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The quintessential introductory loop at Saugatuck Dunes State Park through woods on sandy trail sections with a view.


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Map Key

2.0

Miles

3.2

KM

95%

Runnable

738' 225 m

High

609' 185 m

Low

232' 71 m

Up

232' 71 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (3°)

10%

Max Grade (6°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Lake · Views · Wildlife

Recreation Passport or non-resident: $9/day, $33/annual.

Overview

Head north from the main parking area to loop through the woods and dunes along the North Trail: Inner Loop (White) and North Trail: Outer Loop (White) with a rewarding view at the lakeshore on the View to Lake Trail.

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 when traveling on hardpack dirt.

Ticks, flies, and mosquitoes present in the wooded sections, especially when it's warm.

Runner Notes

Add a level of difficulty to an otherwise easy route due to running through loose sand.

Description

From the main State Park Drive, find the Contact Station and parking area. Head north on the white-blazed North Trail, as it starts with an abrupt climb up a hill. This is the toughest part of the run, which you'll have on the way back, too. Near the top of the climb, continue north on the North Trail: Inner Loop (White), don't worry if you take the North Trail: Outer Loop (White) as they both end up at the View to Lake Trail.

After a mile, head west toward the lake on the View to Lake Trail for the rewarding view and an opportunity to break out a picnic or enjoy the water.

From the lakeshore, head back the way you came with the option to take the North Trail: Outer Loop (White) to the south (shown here) or retrace your steps. Just know you have the one climb before you arrive back at the trailhead and parking area.

Check out the Beach Trail for another great option coming in under two miles from start to finish.

Flora & Fauna

Deer, songbirds, shorebirds.

Contacts

Shared By:

Zander Göpfert

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 1 vote

#4282

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  4.0 from 1 vote
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Recommended Route Rankings

#55

in Michigan

#4,282

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Photos

Photo courtesy of MI Dept. of Natural Resources. © 2018 State of Michigan
Dec 10, 2019 near Douglas, MI
Photo courtesy of MI Dept. of Natural Resources. © 2018 State of Michigan
Dec 10, 2019 near Douglas, MI

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