Who doesn’t love a good hike? In Holland, Michigan, we have over 1800 acres of land dedicated to the parks system. Meander through meadows and marshes or take a jog through an upland forest. Want to trek along Lake Michigan? We have trails throughout our sand dunes too! This is the ultimate guide to hiking in Holland, Michigan during any season!
Stu Visser Trails is a great place to start if hiking is only a small part of your trip itinerary. Winding paths connect to wooden boardwalks through a beautiful marsh teeming with wildlife. With 37 acres for you to explore, you’re sure to get a quick hike in with time to spare. Stu Visser Trails is a short drive from Holland State Park; perfect for a quick hike before or after your beach plans!
If you’re looking for an up-hill battle, Mt. Pisgah is the place for you. 239 wooden stairs lead to the very top of a sand dune (our own little mountain), where you can see brilliant panoramic views of Lake Michigan and Lake Macatawa. Walk the 58 acres of paths & boardwalks along wooded dunes and admire beautiful historic cottages that line the parks edge.
Hemlock Crossings is one of the more distinguishable parks in Holland, MI. Not only do they have over 6 miles of trails through a handful of unique terrains along the Pigeon River, but they also have a public observatory as well as a nature center. Utilize their kayak & canoe launch and make your way down the Pigeon River. Don’t forget to stop for a water break and enjoy their beautiful scenic overlooks along the way.
Pigeon Creek Park, a short row up the river, is Hemlock Crossings sister park. They have 282 acres of explorable land, with over 10 miles of trails. On-site is the Pigeon Creek Lodge where you can warm up and rent cross-country skis or snowshoes in the winter months. They even have a large sledding hill! If winter sports aren’t your thing, the lodge may also be used for private events during the summer months.
Riley Trails offers 300 acres of varied terrain, stunning scenery, and an extensive trail system. Stroll up and around the woodchip paths as you admire the looming trees of pine plantations. Walk or fish along the edges of a small lake, lined with lush flora and fauna in the spring and summer. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can mountain bike along designated trails or, in the Winter, fat-tire bike, cross-country ski, and even snowshoe through their groomed trails.
The Upper Macatawa Natural Area is one of the largest parks in the Holland area. With 612 acres of well-groomed land, this park is popular for hikers, bikers, runners, birders, and cross-country skiers. Mix up your adventure with the option to travel along paved or un-paved trails. The paved path connects to the Fred Meijer Kenowa Trail which takes you east toward Grand Rapids.
Hike the wooded dunes at Sanctuary Woods Preserve. With 40 acres of wooded land to explore, be sure to pause at the top of the stairs for a magnificent view of both Lake Michigan and Lake Macatawa. The trail is an easy one, but they call it Sanctuary Woods for a reason. The hike itself is not what you go there for, but the beauty of the preserve and the wildlife who call it home.
Be sure to visit our website for more information on local trails. Tag us @DiscoverHolland in your photos on social media! And don’t forget to check out our Pinterest for more information on all our hiking trails!