Fun hike in the woods that lead to the sand dunes. There’s a trail that will take you right down to the lake. It’s fairly flat and improved surface so most people can take advantage of this access to see the lake and dunes. I chose the trails through the woods and adventures on some of the non-marked trails that are in the network. These lead to the tops of the dunes where you can get a great view of the lake and dune ecosystem from above. Then there’s a trail that will lead you down the sand dunes out through the grassy area right to the water. Be sure to wear proper footwear for this hike as you have dirt, sand, mud, water and more to work through

Amazing little hike to the beach. Easy to get around, perfect to have an outing with the family (there are few hills, wouldn’t recommend for people that have walking difficulties).The beach is absolutely beautiful and untouched, very natural and peaceful. We went off season, so we were pretty much the only people there.This is a must go if you are in Saugatuck.

Love this place. Lots of off the main trail exploration opportunities. Lots to offer for families with children yet seclusion for a serious hikes are available. Note that as you might expect there is lots of sand making any longish hikes that much more difficult. Oh and get there early as the parking lot fills quickly.

This was a pretty nice hike. Not at all difficult, it was the perfect way to enjoy the outdoors. We saw many children out with their parents, some as young as 2! We hiked the South trail out to the beach and then walked the beach up to the Livingston trail, for a 4-mile route. The forest was very pretty and the trail very well marked for easy navigation.Before the hike, we grabbed a sandwich from Farmhouse for a beach picnic. Highly recommend!After our 4-miler, we set off on the North trail to the beach, where we relaxed for a few hours before returning along the North trail to grab a refreshment from Saugatuck Brewing!This is the perfect way to spend a late summer/early fall day in the area!!

A great way to see nature and get some awesome hiking accomplished. Lots of trails and beautiful landscapes to keep you busy, its a good little hike to the water, so come prepared if you start at the North Trail. Or Beach Trail at the entrance. Dont go dragging grandma around if you can help it.

This is a must visit while in town!! So beautiful here and relaxing. You could spend all day here and enjoy all it has to offer! Great views ! Highly recommend stopping and enjoying some time here. Will definitely be back!

Only in Michigan where youll find a beautiful forest right next to a beautiful beach. The hikes are short and fun, especially with kids. When you get closer to the lake, it turns from dirt to sand, so wear appropriate shoes. We hiked the beach trail, and my 2 year old walked for about half of it. I wouldnt say the beach is a beach. There arent great places to lay but the water is definitely fun.

I love this place! You can see beautiful sunset here. Depending on your preference, you can choose to do a short hike to get to the beach or a long hike for those who enjoy it!I went in the afternoon and it was not crowded at all and I was able to social distance in the beach.

Great hiking trails leading to a beautiful beach! It is a quite a long trek with a few hills so make sure you are ready for that! Beach is narrow but we were able to find a nice patch to spread out on. Lots of fun pups enjoying the water! Our dog, however, chose to rest on her towel! We parked outside of the official park area for free and walked right in!

Such a beautiful state park! I went on a Friday afternoon and it wasn’t very busy. There is a lot of parking and a lot of different areas you can swim, so if it was busier I don’t think it would feel too crowded.It’s dog friendly; dogs just must be on-leash. It’s about a 0.6 mile hike to the beach if you go to the closest beach area. It’s not too steep of a trail but it’s sandy towards the beach.

Great trails am enough parking for people to spread out a bit.

Well this park is kind of surprising. I was driving towards Chicago and saw a state park sign and went there without any plan. It looked like a park ended and the lake started. I took a chance and tried to find the lake. Followed other people and where they are coming from wearing swimming costumes! So you start walking towards the forest. Then youve to go uphill for like .4 miles. And then you go down hill for another .2 miles to the beach. Now dont wear your trainers all the way. You need beach sandals once you reach the sandy downhill. This might seem too mich work to reach the beach but trust me, the view youll see at the end, youll think its worth it! (Please choose to go on a sunny day)

Best state park in West Michigan. If you dont have license plate pass you can park at Dorr E. Felt Manor/Shore Acres Township Park and use connector trail. Look out for patches of prickly pear cactus that grow wild on dunes by disc golf course, usually bloom in June along with yuccas.

Loved the trail but it wasnt marked very well and if we werent using AllTrails map we wouldve been lost several times.

Gorgeous views and challenging hikes. Pro tip: double socks to keep sand off your feet.

This place is a nice for a hike in a forest and to the beach. Beaches are dramatically reduced by high water levels so enjoy what you can. It is way more quiet and closer to nature than Oval Beach in Saugatuck.

I love it here. Super clean beaches. I enjoy going off the beaten path. One of my favorite places to hike!

Very busy on a warm mid November morning. Very few people wearing masks.

The hike is very beautiful and scenic. It takes you to an amazing strip of beach with great water access. However be prepared for a good work out with sandy trails. Next time I come I am going to pack up some beach essentials and hang out for hours. Definitely a most do!

Beautiful day! Took the Beach Trail to the beach. Great views. Not much beach since Lake level is very high. 2.5 miles RT. A little elevation change but nothing strenuous.

Wonderful park with well maintained trails, though the trails could be a bit better marked. Only a handful of people which was really nice

This is a gorgeous park! There is a nice walk through the woods (.6miles or so) before you get to the beach. The trails are clear, so you wont get lost. There is a long, sandy stretch of beach along the coast, but there is very little sand between the coast and the dunes/forest, so it was incredibly crowded when we went. A few fallen trees by the shore made it hard to walk across the beach - the tree limbs right next to the dunes blocked what little walkway existed in some places. There are no bathrooms by the beach (and it would be a long walk back just for a bathroom break), so plan accordingly. It is overall still a great place with a very nice view.

A great hike for our family, our teenage boys enjoyed climbing up and down the dunes. The walk through the pines to get to the beach was beautiful.

Love hiking the dunes. Weekdays its peaceful and quiet. Tends to get packed during the weekends and tourist season. And unfortunately the beach is disappearing quickly and taking part of the dunes with it.

The park really represents Michigans rustic beauty. I love the forest trail to the beach. Definitely pack light when going here, its a decent walk. Nice sandy beaches with dunes to climb. Love it!

The lake was awesome! But the beach is so steep that it made it difficult to get out of the water and back up to our site. Also, its a fairly long hike just to get to the beach from the parking area. But they had nice facilities, the trail and facilities were kept up well, and the beach itself wasnt too busy with people.

Many trails! Some parts are easy with dirt paths. Most are sand and uphill. Cash to get in.

The trail to the beach was kind of long and had lots of hills but it was peaceful and beautiful. I would not recommend this beach as a place for families with small children if your children can’t walk the trail or dunes on their own, especially if you’re carting a bunch of beach things (chairs, towels, toys, etc). By the time we got to the lake, there weren’t many flat areas to set up and in some areas, the drop down to the beach is steep. I was nervous my preschooler might fall going down or have a tough time getting back up. Overall, I can see the positives of the place but I wouldn’t go back with my young kids.

Well maintained at all points. Spacious parking lot with a nice area with tables to eat at. Between the parking lot and the beach there is a short trail that is an easy hike with a couple additional trails to explore. the beach is spacious with tons of little nooks to explore.

Beautiful trails. Great for the kids to gwt outside and see some of our beautiful Michigan scenery. The beach was lovely. Friendly hikers and adorable children everywhere. I know we found this place a delightful way to enjoy a summer day.

Beautiful hike out to the lake. Be prepared. It is a long hike. Lots of ups and downs. Well marked so youll stay on track because there are a few forks along the way. Some tall dunes at the lakeshore. Not much beach this year! (2020). The water levels are really high. The water drops off fairly quickly and has no rocky areas to deal with.

There are lots of people but lots of trails and everything was clean. Loved walking the beach trail and putting my feet in the water. The trails could be better marked.

Absolutley beautiful place! The beach ia a bit narrow as the area is surrounded by sand dunes. Be ready for a short hike through the woods to get to the beach but it is well worth it once you get there!

Great location for a hike in the woods and time on the beach. Our kids love to run and jump on the dunes.

It is serene and peaceful. A good private feeling beach to unwind whatever is stressing you or to have a care free day of swimming, dune climbing, and sun filled relaxation.

Very cool lighthouse! Lots of people wind surfing at this beach.

Very beautiful, has short and long trails in the woods and in the sand area. We had a lot of fun hiking here

Absolutely beautiful... great trails. Would be nice if they had better bathrooms.

Short hike to the beach, north loop only takes 30-40 mins and is beautiful. The trail is sandy I would recommend stable footwear instead of flip flops or sandals.

Great beach! Have to walk quite a ways so not ideal for wagons/strollers. There is not a lot of shoreline or room to set up chairs/towels for the day but it’s also a LOT less crowded than other beaches in the area. Water was great and shallow for quite a ways out.

Portapotties, black on beach probably from fire s, nice hike about 1/2 mile to beach. Nice frontage on lake mi. Probably not a good idea for young children because the trail has some cliff like drops. No facilities at beach, water is high

The north trail seems to lead to much better dunes. About a 1 mile walk from car to beach. Was all together very fun and pretty.

The Saugatuck Dunes State Park is the perfect beach. No matter what time of day you go, there is enough room for everyone. This beach is huge and contains some areas with privacy and other areas with none. You can bring the family or go by yourself. Highly recommended!

Been going to Saugatuck for years- not as much shoreline as before but still good. Sunsets are the best and the super long hike to get there is so worth it. Awesome sand dunes and pines. Enjoy!

Its a nice trail to walk (about 1 mile) to get to the beach...that view is spectacular!!

Beautiful dunes, but would not recommend for a weekend trip during Covid.

Great place for trail walks. A walk to beach is always better with nature. Clear paths that are marked. Great view.

Wonderful trails & beautiful beach. Need some park bench or any seating near beach to knock off sand, pack, etc. after long walk to the beach!

Such an awesome trail. Great way to spend a few hours or even the whole day down at the beach.

Nice walk to the beach. Not much beach left so you’ll have to set up in the dunes or walk north up the beach for more space. Very crowded but nice people and swimming.

Every trail at the Saugatuck Dunes State Park is beautiful, but my personal favorite is the North Trail, starting on the very outer loop and returning on the very inner loop. You get to experience several different landscapes in a single hike - both deciduous and evergreen trees, wide open dunes, tall jack pines, and the beach. Weve done the distance with young children and with a toddler in a trail pack several times, and its challenging and long enough to feel rewarding, without running into lots of whining and Are we done yet?s. Love having this resource so close to home!

BEAUTIFUL AND SO FUN! My only problem is that signage on the trails and in the parking lot arent clear about which trail is which and goes where. Most of them lead to the beach but the most direct route is still unknown to me.

The park is an unmanned location offering some pretty nice hiking trails that lead out to lake Michigan. When I was there the trail maps were gone and I did not notice the downloadable trail map sign at the entrance. it would not have helped because my phone did not have Cellular connection at that point. that led to me getting lost a few times on the trails because they are not clearly marked and without a map its hard to know which trail goes where. The trails were gorgeous wide and just enchanting to walk along. the walk along the beach also forced me to walk on the beach grasses because the lake level was so high and I was a bit conflicted about that. All in all it was a great hiking adventure, I got to see some deer and plenty of squirrels, and the views of the lake were outstanding. It would be a very hard walk to get to the beach with small children along the trails at I walked upon, but there may be other ways to get there that I didnt find.

One of my favorite west Michigan beaches. A bit of a walk so dont bring there kitchen sink but even on major holidays youll have space between you and your neighbor. Nice trail to the beach but the sand down to the beach in the dinner is screaming hot especially in the afternoon.

This place requires you to hike for about a mile to actually touch the water. But the inviting waters of Lake Michigan makes it all worth it! Loved watching the sunset!

Beautiful scenery. Could be marked better, especially through the dunes on the south trail.

Wonderful park with nice shaded trails through the woods. Follow the trails all the way to the beach and storefront, then cool off on the walk back to the parking area. Great experience and a wonderful way to get outdoors to enjoy the nice weather. Will be back for sure!

We stopped out on a Saturday evening when the crowds were just dying down. Its a bit of a walk to get to the dunes but completely worth it. Stay late for the sunset!

Great beach, could use more parking and better trail markings.

So gorgeous place I walked 10 minutes to get to the beach but it is so gorgeous that it really is worth

Beautiful, short fall hike. People of all ages were enjoying Lake Michigan.

Many miles of excellent trails and access to Lake Michigan.Dogs ARE allowed.

The hike from the parking lot to the beach with a wagon full was grueling. Then you get there and find out you have to hike up and down a dune just to get to the water. Plus, there are no bathrooms at the beach!! The water was beautiful and so much fun but definitely not worth the hike

Never really crowded. Nice walk through a forest area before you get to the beach. Stunning view at the top

Peaceful trails leading to a beautiful beach.

A wonderful place for hiking out to the dunes and the lakeshore.

Great place to hike and visit the beach. Dirt walk ways. The beach is probably close to a mile from parking. Free with the state park tag. Great views. Peaceful.

The beaches are narrower than usual because of the unusually high water. Many trees have fallen toward the lake in the storms so some restricted access for walking the beach but most open and beautiful. The picnic area only has two tables out so not as nice for many families. Still a great stop.

My wife and I stopped here while visiting Saugatuck for the day. At first, we thought it was going to be a tiny little park with not much to do simply due to the size of the parking lot. Well, there really isnt that much to do, but its perfect. The park is so beautiful and all that is needed are trails. Thats what this place has. The trails are well cared for and the scenery is gorgeous. Take your pick of several trails that make loops out to the lake. I believe there are two or three that are 2.5 mile loops and one that is 5 miles?? I dont remember paying too close attention to the map...I dont recall seeing anywhere that you could grill food, but we werent looking for that. If there are grills there and I missed it, thats my bad.Being from out of state (Indiana), we had to pay nine dollars to get in, but that was worth it. The only thing I wished for was more time to be able to spend here as it was really a very beautiful park. Michigan sure has a lot of treasures close by. The dunes that are all along Lake Michigans coast are all well worth visiting. This park is definitely worth a stop. You will not regret it!

VERY NICE LOVE NATURE AND OUTSIDE LIFE!!! ME AND WIFEY TRULY HAD A WONDERFUL TIME!!

Beautiful place to hike. When the water is high there isnt much public beach space (but beaches are boring) :-)

Great place for a hike. Lots of trails to choose from. Beautiful wooded area includes trails leading to the beach and marked ski trails.

Such a great combination of having a small hike with a beach on the other side. Nice clean, small beach.

Incredible views during the hike from parking lot to beach(wear decent shoes, it was approximately a mile) but clean and gorgeous

Its nothing special special but its still nice. The hike takes very long and I feel like its not worth it unless youre someone who enjoys hiking but me, being unathletic (gets lots of mosquito bites easily as well) and also enjoys the beach, didnt care for it and found it more as a bother. If you need to go back to the car for any reason youd have to go on the trails back while also getting bit by mosquitos (although not everyone got them). Its nice and has a bit of dunes but is a but over packed (the day I went).

About a 15 min walk to the beach. Steep dunes to get down to the beach. Once you are where you want to be, it is beautiful!! The water has a sand bar and you can go pretty far out.

This is my favorite spot in Michigan to view some dunes and an epic coastline. Parking is easy, safe and free. You walk about a mile thru gorgeous woods with a sandy bottom, lined with redwood (lookealike) trees ... Woods end in an epic dune climb that opens to Lake Michigan. Felt Mansion can be seen from numerous areas and it gives the whole area a retro / Capone era feel.

This place is magical. Beautiful sunset

Beautiful trails, some challenging and some easy. This is truly the definition of Michigan hiking. Because if how the trails are layed out, there was barely anyone else on the trails. Definitely lots of sand on the north loop, so be prepared for a tougher hike, which is exactly what I wanted :-)

The trails arent marked great so got lost for no less than a mile. Had to ask for help several times on the 4th try we found a nice couple that walked us to the right path. The walk was still quite the hike while carrying a cooler, beach items and a dog. The walk up the dunes was no fun for me, Im not in horrible shape but also not the best so be prepared to be exhausted. The beach was beautiful and the dog loved it. But Im personally never going back

Nice 15 minute walk to reach the beach and dunes. Unfortunately, over the last couple of years, the beach has eroded to where the beach is only a fraction of what it used to be. Also, many trees have fallen due to errosion, so it is a challenge to walk the beach for longer distances.

The trail from the parking lot to the beach is pleasant. The last leg is a steep, loose sand dune climb. Pit toilets in the parking lot and one near the beach. Water pump in the parking lot.

The best home park trails - songlad I live nearby!

Long stretch of beautiful beachfront, but its about a 0.5 mile hike from the lot. There are also miles of wonderful hiking trails covering both dune and forest landscapes.

Awesome place! Its a little bit of a walk to get to the beach but it is soooooo worth it. More room to spread out so you are not on top of anyone. Deff recommend!!!!

Miles and miles of beautiful trails. Massive amounts of sandy lakeshore. My favorite state park.

Enjoyed the view and the water

Nice family friendly hike (would not recommend stollers) to lakeside Beach, note its not much of a beach with about 20ft tops of sand but enough.

Graffiti is interesting. Needs better map

Lovely view and a great time! The hike to the beach is very beautiful and it was a trip very well worth taking!

It is a beautiful place to visit. Lots of trails and there is even a disk golf course. The walk to the beach was quite long! Its about a 2.5 mile walk going up and down pertty steep trails. So just a heads up for the elderly and family with smaller children.

The disc course here is great! A little extra challenging because of the wind which makes it fun.

Really nice! fun place to go with family and kids

After about a mile walk on a soft dirt and sand, quiet wooded trail, I arrived at a large sand dune. I struggled over the dune and wasnt disappointed for my effort; at the top, I found myself on the beach of Lake Michigan. Along the lake, I could hike for miles in either direction. There were also several miles of different paths throughout the park. The park wasnt deserted during the day, but it wasnt crowded either. Parking was fairly cheap. The park was easy to find and only about a 45 minute drive from Grand Rapids.

Just beautiful pure Michigan, but be prepared for long walk to beach with lots of hills.

Lovely place. Kids had a ton of fun. Water isnt as clear as northern spots but still beautiful. Spent 7hrs there. Not overly populated. Be prepared for a small hike to get to the beach.

Great view and even better sunset. Sand is so clean and natural. Hard to imagine you are in Michigan.

We are lucky to have so many great trails in the area. One of my favorites is the South Loop at Saugatuck Dunes State Park. Five miles with a little bit of everything in the area. Because of the distance, there are usually less people at the beach... once you get there.

Lots of different trails through the woods to Lake Michigan. Shortest is about a mile there and back. Longest is about 6.5 miles. Weve always seen some type of wildlife (snakes, deer, etc) this is our favorite place to go for a trek through the woods! Also, very dog friendly :)

A nice hike plus a treat by the beach. Had a wonderful time trekking thru the dunes. Even had a chance to see a deer!