Southwest Michigan has so many benefits: 1. It’s close to Lake Michigan, 2. It’s close to the sand dunes, 3. It’s easy to get to from Chicago, and 4. It’s very well-travelled so it has well-marked trails and amenities. There are of course some drawbacks, the major ones being that 1. It is well-travelled, so if you’re looking for an escape from humanity, this is not the place, 2. Most of the campsites are state park run which means they’re close together and overrun by recreational vehicles, and 3. There are lots and lots of hokey tourist traps in the surrounding areas whether these be go-kart tracks, orchards, or vineyards making undrinkable blueberry wines.
I tend to like a long trail, I want to be out for several hours at a time, but for beginners or people with limited time, Mount Baldhead may be a perfect mini-getaway. It’s just under two miles and starts in the dreamy little resort town of Saugatuck, MI. This hike includes a hand-pulled chair ferry and sweeping views from the top of the forested sand dunes. The descent on the west side ends at Oval Beach for lounging, swimming, and occasionally surfing. This hike is short but includes almost 300 steps, so leave Grandma in the car. Although, all along the steps are little benches to rest, take pictures, drink a beer, or catch your breath. I like to pack a lunch and spend a few hours on this journey.
A little further north you may find the Love Creek County Park & Nature Center in Berrien Springs. I love this nature center and its 100 acres of meadows, marshes, forests and natural waters. Birds and wildflowers paint a watercolor image across the area and you may see some exotic wildlife from time to time. Wait, is a deer “exotic?” This is one of my favorite winter hikes as there are several wooden bridges and an observation tower. I just love bundling up and going out exploring the five miles of interconnected trails. The signage isn’t great, especially in winter when the park shares its trails with some cross country skiers, but with only 5 miles of trails you can never get too lost. This park is managed as a preservation and education area and includes classrooms etc in case you’re looking for a spot for a very cool field trip! Oh and they let you bring your dogs!