Ludington-Hiking Trails

The Coast Guard Trail, located inside Ludington State Park on the coast of Lake Michigan, is 1.5 miles long. The trail begins on the northwest end of the day-use area on Hamlin Lake and takes you to a scenic view of Lake Michigan. Experience the rolling dune terrain while you wind through wooded dune areas, marshes and the wildlife surrounding. The Coast Guard trail also connects the Beechwood Campground to the other three campgrounds, so it is a frequently travelled trail.

The Lighthouse stretches 3 miles through the park. Experience the rolling dune terrain of the park while winding through open and wooded sand dunes. One end of the trail begins at Beechwood Campground and the other is marked by Big Sable Point Lighthouse. While hiking along the Lighthouse Trail, you will be able to take in picturesque views of the lighthouse, and even stop to tour or climb the tower.

The Logging Trail, located is 2 miles long. Experience the rolling dune terrain of the State Park while also diving deep into the rich history of the old logging industry. The trail climbs a ridge, descends into lowlands and winds through hills and woods. The varying terrain certainly makes for an interesting adventure through the park. The trail begins at the north end of the Pines Campground and travels through a forest that was once a white pine forest, but was cut down over 150 years ago. Hiking and cross country skiing are both permitted along this trail.

The Ridge Trail stretches 2.7 through the park. The Ridge Trail is often times combined with the Island Trail to complete a full loop, however it is not necessary that they are combined. The Ridge Trail follows the top of a tall, wooded sand dune and winds through the wooded area. The Trail begins behind the park store at the southwest end of the Cedar Campground.

The Island Lake Trail stretches approximately 2 miles between Lost Lake and Hamlin Lake. Most of the time, visitors will combine the Island Lake Trail with the Ridge Trail and the Lost Lake Trail in order to create a full loop. Follow the beautiful sandy shoreline of Hamlin Lake and take in the views of the vast open sand dunes, aquatic creatures, and birds that fill the area.

The Sable River Trail stretches approximately 1 mile in the park. The trail is a particularly relaxing walk on the dam and along the river. Interpretive panels are along the route with important historical information on the area and how it has changed in the past 200 years. Hikers will often times see fishermen along the route, as the area is prime for fishing for salmon in the fall.

The Lost Lake Trail stretches approximately 1.5 miles through the park. The trail encircles a little watery cove off of Hamlin Lake and begins and ends near the Hamlin Lake Beach House. It winds through wooded and sand dune areas, along foot bridges, and through a series of small islands. All of this leads to a scenic overlook of Lost Lake. Hikers will experience the unique feeling of being on an extensive boardwalk that extends over the lake near Beechwood Campground, making you feel like you are right out on the water. This area is also great for wildlife viewing.

The Skyline Trail, located inside Ludington State Park on the coast of Lake Michigan, stretches a short, 0.5 mile along the south side of the river between the footbridge and the Hamlin Dam. The trail is composed of scenic overlooks along a boardwalk as it loops around the park’s visitors center and is completely elevated. The hike provides beautiful panoramic views of both Lake Michigan and the Big Sable River and on especially clear days, you can see over to the Silver Lake State Park Sand Dunes.

The South End Ski Trail provides a loop of three ski trails that are connected to form the South End Ski Trails. They start from the west stairway of the Skyline Trail and stretch 6 miles through the sand dune valleys, thick jack pines and wetlands. The ski trails are open in the spring, summer and fall as well, however they provide a relatively hot and dry hike through the dune valleys.