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Wau-Ke-Na, W. E. Smith Preserve North Tract
4.8 ★★★★★ 51 Google reviews · Running trail in Fennville, Michigan · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Wau-Ke-Na, W. E. Smith Preserve North Tract'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 Wau-Ke-Na, W. E. Smith Preserve North Tract
“Absolutely beautiful amazing walk and the beach was sandy and beautiful yet still had the rocks that I was looking for too…”
“The trail is very well marked and the beach is great for rockhounds who are looking for Petoskey stones, Lightning rocks, and fossilized shells.”
“Not crowded, wonderfully secluded place to pull up some sand and enjoy the water, a short stroll.”
The North Tract of Wa-Ke-Na Preserve is very small but with breathtaking views! The trail is about half a mile one way and leads to a steep incline down to a rocky beach on Lake Michigan.
Beautiful little trail to Lake Michigan through dune forest and Sassafras. Bless the people who preserved this place.
Absolutely beautiful amazing walk and the beach was sandy and beautiful yet still had the rocks that I was looking for too…
Clear path to get to the water, lots of parking. Beautiful beach and amazing rocks!
Trail conditions & character
“Absolutely beautiful amazing walk and the beach was sandy and beautiful yet still had the rocks that I was looking for too…”
“The last bit of the path to the beach is a bit steep and has a few spots or erosion that may make access to the beach difficult for people who are a little unsteady on their feet.”
“The parking area is quite small, so during peak times of the year it is best to go early.”
“Not crowded, wonderfully secluded place to pull up some sand and enjoy the water, a short stroll.”
“The trail is about half a mile one way and leads to a steep incline down to a rocky beach on Lake Michigan.”
Plan your run at Wau-Ke-Na, W. E. Smith Preserve North Tract
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- 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 — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiteswmlc.org
- Phone+1 269-324-1600
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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