Persons associated with collecting and/or posting this information can not be held legally liable for any errors. While every effort is made to present accurate data, errors may occur.
Submit a Comment
This comment will not be posted immediately as if it were a bulletin board. The form will be sent to me and I will put the report under the appropriate description within a few days.
Ludington State Park has revitalized their trail system over the past few years. Markings are now very good. Most trail junctions have maps with clearly numbered posts showing you where you are. Some of the old trails have been closed. The Eagles Nest, Dune Ridge, and Beechwood Trails no longer exist, although some of the old Beechwood route is now part of the Lighthouse Trail. Most mileages are taken from the park trail map, but I doubt some of them. If the description is dated prior to December 2002, be aware that there may be changes to the trail.
Sable River Trail
This description of the main loop begins on the north side of the river at the footbridge. There is a paved walk and bike path north of the road, but the trail is between the road and the river. Follow the paved trail east- lots of benches and picnic areas here. In 6 minutes you will reach a turnout loop of the drive. There are two wooden stairways here which you could descend to the river level for viewing or fishing. The trail continues on the other side of the turnout. In 3 more minutes you reach another turnout with an historical marker concerning the original village of Hamlin. The trail again continues on the other side of the turnout. (If you wish to avoid climbing stairs walk along the road from here to the dam.) A short paved section joins to a boardwalk which will take you to the foot of the dam. There are 20 steps to reach the top of the dam. 4 more minutes have passed. There are also interpretive signs for tree species along this path.
From this point there is a 0.1 mile spur (2 minutes) to the Hamlin Boat ramp. This spur trail is packed wood chips, and simply follows the edge of the outlet above the dam until you come to the boat ramp. There is an information kiosk and a Sable River Trail marker here.
Continuing across the dam (which although narrow has chain link guardrails on both sides) you will find a stairs or no-stairs option on this side as well. If you choose stairs, there are again 20 steps which descend to the bottom of the dam and a nice boardwalk with benches at water level. The other option climbs 4 broad steps away from the dam and then turns right to descend a gentle grade to meet the continuation of the trail from the boardwalk. This trail is sandy soil. In 2 minutes there is another boardwalk over an eroded area of the shore. In 5 minutes the trail is farther from the river edge and intersects the Skyline Trail , a long set of stairs rising to the left. 5 more minutes brings you back to tee into a paved trail. Turn right and cross the footbridge to complete the loop. (Turning left will take you in 3 minutes to the Great Lakes Visitor Center and the other end of the Skyline Trail ).
The spur from this end of the loop is 0.3 miles and leads to the park entrance. Turn west (on the north side of the river) and the pavement continues between the road and the river. About 7 minutes will bring you to the parking area.
Trail Condition Report, by Johan, June 4, 2003. Trail was horrible. Will never return. I am an avid hiker, but it was nothing I would ever want to relive again. [I think he must not have been on the trail!- Joan]
Trail Condition Report, May 14, 2005. Last report couldn't have been on the trail. My 2 year old can walk this entire trail (and does on a regular basis) with no problem. Just in great shape, and very pleasant walk.
Access- from main entrance parking lot, from any of the small pull-in parking areas along the main drive, from Hamlin Lake parking lot, or from the drive on the south side of the river.
Restrictions- Dogs must be leashed, no bikes or rollerblades on dam or trail on south side of river. Drive on south side of river is closed in winter.
Distance and time- Main loop is 1.0 mile (measured on map), 25 minutes; spur to Hamlin boat ramp is 0.1 mile, 2 minutes; spur to park entrance is 0.3 mile, 7 minutes.
Trail Markers- are RED Condition of Marking- Adequate on north side- you are following the river so it would be difficult to get lost even on the south side where there are few actual markers.
Treadway- Paved on north side of river - three sections of boardwalk - packed to loose sandy soil on south side with a few roots and eroded spots but fairly stable footing. Watch your balance on the eroded spots.
Grades- Quite flat except for 2 sets of 20 steps, one on each side of the dam. There are alternate routes on both sides of the dam which allow you to walk the grade more gradually
Ecosystem- river edge- sandy soil. North side of river has white pine and oak, south side is white cedar, juniper, oak, white pine.
Most recent date this info personally checked on foot- June 30, 2006
Back to map Comment
Ridge Trail
Half of my favorite loop. 2.7 miles along the highest ridge in the park, through mature oaks, where you can look into the valleys on each side, then into the edge of the dune and ending at a CCC trail shelter on a cove of Hamlin Lake, where it connects with the Island Trail. This is the most rigorous and lonely hike in the park. Good for a workout and some great views.
The trail begins at Point 17 on the Sable River Trail between the Pines and Cedar Campgrounds. Climb to the top of the ridge. Continue straight with the campground below and to the right. In another 2 minutes there is a steep climb through loose sand and now you see the north campground area below and to the right. Just as you pass the north end of this camp loop in 3 minutes, you reach a 4-corners with an unmarked trail. Continue straight. There are maroon arrows screwed on a tree here, if you happen to look at the right tree. You will make two switchbacks just before reaching an intersection with the Coast Guard Trail in 5 minutes at Point 6. Continue across and angle right making a moderate climb. A deep valley slopes off to the right where there is severe wind damage from the May 1998 storm. About half of the trees in this valley are down.
In another 7 minutes you pass a sign marking the beginning of the section of the park where hunting and trapping are allowed. Reach the intersection with the Lighthouse Trail, Point 7. Continue to climb gradually. The trail will curve right and then left as it goes around the north end of a valley. In 5 minutes there is a post with "Ridge" on it below and to the right. Follow this path downhill. In 3 minutes you climb back up to meet the defunct Eagle's Nest Trail which is now closed. Turn right (east) and in another 1 minute you will come to the bottom of a flight of wooden stairs and the intersection with the Lost Lake Trail.
Climb the 53 steps. There are two benches where you could rest built into the stairs. You can see Lost Lake, and its trail below you. At the top there are three steps back down to the treadway. The foundation for a shelter can be seen here, but the shelter has been dismantled. Continue to follow the right edge of the ridge with moderate ups and downs, passing 2 benches facing southwest in 5 minutes. There are two climbs through loose sand where steps have been pegged in to the face of the hill, but the steps are in poor to terrible condition. Another 9 minutes will bring you to two more benches facing west with views of Lake Michigan. The trail continues to climb in back of the benches. In 7 more minutes you are clearly approaching the high point of the ridge; valleys slope away on both sides of the trail. You angle to the right as you climb- there is a signpost marking this curve. You can now see both Lake Michigan and Hamlin Lake. Another 5 minutes and you can see Big Sable Lighthouse on the Lake Michigan shore with dunes between on your left. This is the northernmost point on this trail. Begin a gradual to moderate descent and make a switchback to the east; this is marked with a name post. Continue curving to the south and now dunes and Hamlin Lake will be on your left. In 3 minutes the trail can become confusing. There are open dunes on your level to the left. The trail follows the edge of a beech-filled valley which is to your right. Just follow this edge and you will see occasional sign posts to reassure you. Angle right and down into the forest away from the dunes at a sign post. This is a moderately steep descent which you continue straight down to a boggy area at the bottom. It appears that the trail could go either right or left here, however you should turn left. Loop around the north end of this wet area and reach the stone shelter in 7 more minutes. Continue past the shelter if you want to link to the Island Trail. Access- From Cedar Campground Loop. There are some parking places along the main drive, and by the camp store.
Restrictions- Dogs must be leashed, no bikes
Distance and time- 2.7 miles , 1 hr 15 minutes each way.
Trail Markers are MAROON Condition of Marking- barely adequate
Treadway- packed sandy forest soil to loose sand
Grades- moderate to moderately steep, one set of stairs
Most recent date this info personally checked on foot- December 2005
Back to map Comment
Skyline Trail
This loop can be accessed from the road leading from M-116 or as a connection with the Sable River Trail by crossing the river at the footbridge or at Hamlin Dam. It consists mostly of aerial boardwalks with lots of steps to climb a wooded dune. The reward is several great views to the south, but don't offer to take a friend with bad knees on this one like I did! The Nature Center is at the bottom of the dune on this hike, which is open 9am till 5pm during the season.
Access- Drive along south side of river is closed in winter. You can always park on the north side of the river and take the footbridge on the Sable Trail across the river.
Restrictions- Dogs must be leashed, no bikes
Distance and time- 0.5 miles.
Trail Markers- are ORANGE Condition of Marking- hard to get lost, since you are on the boardwalk
Treadway- almost entirely boardwalks and stairs
Grades- stairs
Most recent date this info personally checked on foot- July 1996
Back to map Comment
Lost Lake Trail
Description follows to access it from the Hamlin Lake parking lot. The trail leaves the north end of the Hamlin Lake parking lot near the shore. Walk 5 minutes to the junction where the Island Trail turns off. Continue straight. In 5 minutes veer right onto a new boardwalk which completely skirts the Beechwood Camground over the shallow edge of Lost Lake. This is a truly beautiful addition to the trail system. It is wide, and has many benches with unobstructed views of the lake, and interpretive panels on wetland ecosystem topics. Note that these are stock interpretive signs and do not necessarily describe exactly what you are going to see in this location. Leaving the boardwalk just north of the campground and turn right at the information kiosk, you will reach the junction with the Beechwood Trail after 10 minutes. Take the right fork. You will climb a stairway and then reach a junction with the Ridge Trail. The Ridge Trail climbs a stairway, but stay to the right below the strairs and after 15 minutes you will come again to the Island Trail. Turn right if you want to make a full loop.
Access- Turn right after park entrance and drive to Hamlin Lake parking at the end of the road.
Restrictions- Dogs must be leashed, no bikes.
Distance and time- 1.3 miles, about 35 minutes just on this trail. To make a complete loop which includes the section of the Island Trail required, the total is 40 minutes.
Trail Markers- are YELLOW Conditon of Marking- occasional but adequate, posts with name routed at junctions, colored arrows on posts along the trail. If the treadway was completely covered with new snow it would be difficult to follow in some places.
Treadway- packed sandy soil with forest litter, some boardwalks, one set of stairs. A few roots, but fairly stable footing.
Grades- rolling, a couple of moderate climbs
Ecosystem- Oak, beech and hemlock forest looking down on Lost Lake
Most recent date this info personally checked on foot- May 2007
Back to map Comment
This trail is groomed in the winter for cross-country skiing, and makes a nice loop hike the rest of the year. Find it at the far end of the Pines campground loop, or connect from the Cedar campground by using the Coast Guard Trail or Lighthouse Trail. 2.5 miles (not counting connections).
Trail description begins at the far north end of the Pines Campground loop. The trail is wide, almost road-like because of being groomed in winter. At the beginning it is low between ridges, but climbs gradually. Reach the right angle crossing of the Coast Guard Trail in 2 minutes, Point 3. The trail rises and falls gently passing marshy areas on the left. In about 10 minutes you come to a stone shelter which is the junction with the Lighthouse Trail. Both trails pass on the west side of the shelter and almost immediately the Logging Trail veers uphill to the right, and some gentle climbing brings you to a stone gazebo which has been recently repaired. This structure is at the southern point of the closed loop on the Logging Trail. The direction indicated for skiing is to continue to the left of the gazebo. You now begin to gently descend off this ridge. Pass a closed pathway going off to the right. There are a variety of views to the west. At the bottom of this descent there are more marshy areas. In about 1/2 mile from the gazebo you can glimpse open dunes off to the west from switchback loops. And then, when you find yourself in a shallow valley, if you climb the low ridge to the left you can see a nice kettle marsh. As the logging trail begins to make the loop to return you will see small open marshes on both sides of the trail, and then begins to climb a bit again. This eastern leg of the trail is very woodsy and beautiful. Soon you pass another closed trail going off to the right, and enter another small valley. There is one well-marked reroute of this trail looping left away from the old trail, but soon returning. Soon you reach an abrupt right turn up hill. You will see a closed trail going left which used to be the Eagle's Nest Trail But turn right you will soon be back at the stone gazebo, and can return by backtracking on the same path you used to arrive at the gazebo.
Access- No direct vehicle access on the west end; park just north of entrance.
Restrictions- Dogs must be leashed, no bikes.
Distance and time- From the parking lot .25 miles to the beginning of the trail. Pines Loop kiosk where the trail begins to the gazebo, 1 mile, the "eye" of the loop is 1.75 miles. I walked from the parking lot, around the loop and back to my car in 2 hours. Measured by pacing, at which I am fairly accurate.
Trail Markers- are DARK GREEN Condition of Marking- new and adequate, posts with names, maps and numbers at junctions, some colored arrows on posts along the trail.
Treadway- alternately packed and loose sandy soil, sometimes wide and road-like
Grades- gentle
Ecosystem- oak -hemlock- pine forest, marsh
Most recent date this info personally checked on foot- April 5, 2004
Back to map Comment
Coast Guard Trail
Can be used as a connector trail between north-south trails. Where it leads to the lake shore it makes a nice dune walk. One windy winter day I found fascinating "ice and sand castles" where the wind had built ridges and the ice had melted out leaving a miniature village of columns, pillars and tunnels.
Description will begin at the Pines Campground Loop. At about the mid point of this loop, by campsite 59 a dirt road cuts left through the ridge toward Lake Michigan, Point 3, and you want to follow this. It takes about 5 minutes to walk from the parking area to this road. There is an information kiosk on the road, just past Point 3. Walk the road north for another 7 minutes, and you will reach Point 18. There is an interpretive kiosk here about maritime history.
If you turn left and go to the beach, you will first climb the dune. You can see benches in a small grove of red maple at the top of the dune ahead of you. Pass through some pussy willow as you climb the dune. Descend the west side of the dune to the beach in 3 more minutes. There is a shipwreck which is now mostly covered by the beach, but is partly visible and has posts marking its size and an interpretive panel.
If you turn right you walk briefly though a flat area of loose sand and then enter some open woods, where the trail makes several turns. In 4 minutes you enter slightly more dense oak woods and the footing becomes more stable with sandy soil, rather than loose sand. In another 4 minutes you will pass a wet meadow on your left, and come to Point 3, the junction with the Logging Trail. This junction is marked well- proceed straight across. There are gentle ups and downs through white pines and then begin to steadily climb the edge of a ridge in hemlocks. Reach the junction with the Ridge Trail in 4 more minutes. Again there are good trail markers here, Point 6. Continue straight, but on the lower trail, on a bench along the edge of the ridge. There are some roots and erosion on this section which descends gently to saddle with a large marsh directly left of and below you. There is a single post here. PAY ATTENTION. You need to make a switchback sharply to the left and continue descending with the marsh now on your right. (If you miss this turn you will ascend through hemlocks and connect again to the Ridge Trail after passing above the Cedar Campground.)
You are now in the bottom of the area where some of the worst blowdown occurred in May 1998. In 4 more minutes you will enter an area of hemlock with another wet meadow on your right, and then climb from the bottomland to a beech-maple forest. Another 4 minutes bring you to a post with the number 11 on it, but this is not Point 11, but directs you to it. There is a trail to the right along the ridge which leads to the south loop of the Beechwood Campground. The trail, however, crosses the ridge and angles downward on benched trail, then climbs again. There is a brief hilly stretch, pass a wetland on the left, and then a playground. Climb a low dune and turn left at the top. In 6 minutes from the post, you will actually reach Point 11, the end of the trail, near campsite 289 in the Beechwood Campground.
Access- No direct vehicle access on the west end; park just north of entrance. No direct vehicle access on the east end; park at Hamlin Lake parking.
Restrictions- Dogs must be leashed, no bikes.
Distance and time- 1.0 mile - about 30 minutes one way. Mileage measured by pacing, at which I am fairly accurate.
Trail Markers- are BLACK Condition of Marking- barely adequate, posts at junctions, some colored arrows on posts along the trail. Watch carefully for the switchback just east of Point 6 If the treadway was completely covered with new snow it would be very difficult to follow in some places.
Treadway- packed sandy soil, or loose sand as it approaches the lake.
Grades- gentle to moderately steep
Ecosystem- Great Lakes shore, marsh, wet meadow, oak-hemlock
Most recent date this info personally checked on foot- June 30, 2006
Back to map Comment
Island Trail
This is the other half of my favorite loop. Walk the edge of Hamlin Lake (sometimes it is wet and muddy) including some boardwalks and bridges. Here I've heard barred owls, seen a piliated woodpecker, and wood ducks. The trail leaves the north end of the Hamlin Lake parking lot near the shore. Walk 5 minutes to the junction of the Lost Lake Trail. Turn right onto boardwalk. There are many benches for resting or viewing the lake along this section. 25 minutes to the junction where the Lost Lake Trail loops back into the Island Trail, continue straight. 15 more minutes to the stone CCC shelter at the north end of this trail. Continue past the shelter if you want to link to the Ridge Trail. Access- Turn right after park entrance and drive to Hamlin Lake parking at the end of the road.
Restrictions- Dogs must be leashed, no bikes
Distance and time- 1.6 miles, about 40 minutes one way. Mileage measured by pacing, at which I am fairly accurate.
Trail Markers- are BLUE Condition of Marking- occasional but adequate, posts with name routed at junctions, colored arrows on posts along the trail. If the treadway was completely covered with new snow it would be difficult to follow in some places.
Treadway- packed sandy soil, some boardwalks with stairs, and puncheon. A few roots, but fairly stable footing.
Grades- nearly level, one moderate climb almost at north end
Ecosystem- shoreline, marsh, blending to oak-hemlock at the northern end
Most recent date this info personally checked on foot- December 2005
Comment
Beechwood Trail
This description is probably not accurate... this trail has been incorporated into and renamed the Lighthouse Trail. I will try to update soon. Access this trail from the far north end of the Beechwood Campground. As you approach an information kiosk you will find a marker for the Lost Lake Trail
and you will see it coming in from the right on a boardwalk. Continue straight for about 10 minutes and you will find the eastern terminus of the Beechwood Trail. Fork to the left to begin hiking this trail. 7 minutes of moderate to steep climbs and descents will bring you to the junction with the Ridge Trail. You can accurately guess that the steepest grade is the climb up the ridge to that junction. As of September 18, 2000 some of the downed trees (from the May 1998 wind storm) have been cleared, but the trail through this valley is unclear. Now the terrain is more gently rolling, and you will pass through a belt of young white pines. Reach a stone shelter and the junction with the Logging Trail in 3 minutes. Now enter a grove of hemlock and then skirt the toe of a wooded ridge. This ridge will be to your right, with a dune ridge on your left, placing you in a quiet valley. In 7 minutes you will reach the junction with the Eagle's Nest Trail. Turn left and immediately climb the dune ridge in loose sand. From this point you can see the top half of Point Sable Lighthouse. The trail continues in the loose sand over gently rolling dunes till it ends at the defunct Lighthouse Trail in another 8 minutes.
Access- No direct vehicle access. This trail must be hiked as part of a loop with some other trail. Turn right after park entrance and drive to Hamlin Lake parking at the end of the road. During the winter you can park in Beechwood Campground loop, but during the season this is for registered campers.
Restrictions- Dogs must be leashed, no bikes.
Distance and time- 1.5 miles, about 30 minutes one way.
Trail Markers- are dusty ORCHID Condition of Marking- occasional but adequate, posts with name routed at junctions, colored arrows on posts along the trail. If the treadway was completely covered with new snow it would be difficult to follow in some places.
Treadway- packed sandy soil with forest litter on eastern end, loose sand at northwest end
Grades- moderate to steep climbs over north south ridges
Ecosystem- oak, beech, hemlock on eastern end, passing through a belt of young white pine, and ending on the west in dunes with juniper, jackpine and cedar
Most recent date this info personally checked on foot- September 18, 2000
Back to map Comment
Lighthouse Trail
This description is probably not accurate... this trail has been reworked, and is now sections of the former Beechwood Trail and sections of the old Lighthouse Trail. I will try to update soon. Access this trail from the far north end of the Beechwood Campground. As you approach an information kiosk you will find a marker for the Lost Lake Trail
and you will see it coming in from the right on a boardwalk. Continue straight for about 10 minutes and you will find the eastern terminus of the Beechwood Trail. Fork to the left to begin hiking this trail. 7 minutes of moderate to steep climbs and descents will bring you to the junction with the Ridge Trail. You can accurately guess that the steepest grade is the climb up the ridge to that junction. As of September 18, 2000 some of the downed trees (from the May 1998 wind storm) have been cleared, but the trail through this valley is unclear. Now the terrain is more gently rolling, and you will pass through a belt of young white pines. Reach a stone shelter and the junction with the Logging Trail in 3 minutes. Now enter a grove of hemlock and then skirt the toe of a wooded ridge. This ridge will be to your right, with a dune ridge on your left, placing you in a quiet valley. In 7 minutes you will reach the junction with the Eagle's Nest Trail. Turn left and immediately climb the dune ridge in loose sand. From this point you can see the top half of Point Sable Lighthouse. The trail continues in the loose sand over gently rolling dunes till it ends at the defunct Lighthouse Trail in another 8 minutes.
Access- No direct vehicle access. This trail must be hiked as part of a loop with some other trail. Turn right after park entrance and drive to Hamlin Lake parking at the end of the road. During the winter you can park in Beechwood Campground loop, but during the season this is for registered campers.
Restrictions- Dogs must be leashed, no bikes.
Distance and time- 1.5 miles, about 30 minutes one way.
Trail Markers- are BROWN Condition of Marking- occasional but adequate, posts with name routed at junctions, colored arrows on posts along the trail. If the treadway was completely covered with new snow it would be difficult to follow in some places.
Treadway- packed sandy soil with forest litter on eastern end, loose sand at northwest end
Grades- moderate to steep climbs over north south ridges
Ecosystem- oak, beech, hemlock on eastern end, passing through a belt of young white pine, and ending on the west in dunes with juniper, jackpine and cedar
Most recent date this info personally checked on foot- September 18, 2000
Back to map Comment
Boat Launch- paved ramp into Hamlin Lake. Turn right after entering the park and drive to the end of the road. Plenty of paved parking.
There is a marked canoe trail that goes south from the Hamlin swimming beach. Canoes and kayaks can be rented.
Fishing
Fishing- Hamlin Lake - black crappie, bluegill, brook trout, channel catfish, largemouth bass, muskellunge, northern pike, rock bass, smallmouth bass, sunfish, walleye, yellow perch (list from lake-link.com)
Picnicking
Picnicking- day use areas all along the Big Sable River between the entrance drive and the river, picnic tables, grills, pavillions near the entrance and at Hamlin Lake
Playgrounds
Playground- swings and more at the Hamlin Lake beach
Scenic Views
Scenic Views- The Skyline Trail offers views from an elevated walkway
The Island Trail offers nice views of Hamlin Lake.
Big Sable Lighthouse is a grand sight itself, or take a tour and go up in the lighthouse.
Swimming
Swimming- Lake Michigan beach, and Hamlin Lake beach
Wildlife Watching
Wildlife Watching- the Big Sable River is a great place to see waterfowl, especially in migration periods when many unusual species may be sighted.
Handicap Accessibility
Handicap Accessibility- restrooms and latrines are accessible
The Sable River Trail is paved and level- completely accessible
Interpretive Trails
Interpretive Trails- The Sable River Trail On the south side of the road, read about the history of the small village of Hamlin which used to be located there. Some tree species are identified on the north side of the road
Coast Guard Trail maritime history signs at west end
Bicycling
Bicycling- The paved Sable River Trail is open to bicycles
New in 2007- Jack Pine rustic campground has hike or bike in primitive sites
Rest Rooms and Potable Water
Rest Rooms- Full rest rooms in summer, latrines open in winter
Potable Water- summer only in corridor between the entrance and Hamlin Lake, and at the Lighthouse
Details
Access- via paved M-116. Park roads open to the public are paved.
Restrictions- pets must be leashed, no camping except in designated sites, Hamlin Lake is long and narrow producing high waves- do not get caught out on it in a storm.
Seasonality- Nature Center and stores closed in winter, no water in winter
Ecosystem- Lake Michigan shore, dunes, woods, inland lake, river, wetlands
Other points of interest- Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness is just to the north, Big Sable Lighthouse
most recent date this info personally checked- see individual trails
Additional Facilities- Stores, Nature Center, warming shelter for skiers,
Maintained by- Michigan DNR State Park page More- Friends of Ludington State Park Michigan DNR Mason County Lakes Here's what L.L. Bean says about the park in their parks directory.
More about the Big Sable Lighthouse. Big Sable Lighthouse 360 degree panoramic photo tour by Sid Sytsma
Locator
Driving Directions
Take US 10 (Ludington Avenue) into downtown Ludington. At the end of the road, turn north on Lakeshore Drive. Follow this for 7 miles to the end of the road and you will be at the entrance to Ludington State Park
![[Counties]](masonpix/locnorthofludington.gif)
