Home › Michigan › Holland › Sanctuary Woods Preserve
Sanctuary Woods Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 354 Google reviews · Running trail in Holland, Michigan · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Sanctuary Woods 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.
Small nature preserve featuring trails and staircases through dune habitat.
What runners say about Sanctuary Woods Preserve
“Beautiful park, limited parking, the only reason I didn't give 5 stars though - is this limb hanging over the trail feels a lot like a game of chicken.”
“I love this little gem! You can run/walk up the dune (up the stairs), along the ridge, and back down.”
Beautiful trail. On 66th just south of 32nd. There is limited parking. Bike rack and portable bathroom on site. Picnic tables. Dog friendly. The path is very clean, but there are a lot of stairs to the back part of the trail. Worth the effort to see the wilderness.
Great hiking and walking. Would reccommend going in the winter as well because the view is much better without leaves obstructing the view.
Gorgeous preserve. Good walking shoes and water are nice to take along. We went on a slightly chilly day but I imagine bug spray is usually needed. Do not skip leg day if you want to straight thru the staircase.
Great hike in the park. Stairs are challenging, but they have benches to rest along the way if needed. There is plenty of wildlife and views to see once at the top.
Trail conditions & character
“The coolest part was the wooden trails slightly above the path, making the views even better because you could see the top of the trees at some points.”
“Beautiful park, limited parking, the only reason I didn't give 5 stars though - is this limb hanging over the trail feels a lot like a game of chicken.”
“7 Mile loop once you get to the top of the stairs.”
Plan your run at Sanctuary Woods Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitelaketowntwp.org
- Phone(616) 335-3050
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–5:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–5:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–5:30 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–5:30 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–5:30 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–5:30 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–5:30 PM |
Running trails near Holland
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Wolters Woods Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 158 reviews
Family-friendly outdoor area, with a playground, gazebo, hiking path and stream.
Albert C Keppel Forest Preserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 65 reviews
Compact pine-filled park featuring trails for hiking and biking as well as picnic tables.
DeGraaf Nature Center
4.6 ★★★★★ 257 reviews
This 18-acre nature preserve features an interpretive center with exhibits, live animals & gifts.
Stu Visser Trails
4.5 ★★★★★ 275 reviews
Park featuring a short hiking trail and boardwalk through wetlands with wildlife sightings.
Heinz Waterfront Walkway
4.5 ★★★★★ 80 reviews
Park with a lake and walking paths, as well as fishing in the late evening.