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Van Buren Trail
4.5 ★★★★★ 83 Google reviews · Running trail in South Haven, Michigan · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Van Buren Trail'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.
Paved path for walking, biking and running that joins a state park and lakefront.
What runners say about Van Buren Trail
“We were here on Memorial Day so considering that Well kept like most Michigan State Parks.”
“Beautiful evening to tak a sunset hike out on the Van Buren Trail Spur in South Haven.”
“If you're searching for a flat, paved trail with open areas and minimal shade, this is a good option.”
“Peaceful and open so perfect for a bright sunny day.”
Van Buren State Park Trail /Van Buren Trail - Van Buren County, South Haven / Covert area. Parking is free at Van Buren Trail head but pay to park at State park or if you have a recreation pass than it's free. Both starting areas can get you to the same place.
. Beautiful evening to tak a sunset hike out on the Van Buren Trail Spur in South Haven. This is a completely paved path that I believe is about 6 miles that goes between the Van Buren State Park and downtown Southhaven.
Parked at the Aylsworth lot. Trails are paved and views range from industrial buildings to forested areas neighborhoods. Peaceful and open so perfect for a bright sunny day. Lots of birds to be seen.
Beautiful paved trail! I had seen the trail on Blue Star near the State Park, but didn't realize that it went from the State Park to town. I finally rode it for the first time this summer. Definitely interesting to see where the trail goes. Places I had no idea it even went!
Trail conditions & character
“This is a completely paved path that I believe is about 6 miles that goes between the Van Buren State Park and downtown Southhaven.”
“Trails are paved and views range from industrial buildings to forested areas neighborhoods.”
“Van Buren Trail is handicapped accessible, bike and dog friendly however once in the state park area it is gravel and wood chips in some switchbacks.”
“The trails were nice just a little steep going to the beach so just be careful and expect a sharp incline”
“If you're searching for a flat, paved trail with open areas and minimal shade, this is a good option.”
“Parking is free at Van Buren Trail head but pay to park at State park or if you have a recreation pass than it's free.”
“Peaceful and open so perfect for a bright sunny day.”
“If you're searching for a flat, paved trail with open areas and minimal shade, this is a good option.”
Plan your run at Van Buren Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- 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.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitesouthhaven.org
- Phone+1 800-764-2836
- 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 |
Running trails near South Haven
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Van Buren Trailhead
4.2 ★★★★☆ 6 reviews
Black River Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 149 reviews
Scenic, wooded preserve of easy-to-moderate trails, with a river and ravines at the Black River's South Branch.
Van Buren State Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 2,297 reviews
Park with lakeside sand dunes & woodland trails features picnic area with grills & modern campsites.
Lions Park
4 ★★★★☆ 119 reviews
Park for families featuring swings and picnic tables, as well as basketball and salmon.
Van Buren Trail State Park
4.1 ★★★★☆ 56 reviews
Kid-friendly state park offering a walking path.