Saugatuck Dunes State Park

At Saugatuck Dunes State Park you have it all: wooded trails through soaring maples and pines, sandy coastal dunes, and over 2-miles of secluded Lake Michigan beachfront (also a beach fave, too). The park is over 1,000 acres and not always marked, so before you hit the trails make sure you have a trail map. Park in the lot near Felt Mansion and take a moment to admire the period architecture and Instagram-worthy chapel located nearby.

For a leisurely loop, take the North Trail to the lake, walk south along the shoreline, and return on the Livingston Trail. If it is a breathtaking Michigan sunset you are looking for, climb atop the 200-foot dunes and watch the sun slowly dip below the Lake Michigan horizon.

Distance from The Fox Briar: 25 Minutes
Trailhead: 6602 138th Ave, Holland, MI 49423
Trail Length: 13+ miles of trails
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Trail Map: Saugatuck Dunes State Park Trail Map
Fee: Free to MI State Park pass holders, $12 for a day pass at the gate

Pigeon Creek Park

Whatever the weather or season, Pigeon Creek Park is always a worthwhile destination. That said, it truly comes alive when the temperatures drop and Lake Michigan blankets the forest floor in feet of snow.

The park offers over 400+ acres of trails that meander through old pine, mature deciduous trees, wetland, and along the Pigeon River. If you are an edible mushroom forager, like me, keep your eyes peeled for Morels, Hen-of-the-Wood, and Oyster Mushrooms.

If winter sports are top of mind, Pigeon Creek is the perfect destination to cross country ski and snowshoe (or downhill sled). Bonus, the lodge rents equipment for all ages, and inside are a roaring fire and hot chocolate to warm you up.

Distance from The Fox Briar: 30 Minutes
Trailhead: 12524 Stanton St, West Olive, Michigan
Trail Length: 10+ miles of trails
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Trail Map: Pigeon Creek Park Trail Map
Fee: Free

Muskegon State Park

I stand by this: the park is worth every minute of the hour drive from The Fox Briar, and with so much to do only a full day will suffice. Muskegon State Park is truly a Western Michigan gem with lovely summertime beaches and a 1000+ acres of looping trails to explore: from flatland, to hearty woods, to scenic sand dunes. In the winter, the park transforms into an outdoor sports paradise: ice skating trails, sledding hills, cross-country ski trails, snowshoeing…and the gem of all gems, an Olympian-designed luge track. Just an FYI: the luge track is safe for children eight years and up.

In the warmer months, venture behind the tall dune hills to Lost Lake, a rare coastal plain marsh (feels like half marsh, half bog). Lost lake is home to countless wildflowers, waterfowl, and shorebirds. Oh, and keep your eyes peeled for box turtles and pitcher plants.

Distance from The Fox Briar: 1 Hour
Trailhead: 3560 Memorial Drive, North Muskegon, Michigan
Trail Length: 12+ miles of trails
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Trail Map: Muskegon State Park Trail Map
Fee: Free to MI State Park pass holders, $12 for a day pass at the gate

Van Raalte Farm Park

A short 15 minute drive from The Fox Briar, the Van Raalte Farm Park is full of history. Originally owned by the son of the founder of Holland, Michigan, the park offers family-friendly trails, picnic tables, and an annual Civil War reenactment. In the wintertime, the park offers a sledding hill and groomed cross country trails (no rentals available).

Enter on 24th avenue for sledding, picnic tables, and grills. Or park off the 16th street entrance to admire the beautiful Italianate home and barn. Trails are accessible from either entrance.

Editor’s note: If you are searching for challenging trails or breathtaking views, this is not your destination. Van Raalte Farm Park made the list because of its history and short drive from The Fox Briar.

Distance from The Fox Briar: 15 minutes
Trailhead: 1076 E 16th Street, Holland, Michigan
Trail Length: 2+ miles of trails
Difficulty: Easy
Trail Map: Van Raalte Farm Park Trail Map
Fee: Free

Rosy Mound Natural Area + Hofma Preserve

If you find yourself in Grand Haven, visit Rosy Mound Natural Area or Hofma Preserve, or why not visit both!

Rosy Mound Natural Area offers well-maintained trails through mature forest, sand dunes, and Lake Michigan beach. If you are comfortable with stairs, the Dune Overlook observation deck is a 1,000 elevation gain and decent. The reward are spectacular views of Lake Michigan and gorgeous state-protected sand dunes.

Or venture inland to Hofma Preserve and explore 4.5 miles of trails and an 885 foot floating bridge. Trails meander through varied woods and through picturesque wetlands teeming with waterfowl and plant life.

Distance from The Fox Briar: 40 minutes
Trailhead (Rosy Mound): 13925 Lakeshore Avenue, Grand Haven, Michigan
Trailhead (Hofma Preserve): 16295 Sleeper Street, Grand Haven, Michigan
Trail Length: 2+ miles of trails at Rosy Mound + 4.5 miles of trails at Hofma Preserve
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Trail Map: Rosy Mound Trail Map + Hofma Preserve Trail Map
Fee (Rosy Mound): Free to MI State Park pass holders, $12 for a day pass at the gate
Fee (Hofma Preserve): Free