The best walks and hikes around South Haven
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Hiking around South Haven, Michigan, offers diverse landscapes along the Lake Michigan shoreline, featuring sand dunes, beaches, and riverine environments. The region encompasses a mix of forests, wetlands, and meadows, particularly along the Black River. Designated as a "Pure Michigan Trail Town," South Haven provides an extensive network of land trails for outdoor exploration. The terrain generally consists of gentle elevations, making many routes accessible.
Best hiking trails around South Haven
- The most popular hiking route is Van Buren Trail, a moderate 5.5 miles (8.9 km) trail that takes about 2 hours 15 minutes to complete. This path connects South Haven to Hartford, traversing forests and farmland.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Kal-Haven Trail to 70th Street, an easy 2.2 miles (3.6 km) path. This segment of the longer Kal-Haven Trail offers a scenic journey through natural surroundings.
- Local hikers also love the Black River loop from South Haven, an easy 2.8 miles (4.5 km) trail leading through riverine environments, often completed in about 1 hour 10 minutes.
- Hiking around South Haven is defined by Lake Michigan shoreline paths, sand dunes, and trails along the Black River and through diverse forests and wetlands. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy strolls to moderate hikes.
- The guide includes highly-rated routes that showcase the best of the region's landscape. More than 9 hikers have used komoot to explore South Haven's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
1
hikers
1.11km
00:18
10m
10m
Hike the easy 0.7-mile Van Buren State Park Shoreline Trail via Ruggles Road for views of Lake Michigan and unique dune formations.
3.58km
00:55
20m
10m
The Kal-Haven Trail to 70th Street offers a wonderfully accessible and scenic hike, perfect for a leisurely outing. You'll wander along a hard-packed crushed limestone path, often enveloped by a "tunnel of hardwood trees" that provides welcome shade. This easy 2.2-mile (3.6 km) route features a minimal 59 feet (18 metres) of elevation gain, making it a comfortable 55-minute journey through diverse scenery, including glimpses of the Black River.
Planning your visit to this section of the Kal-Haven Trail is straightforward. The trail is well-maintained, with amenities like restrooms, water stations, benches, and picnic tables available along its full length. While specific parking for the 70th Street access isn't detailed, the overall trail is known for its accessibility. It's a fantastic option for family-friendly hikes, and it's also dog-friendly, so bring your furry companions along.
This segment is part of the historic Kal-Haven Trail, one of Michigan's oldest rail-trails, converted from an abandoned railroad line. Its flat terrain and easy hiking difficulty make it an ideal beginner hike, and it's also popular for cycling, running, and even cross-country skiing in winter. The trail's designation as a "Pure Michigan" trail speaks to its high-quality scenic views and rich natural and cultural history.
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8.87km
02:15
20m
20m
The Van Buren Trail offers a pleasant and diverse hiking experience through Van Buren County, Michigan. You'll wander past open farmland, through expansive blueberry fields, and into wooded areas with pines and hardwoods, occasionally catching glimpses of the Paw Paw River. The terrain is mostly flat, following a former railroad bed, but the surface varies from paved sections to unimproved gravel, grass, and sand, making for an engaging walk.
Planning your visit means being ready for varied trail conditions; some sections can be sandy or rough, especially after rain. This multi-use trail is shared with cyclists and horse riders, so be aware of others. Parking is available at various access points along the route, and it's generally best to visit during the milder seasons of spring or fall for comfortable hiking.
Historically a railroad right-of-way, the Van Buren Trail now connects to other regional paths like the South Haven trail system and the Kal-Haven Trail State Park, offering extended adventures. Its rural setting provides excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, with deer, rabbits, and various bird species often spotted. This trail is a great way to experience the natural and agricultural beauty of the area.
7
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4.53km
01:10
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
hikers
4.68km
01:12
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
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Popular around South Haven
Tips from the Community
The park connected to the South Haven Trailhead of the Kal-Haven Trail is nicely paved, connected to a nearby campground and has a nice wooden water walkway. Though depending on the water levels, the river walk may be inaccessible.
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Lit in 1872 and still operational, this lighthouse provides a picturesque view with Lake Michigan from this point. The original catwalk extends to the lighthouse, so for a closer look, you'll need to dismount your bike and walk.
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Flowing through South Haven and eventually meeting Lake Huron, this 4.2-mile river earns its name from the water's color, a result of the sediments and organic materials it collects during its journey.
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Covering 33.5 miles and connecting Kalamazoo with South Haven, this trail showcases 31 exhibit panels delving into the area's natural and cultural history. As you go through this section, you'll cross a charming bridge with captivating views of the South Branch Black River.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are there in South Haven?
South Haven offers a diverse network of trails for hikers. On komoot, you'll find 5 routes, with 4 of them being easy and 1 moderate, ensuring there's something for every skill level. The region itself boasts over 48 miles of land trails, including extensive state park systems.
Are there easy, family-friendly hikes in South Haven?
Yes, South Haven is excellent for family-friendly hikes. Many trails are easy and suitable for all ages. For instance, the Van Buren State Park Shoreline Trail offers a short, scenic walk along Lake Michigan. The Hiking loop from South Haven is another easy option, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
What are some scenic trails with water views in South Haven?
South Haven's location on Lake Michigan provides stunning water views. The Van Buren State Park Shoreline Trail offers direct access to the lake and dunes. Additionally, the Black River is a prominent feature, and the Black River loop from South Haven provides views of this important waterway.
Are there any long-distance or multi-use trails in the area?
Absolutely. The Kal-Haven Trail State Park is a significant multi-use trail, stretching 33.5 miles from South Haven to Kalamazoo. It's built on an abandoned railroad corridor, offering a crushed limestone surface suitable for hiking, biking, and running. You can experience a section of it on the Kal-Haven Trail to 70th Street route.
Can I find trails that are suitable for dogs in South Haven?
Many trails in South Haven and its surrounding state parks are dog-friendly, provided your pet is kept on a leash. Always check specific park regulations before heading out, but generally, trails like those in Van Buren State Park or sections of the Kal-Haven Trail welcome leashed dogs.
What kind of natural landscapes can I expect to see while hiking in South Haven?
South Haven offers a rich tapestry of natural landscapes. You'll encounter the iconic Lake Michigan shoreline and sand dunes, diverse ecosystems including forests, wetlands, and meadows, and riverine environments along the Black River. Areas like the Black River Preserve and Jeptha Lake Fen Boardwalk showcase these varied habitats.
Are there any circular hiking routes in South Haven?
Yes, there are several circular routes available. For example, the Black River loop from South Haven is an easy 4.5 km circular hike. Another option is the Hiking loop from South Haven, which is a shorter 2.6 km easy loop.
What are some interesting landmarks or attractions to see near the hiking trails?
South Haven's trails often lead to or pass by notable attractions. Along the Kal-Haven Trail, you can find the historic Covered Bridge and South Branch Black River. The South Haven South Pierhead Light is a prominent landmark accessible via the Maritime District Harbor Walk, offering scenic views of Lake Michigan and the harbor.
What is the best time of year to go hiking in South Haven?
South Haven offers great hiking opportunities throughout the year. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, while summer is perfect for combining hikes with beach visits. Fall showcases stunning foliage, and even winter offers peaceful, snow-covered landscapes for those prepared for colder conditions. Each season provides a unique experience.
Are there any trails with boardwalks or accessible sections?
Yes, for those seeking accessible nature walks, the Jeptha Lake Fen Boardwalk provides an easy route through unique wetlands and grasslands. The Maritime District Harbor Walk also offers a paved, accessible path along the Black River, showcasing the town's cultural and historical aspects.
Where can I find parking for hiking trails in South Haven?
Parking is generally available at the trailheads of major parks and preserves. For instance, Van Buren State Park has designated parking areas for trail access. For trails like the Kal-Haven Trail, there are various access points with parking along its length, including in South Haven itself.
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