Best kid friendly trails in Michigan

This loop is part of the Potawatomi Trail. It also circles Crooked lake and intersects with several other trails, such as the Silver Lake trail. Terrain ranges from flat, well packed dirt to boardwalk to sand, to rugged hills. It is a very good training loop for cross country running, as well as conditioning hikes. There are some wonderful views along the trail, as well as a camping area should you wish to camp there. It is important to note that this trail is open during hunting season, so take appropriate precautions.Show more

$9 fee for non-residents to park A day-use park along a secluded strip of Lake Michigan shoreline, Saugatuck Dunes State Park offers 1,000 acres of land with 2.5 miles of shore line. The Lake Michigan beach is a 0.6 mile hike from the picnic parking area. In addition, the park has fresh water coastal dunes that are over 200 feet tall. The park's terrain varies from steep slopes to rolling hills. The park, located in Allegan County, is relatively undeveloped. The land for Saugatuck Dunes was acquired in 1971 from the Augustinian Order, who used the buildings as a seminary. When the state took ownership, the structures were used as a prison and state police offices.Show more

Warren Dunes has three miles of shoreline, six miles of hiking trails and is open year-round. It also has a dune formation that rises 260 feet above the lake with spectacular views and 1,952 acres of recreational opportunity. Show more

Both the Upper and Lower Falls have their own unique beauty. The Upper Falls drops more than 50 feet and is more than 200 feet wide, while the Lower Falls consists of five smaller falls that go around an island. The water has a unique amber, or "root beer," color due to tannins from local trees. The area around the Lower Falls in particular can get very muddy. Accessibility: The estimated average grade for the entire trail is 3% and the max grade is 20% so there are sections that may be too steep for wheelchairs, mobility equipment, or strollers without assistance. You can drive to each of the Falls and there are accessible overlooks. There is a loaner wheelchair available for the Upper Falls trail at the "Fact Shack" in the parking lot. The Lower Falls trail is partially paved/boardwalk and partially gravel with a max grade of 5%. There are some staircases shown along this trail but it is unclear whether they are part of the trail or part of side routes. Trail may be slippery due to mud, snow, or ice.Show more