Muskegon State Park Hiking Trails – May 24, 2014
In the spring of 2014 we spent Labor Day weekend camping in the Channel Campground in Muskegon State Park. After a cool night we woke up to a nice and sunny Saturday morning. After breakfast we drove over to the Snug Harbor parking area to hike the Dune Ridge Trail.
The plan was to hike back to the campground with the family and then I would walk back to to get the car via the Devil’s Kitchen Trail. This was our first time hiking this trail and it is one of our new favorites in West Michigan. Most of this trail is soft sand making for a moderately strenuous hike. Although the views more than make up for the extra work walking through the sand.
The trailhead is at the west end of the Snug Harbor parking area. The trail starts low along the lake and then you will want to take a right at the 3rd intersection and start climbing up the ridge and the fairly steep trail shown above.
Climbing up to the first overlook on the Dune Ridge Trail.
Resting on the bench at the first overlook.
The view of Lake Michigan from the first overlook.
Continuing on along the top of the dune.
Reid getting a ride to rest the little legs.
Checking out the tree roots sticking out of the sand.
Heading out into an open dune area.
Heading up to the second overlook.
Taking in the view at the second overlook.
The panoramic view of the Muskegon Harbor and Lake Michigan.
To see a larger version of this photo click here >>
After the overlook we followed another group of hikers on an unmarked trail that went though and dunes back to the Channel Campground for about a 2 mile hike.
After dropping everyone off at the campground I walked the Devil’s Kitchen Trail back to get the car at Sung Harbor. It was a nice 1.5 mile hike along Muskegon Lake and then up on the ridge that protects Snug Harbor.
A 60 second GoPro time lapse of our entire hike.
The Muskegon State Park hiking trail guide and map. Scroll down for the map on page 2.
To download or print this trail map and guide click here >>
For more on the hiking in Muskegon State Park see: Explorer’s Guide 50 Hikes in Michigan: Sixty Walks, Day Trips, and Backpacks in the Lower Peninsula
Our Favorites:
Best Hikes with Children in Michigan
With 3 small children this has become one of our favorite hiking guides. This is really a good book for anyone looking to get out and find short, but interesting hikes all over the state. Like all of the books written by Mr. DuFresne there are well written trail descriptions and nice maps of each outing.
Find the Best Hikes with Children in Michigan on Amazon >>
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