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Ottawa Sands County Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 158 Google reviews · Running trail in Spring Lake, Michigan · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Ottawa Sands County Park'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.
New park surrounding a lake at a former sand quarry.
What runners say about Ottawa Sands County Park
“Super clean, and its like a hidden spot unless you stop!”
“You’ve got great views of the Grand River and you are camped directly across the river from downtown Grand Haven… this place might as well be called Grand Heaven!”
My family and I recently started hiking. This is a great trailhead to hike. Beautiful scenery. Large road to go on. You can hike next to a beautiful pond that no one can view unless walking. I would say over 50% of the trails are sand based. We love how informative the trail maps at every stop are.
Sandy. Trails for longer hike around the lake are mostly sand, but it is a good walk and very pretty. Views of the Grand River at Grand Haven, too. Parking and party potty at trailhead.
Beautiful newer county park with trails around an 80 acre lake. Connected to the sag and Grand river. Connected to the public lands of the City of Grand Haven. Connected to North Ottawa Dunes park as well. Did I mention it was beautiful as well?
Beautiful new park with a paved trail around a large lake. Lots of wild life and native plants. On one side of the parks is a small campground with rent sites, treehouses and yurts. Very nice bathrooms and shower building. Plenty of parking.
Trail conditions & character
“You’ve got great views of the Grand River and you are camped directly across the river from downtown Grand Haven… this place might as well be called Grand Heaven!”
“The trail around the lake is lovely and accessible with many benches.”
“The paved path is great for biking, hiking, and bird-watching.”
“The bathrooms and showers are great, there is also a free laundry room next to the water fountain.”
“I went here at the beginning of March with my dog.”
“The bathrooms and showers are great, there is also a free laundry room next to the water fountain.”
Plan your run at Ottawa Sands County Park
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, restrooms, 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.
- Websitemiottawa.org
- Phone+1 616-738-4810
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–8 pm |
Running trails near Spring Lake
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
North Ottawa Dunes
4.8 ★★★★★ 361 reviews
Natural area for hiking with marked paths that lead to a beach or lake, plus sand dunes.
Ferrysburg Nature Preserve
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Linear Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 23 reviews
Community park offering trails, picnic tables, grills, fishing platforms & informational plaques.
Kitchel/Lindquist/Hartger Dunes Preserve
4.3 ★★★★☆ 64 reviews
114-acre protected area offering sand dunes, nature trails, sledding & cross-country skiing.
Escanaba Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 116 reviews
Waterfront park featuring a sandy beach and a playground for kids.
