Trail Run Project Logo

A longer loop run at Hoffmaster State Park through the woods, along the lakeshore, and up to the Dune Viewing Platform.


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

2.5

Miles

4.0

KM

93%

Runnable

726' 221 m

High

581' 177 m

Low

270' 82 m

Up

271' 83 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

12%

Max Grade (7°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · Lake · Views

Overview

This loop starts from the main Genevieve Gillette Visitor Center parking area and heads south through the maple-beech forest on the Homestead Trail. After some manageable ups and downs, visitors will make their way west, descending toward the lakeshore for a leisurely stroll north along the beach before returning to the Visitor Center after a brief spur up the stairs to the Dune Viewing Platform.

Need to Know

Exposed sand can be hot in the sunny, warmer months of the year. Be cautious when visiting with a dog. Traveling through sand is tough, expect time and effort to be greater than traveling on hardpack dirt. Ticks, flies, and mosquitoes present in the wooded sections, especially when it's warm.

Description

For runners who like to save the best for last, look no further. This loop begins with a nice, undulating warmup from the Gillette Visitor Center southward on the Homestead Trail. After 0.75 miles, the trail bends to the west to begin a descent toward the lakeshore. If this is your first visit to Hoffmaster State Park, take some time to enjoy the lake as you stroll to the north or break out a picnic to take it all in.

Around 0.5 miles to the north from where the Homestead Trail comes out on the beach, look for a sandy clearing that marks the entrance to the Gillette Visitor Center Main Trail, which provides the climb out and access to the final effort and reward of climbing the stairs to the Dune Viewing Platform.

From the top, you'll be able to look out over the dunes that you just walked through with the lake beyond, the perfect way to finish off a run at Hoffmaster before heading back to the trailhead.

Flora & Fauna

Maple-beech forest.

History & Background

Named after Percy J. Hoffmaster (1893-1951), the longest acting Director of the Department of Conservation in Michigan, who also helped establish 72 state parks. Hoffmaster State Park was dedicated in 1967.

Contacts

Shared By:

Zander Göpfert

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 1 vote

#4265

Overall
  4.0 from 1 vote
5 Star
0%
4 Star
100%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#53

in Michigan

#4,265

Overall
2 Views Last Month
477 Since Nov 14, 2019
Intermediate Intermediate

0%
0%
100%
0%
0%
0%

Photos

Photo courtesy of MI Dept. of Natural Resources. © 2018 State of Michigan
Dec 10, 2019 near Norton…, MI
Frozen Beach-8
Nov 14, 2019 near Norton…, MI
Frozen Beach-7
Nov 14, 2019 near Norton…, MI

0 Comments

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

none

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.