Trail Time!
There’s no need to wait for the snow to fall to get out and enjoy the trails of our region. Whether you are an avid trail rider or are just looking for a quite stroll in the woods, the Silver Lake-Hart area has a trail for you. Any season of the year is a great time to get out and explore.
Hart-Montague Trail
This linear state park is an accessible, paved, 22.5-mile trail traversing 225 acres that passes through rural, forested lands, featuring scenic overlooks located along the route. The Hart-Montague Bike Trail follows the former railroad line of the Grand Rapids and Lakeshore RR Company with trailheads in Hart, Shelby, and New Era. In the winter months, it is open to hiking, fat biking, skiing, and if there is more than 4” inches of snow on the trail in winter, snowmobiling.
Pentwater Pathway
Now it’s time to hit the trails! Located between Silver Lake and Pentwater in the Pere Marquette State Forest, the Pentwater Pathway welcomes hikers, cross-country skiers, and snowshoers to explore over 7 miles of trails divided into 4 loops. Thanks to the dedicated volunteers from the Oceana Cross Country Ski Association and Michigan DNR, these trails are well maintained throughout the winter months.
Silver Lake State Park
Although ORV access to the dunes is closed for the season, you are still able to access the dunes on foot via the State Park Pedestrian Area. The pedestrian area can be accessed from the parking lot at the end of Shore Drive on the north end of Silver Lake. A short, but mighty climb up the side of the dunes will lead to the dune area with a spectacular view of the dunes and Lake Michigan. November is designated for equestrian use of the Dunes and fat biking takes over from December 15th through March 15th. Still so many ways to enjoy the dunes in the off season.
Crystal Valley Trails
For even more trail adventure, head to the Huron-Manistee National Forest, where you’ll find Crystal Valley Ski Trail offering trails for all skill levels. Nine miles of trails offer 5 loops for all levels of hiking and groomed XC skiing when the snow falls. Snowshoers are also welcome but are asked to stay off the groomed path. Bikes and motorized vehicles are not allowed on the trail, so this is a trail system that is typically quieter than the Pentwater Pathways. And like the Pathway, cared for by the same group of volunteers, it is always in great shape!
Gale’s Pond County Park
This almost 19-acre park is just the right spot for a leisurely walk in the woods. Gale’s Pond County Park is a favorite spot for a leisurely walk in the woods. The park features a 2,500-foot universally accessible boardwalk that extends across the pond and links up with nature trails. Keep an eye out for sandhill cranes, ducks, and other wildlife along the forested, well-marked nature trails. The perfect destination to reconnect with nature.
Ruckel’s Bridge Dune Trail
Located within the 3,000 acres of Silver Lake State Park, Ruckel’s Bridge Dune Trail is a simple one-mile looped trail that traverses both forested and dune areas. You’ll marvel at the terrific view of the dunes from the north end of the loop. This is a perfect trail for a walk with the family and is a popular spot for birding too.
Otto Nature Preserve
Otto Nature Preserve is an 80-acre parcel of land that provides access to a serene, forested area equipped with natural trails for hiking, birding, snowshoeing, owl prowls, and forestry education. This location provides a perfect spot for learning about and interacting with the natural beauty of our region.
Stoney Creek Nature Preserve
Stoney Creek Nature Preserve is a 40-acre parcel located along Stony Creek that will be open to the public in 2025. The Oceana Conservation District staff and volunteers are developing signage and trails while also inventorying flora and fauna. The preserve was a well-loved property of the Morse family for being a rare place where you “can hear and feel the quiet”.
Doolittle County Park
This county park, located in Hart, features nature trails traversing 40 acres of land. You will find the wooded setting of Doolittle County Park offers a calm respite away from the hustle and bustle of the busy season. If you step softly, you may encounter the wildlife that call this park home.
Find Your Spot
There are so many trails to explore that we are sure you’ll want to extend you stay. You are sure to find a comfortable stay at the American Host Inn, Dunes Express Inn and Suites or The Last Resort. These hotels are open year-round providing a cozy spot to warm up and rest for another day of trail adventure.