Fall Hiking: 6 Scenic Trails in Southwest Michigan

The days are shorter, the air is cooler, and that can only mean one thing…fall has arrived! Nature has begun its yearly transformation and will soon be ablaze in bright shades of red, orange and yellow. Fall colors in Southwest Michigan typically start to make an appearance in mid-October and peak around the end of the month. The best way to get up close and personal with nature’s beauty is by hiking one of the area’s many trails - each with their own unique landscape. Discover 6 of my favorite local trails - many of which are dog friendly!

Disclaimer: This post was originally published on Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council

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Galien River County Park - Get a bird’s eye view at this New Buffalo park which features a 300 foot canopy walkway leading out to a 60-foot-high marsh overlook tower. Once atop the tower stop and take in the breathtaking panoramic views of fall foliage surrounding you. Visitors can also stroll along the 600'-long marsh boardwalk which leads to river viewing and fishing platform for a chance to see some wildlife.

Warren Dunes - Aside from the beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline, this park also offers majestic sand dunes that rise 260 feet above the water. Once you’ve made it to the top, enjoy breathtaking views of the horizon in one direction and tree-lined dunes in full color to the other. Continue to explore along the six miles of hiking trails that wind throughout the dunes below.

Grand Mere State Park - Pass through colorful forest trails in this 985-acre park before reaching magnificent sand dunes that will lead you to one mile of shoreline. Bring your furry friend along for the fun! Dogs on leashes are allowed on the trails and beach. Keep in mind this is a relatively challenging hike with moderate elevation changes but at the end you’ll be rewarded with a secluded stretch of Lake Michigan.

Fernwood Botanical Garden - Home to 105 acres and miles of trails, Fernwood offers visitors the opportunity to become one with nature. For the best fall colors take a stroll among towering trees on the 0.6 mile Wilderness Trail which offers access to some of the least disturbed wilderness in the preserve. The River Trail is 0.16 miles in length and winds along the banks of the St. Joseph River, through a forest of oaks with a deck on the river to sit and take in the beauty surrounding you.

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Weko Beach Campground - Stay a little longer and make the most of your fall color tour adventures with a camping trip. This campground and park is located along 900 feet of Lake Michigan beach and features a wooden boardwalk with a colorful backdrop of trees and observation decks along the way. Restrooms, a picnic area, and a playground make this a fun outing for the whole family.

Love Creek County Park and Nature Center - This dog-friendly park features over 100 acres of meadows, forests, marshes and creeks. In addition to hiking, visitors will enjoy five miles of specially-marked trails for biking, skiing and fat tire biking in the winter. The nature center offers classrooms, a variety of displays and exhibits, and a popular wild-life observation window.