Trails Challenge | Visit Southwest Michigan
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A group of friends hikes the Mt. Tabor Trails together.

Take the Trails Challenge

Explore Southwest Michigan one trail at a time.

From peaceful wooded paths to scenic lakefront hikes, the Southwest Michigan Trails Challenge invites you to get outside and start exploring. Complete five trail check-ins between May 22 and March 31 to earn a $20 gift certificate.

How the Challenge Works

May 22 - March 31

To start, download the app and start exploring different trails across Southwest Michigan. Eligible trails are listed at the bottom of this page. Each time you visit a participating trail, snap a photo and upload it in the app to check in. Complete check-ins at five trails to earn a $20 e-gift card.
Now, lace up your shoes and start exploring the trails of Southwest Michigan!

Install the Free Visit Southwest Michigan App to Get Started

Apple app store logo Google app store logo
1
Download the Visit Southwest Michigan App
Download the Visit Southwest Michigan App
2
A person taking a selfie in front of the Mt. Tabor Trail map.
Take a selfie on a trail (or ask someone to snap a pic!)
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Upload your pic to the app.
Upload your pic to the app
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Love Local Gift Card
Check in at 5 trails to earn a $20 e-giftcard

Participating Trails

From dunes and forests to rivers and lakes, Southwest Michigan is filled with trails ready for you to hike, climb, ski, showshoe or paddle.  Start planning your next outdoor adventure below.


A person bikes the trails at Andrews University.

Andrews Trails

Campbell Dr., Berrien Springs
Trillium

Chikaming Open Lands

12291 Red Arrow Hwy., Sawyer, MI 49125, Sawyer
A kayaker.

Christiana Creek

21602 N Channel Pkwy, Edwardsburg
A narrow stretch of river.

Dowagiac River

Pucker St, Niles
Dr. T.K. Lawless County Park 2023 Annual Michiana Star Party

Dr. T.K. Lawless County Park

15122 Monkey Run St., Vandalia
Two women on a bridge in Fernwood Botanical Garden

Fernwood Botanical Garden & Nature Preserve

13988 Range Line Road, Niles
Sandhill Crane

Fred Russ Forest Park

20379 Marcellus Highway, Decatur
A person walking on the boardwalk at Galien River County Park

Galien River County Park

17424 Red Arrow Hwy., New Buffalo
Two men walk barefoot on a sandy trail bordered by tall grass and trees on a sunny day at Grand Mere State Park.

Grand Mere State Park

7337 Thornton Dr., Stevensville
Two women running on a trail at Harbor Shores, with sand and dune grass in the background

Harbor Shores Nature & Fitness Trail System

Jean Klock Blvd, Benton Harbor
John and Dede Howard Recreation Trail

John and Dede Howard Recreation Trail

1701 Lions Park Drive, St. Joseph
Kal-Haven Trail State Park

Kal-Haven Trail Sesquicentennial State Park

N. Bailey Avenue, South Haven
Fall Color - Maple Tree

Lake Michigan College Nature Trail

2775 E. Napier Ave, Benton Harbor

Lakeview Bike Trail

750 Monte Road, Benton Harbor
Fat Tire Bike Love Creek County Park

Love Creek County Park & Nature Center

9292 Huckleberry Road, Berrien Center
Biking at Madeline Bertrand

Madeline Bertrand County Park

3038 Adams Road, Niles
McCoy Creek Trail Mural

McCoy Creek Trail

302 N. Redbud Trail, Buchanan
Mt. Tabor Trails

Mt. Tabor Trails

10983 Hills Road, Baroda
Fall Kayaking at Paw Paw River

Paw Paw River County Park

650 N. Main Street, Watervliet
Monarch Butterfly

Ross Coastal Plain Marsh Preserve

34th Ave., Covert
Royalton Township Nature Trail

Royalton Township Nature Trail

Bacon School Road, St. Joseph
A group of people stands on a raised wooden walkway at Sarett Nature Center surrounded by dense, lush green forest. The scene conveys a peaceful, natural setting.

Sarett Nature Center

2300 N Benton Center Road, Benton Harbor
Painted turtles on a log in the water.

Spirit Springs Sanctuary

10200 block of Dutch Settlement St., Marcellus
Kayaking the St. Joseph River.

St. Joseph River

2927 Niles Rd, St. Joseph
The Woods Fitness Park

The Woods Fitness Park

2400 Dewey Street, Benton Harbor
A bike along a trail in the fall.

Van Buren County State Park

23960 Ruggles Road, South Haven
A family bikes along a wooded trail.

Van Buren Trail State Park

, South Haven
People climbing a dune at Warren Dunes State Park

Warren Dunes State Park

12032 Red Arrow Highway, Sawyer
An aerial view of the dunes and trails at Grand Mere State Park in the fall.

Share Your Southwest Michigan Experiences With Us

Tag your trail photos and outdoor adventures with #swmichigan for a chance to be featured. We love seeing where the trails take you.

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