Home › Michigan › North Muskegon › Muskegon Lake Nature Preserve
Muskegon Lake Nature Preserve
4.6 ★★★★★ 342 Google reviews · Running trail in North Muskegon, Michigan · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Muskegon Lake Nature Preserve's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about Muskegon Lake Nature Preserve
“Took kayaks out and seen a bunch of beautiful swans and some big fish”
“Trail is well marked and the access is easy from the gravel park which was still quiet on a Sunday afternoon in early July.”
“The area is dog-friendly, but there are lots of bikers and joggers and few points to pull off to the side if your dog is excitable.”
We love natures and this place is really nice for walking, fishing, biking. Love watching the birds and turtles.
Great place to walk the dogs and enjoy nature! They have a pavilion, various picnic tables, various benches, various garbage cans, port-a-potty’s (including some handicap accessible on a cement slab), 2 outlook towers, boardwalks, various fishing spots, free entry (donation box at trail entrance) free parking for…
Oh this place is so beautiful! So many amazing trees to just vibe with. An amazing walk, I love seeing the water. Amazing rocks there, but I leave them there ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Very clean nature preserve, I'll definitely be returning for another walk its quite peaceful.
Trail conditions & character
“Took kayaks out and seen a bunch of beautiful swans and some big fish”
“The boardwalk is great, paths are always well taken care of, we can't say enough good things about this hidden gem!”
“I'm sure there were other paths that you could take, but I went on what looked like the main path - it's a paved sidewalk that goes through the treeline at the edge of the lake.”
“Great place to fish if you know how to deal with weeds and the trees, but one thing i gotta ask, because i love night fishing, but is the 1030 close time just for the parking lot?”
“The area is dog-friendly, but there are lots of bikers and joggers and few points to pull off to the side if your dog is excitable.”
“It's fairly short, probably only a mile or less and would be great for kids or strollers.”
“Trail is well marked and the access is easy from the gravel park which was still quiet on a Sunday afternoon in early July.”
“Trail is well marked and the access is easy from the gravel park which was still quiet on a Sunday afternoon in early July.”
“A nice paved flat path that's a little over a mile loop.”
“A nice paved flat path that's a little over a mile loop.”
“Take water if it's hot, there aren't many water fountains.”
Plan your run at Muskegon Lake Nature Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitemuskegonlakenaturepreserve.com
- Phone+1 517-648-3034
- Social Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–10:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–10:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–10:30 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–10:30 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–10:30 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–10:30 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–10:30 pm |
Running trails near North Muskegon
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
City Of Muskegon Lakeshore Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 99 reviews
Park popular for walking, biking, and festivals.
Muskegon Lakeshore Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 85 reviews
Long trail for walking and biking, offering scenic views, wildlife encounters and boardwalks.