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P. J. Hoffmaster State Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 3,558 Google reviews · Running trail in Norton Shores, Michigan · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Crushed gravel
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from P. J. Hoffmaster State 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.
Park features the Dune Climb stairway, lake-view observation deck & miles of hiking & skiing trails.
What runners say about P. J. Hoffmaster State Park
“The sand is beautiful the water is clean and the beach is real long so it's possible to escape the people when it's 95 degrees weather and everyone is at the beaches.”
“The sand is beautiful the water is clean and the beach is real long so it's possible to escape the people when it's 95 degrees weather and everyone is at the beaches.”
“Campground is modern, clean, and well-maintained, with a peaceful beach by Lake Michigan.”
Took a day trip out to the west side of the state with my dog. We enjoyed the Walk-a-Mile trail and the extensive beach area. We timed getting lose in the woods with the beautiful sunset over Lake Michigan. It was truly breathtaking and that alone will have me remiscing and eager to return.
Some of the most beautiful sunsets I've ever seen were here on the beach. I put some pics below, but they don't quite do the true scenery justice. The facilities are well kept and camp sites are nice, ideal for those with younger kiddos. It is a bit of a walk to the beach, but it's so worth it.
Tall trees make for shaded sites, most sites seem to be a close enough walk to the trail to the beach. Pretty large state park overall but didn't feel overcrowded with most sites filled. Will be back someday from MN!
As a photographer, I love this park. It's exceptional in the summer months. Beach access is really easy from the parking lot, where they have brand new restrooms, and a place where you can rinse off your body/feet before getting back in the car.
Trail conditions & character
“The sand is beautiful the water is clean and the beach is real long so it's possible to escape the people when it's 95 degrees weather and everyone is at the beaches.”
“Beach access is really easy from the parking lot, where they have brand new restrooms, and a place where you can rinse off your body/feet before getting back in the car.”
“Dog friendly we enjoyed the activity field to take our dogs to play frisbee we brought from home, they loved it.”
“Campground is modern, clean, and well-maintained, with a peaceful beach by Lake Michigan.”
“The electrical hookup was easily accessible within a 25 ft reach.”
Plan your run at P. J. Hoffmaster State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceCrushed gravel — the rail-trail classic: softer than asphalt, still smooth enough for tempo work
- 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 trailheadrestrooms — 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.
- Websitemichigan.gov
- Phone+1 231-798-3711
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–10 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–10 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–10 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–10 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–10 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–10 pm |
| Sunday | 8 am–10 pm |
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