A Winter Guide to Hiking Trails

Winter in Southwest Michigan is an invigorating time to hike! Whether you are an adventure seeker or crave a peaceful walk in the woods, lace up your boots and discover all our winter wonderland offers. This guide will take you to trails along Lake Michigan, to spectacular dune views, through whisper-quiet woods and along flowing rivers. When snow blankets our trails, trade your boots for snowshoes. 

Where Are the Closest Hiking Trails to St. Joseph/Benton Harbor/Stevensville Hotels?

Harbor Shores Nature & Fitness Trails | Benton Harbor/St. Joseph

While Harbor Shores is renowned for championship-level golf in the warm months, its 12 miles of paved and unpaved trails will keep you coming back in the winter. Open to the public, the Nature & Fitness Trails weave through the quiet golf course, trace two rivers, cross scenic wetlands and climb through the dunes at Jean Klock Park. Keep an eye out for deer, squirrels, rabbits and wintering birds. With several places to rest and take in the surrounding beauty, this will be your go-to winter escape.

Sarett Nature Center | Benton Harbor

A favorite among nature enthusiasts of all ages, this popular center boasts over eight miles of scenic trails for hiking, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. Trails running along the Paw Paw River bluffs provide great views of the river valley below. In the floodplain, boardwalks and observation platforms bring you up close to diverse wetland wildlife and habitats, including forests, cattail marshes and a unique fen. Sarett is also a top pick for birdwatchers in Michigan and the Midwest. They have recorded an exceptional count of 353 species through 2011.

After your hike, go inside the nature center to warm up. There you can interact with the exhibits and see live reptiles, birds and more. Don’t miss spending time by the wall of windows overlooking the bird feeders. What a treat to see the intricate beauty of their feathers up close.

John & Dede Howard Family Recreational Trail | St. Joseph 

This city trail is one of the best ways to see St. Joseph and its Lake Michigan beaches. Start  at the end of Lions Park Drive below the bluff. Walk a lighted wooded path to Park Street, then along Lake Michigan and the St. Joseph River. Be sure to cut up State Street from the river to walk through the picturesque downtown, its glimmering Light Up the Bluff display and the Victorian-era neighborhoods. Leashed dogs are welcome to be hiking companions. 

Royalton Township Nature Trail | St. Joseph 

The park has a wooded walkway along the ravines, a serene pond, wetlands and a prairie. Its views inspire quiet reflection in a snowy setting.

Grand Mere State Park | Stevensville

This park’s trail system offers one of the most tranquil hiking experiences along Lake Michigan. Its 3.6-mile loop presents breathtaking views of Lake Michigan, towering dunes and a forest that brings calmness to a busy life. Winter birdwatchers frequent the nearly 1,000 acres. Because the trail system is moderately difficult, consider bringing trekking poles for the dune hikes.

Warren Dunes State Park | Sawyer

Here, majestic dunes and six miles of trails showcase a unique challenge and reward: panoramic views of icy Lake Michigan. The moderately difficult trail around Mt. Randall is a popular choice. Climb to the overlook 260 feet in the air and on a clear day you can see for miles. Hike this park once and you will be back again and again!

Which Trails Are Worth the Extra Drive?

There are many more trails to explore throughout Southwest Michigan. As you drive to each, the scenery is a preview to the beauty ahead.

Mt. Tabor Trails | Baroda & Buchanan Trailheads

This 3.5-mile trail system is one of Southwest Michigan’s unique hiking experiences. It connects two wineries, Round Barn Estate and Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant. Before you hit the trails, stop in either winery’s tasting room and choose a wine, beer or cocktail to sip on your adventure. Hike or snowshoe through the vineyards, fields and woods with your family, friends or leashed dog. The restaurant, however, is closed during the winter. See their website for details and hours. No reservations for hiking are required.

Love Creek County Park | Berrien Center

When the over five miles of trails aren’t groomed for cross-country skiing, you will find inner peace as you wander through woods, past frozen creeks and under snow-laden branches. Home to white-tailed deer, hardy cardinals, chickadees and elusive foxes — stay alert for them along the trails or spy their tracks in the snow. 

There is also a 1.8-mile trail for snowshoeing and 3.5 miles for fat tire/snow biking. Rentals are available for snowshoes and bikes. 

Fernwood Botanical Gardens and Nature Center | Niles

Locals and visitors give this hiking destination high marks in all four seasons, but winter is perfect for a relaxing, yet exhilarating hike. There are no winter doldrums here! Trails take you under tall trees, past a frozen pond, across meadows, along the St. Joseph River and over wetlands. Benches provide places to rest and observe the magical surroundings. If you come during December and early January, check out their evening Lights at Fernwood. It’s brilliant!

Dr. T.K. Lawless County Park | Vandalia

We highly recommend this park’s trails for memorable hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Wooded areas and open fields provide a stress-relieving retreat and reconnection with nature. The highlight, though, is its International Dark Sky Park, one of only three in Michigan, which offers exceptional stargazing. 

Fred Russ Forest County Park | Decatur

Want a more intimate connection with nature during your winter hike? Enter Fred Russ Forest and you will find the solace and beauty among the trees. 

Download Hiking/Biking/Cross-Country Skiing Guide

Create a Complete Winter Experience

Winter in Southwest Michigan offers refreshing trails and exceptional local hospitality. Nearby hotels welcome you with warm smiles and varied local restaurants serve light to hearty meals. The Makers Trail adds to the experience with craft beverages. This perfect blend of nature, adventure and charm defines Southwest Michigan's winter allure.

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