Trail,\u00a0<\/strong>and\u00a0South Trail<\/strong>. All are wide paths and well-marked with location maps at almost every junction.<\/p>\n

Livingston Trail Loop:<\/h3>\n
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This loop is a combination of the\u00a0North Trail<\/strong>,\u00a0a beach walk<\/strong>\u00a0and a return via\u00a0Livingston Trai<\/strong>l. The moderate, 3.4-mile route offers a pleasant mix of open dunes and stands of pine and hardwoods. After you hike the trails for what seems like forever, it appears.\u00a0 A stunning image of the lake spills into view. You perch on the high, sandy bluffs and take in the gorgeous never-ending blue waters.\u00a0 Then you clamber, as one does, down the giant sand dunes.\u00a0 Finally, you stroll down a pristine, sandy beach for more than a mile.\u00a0 See our Saugatuck insider’s tips below.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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