Harrington Beach State Park
I was very impressed with the diversity on trails within Harrington Beach State Park. I camped there, so I had plenty of time to hike most of the trails, and there was something different about each other them. They are all quite short, so it would be easy to see many (if not all) of them during one visit.
If you’d rather see the trails than read about the trails, check out this video of my weekend there in September 2020.
Quarry Lake Trail Loop (1 mile)
As the name indicates, this trail goes around the quarry, which is now a lake, and it’s pretty neat to see the water through the trees from the trail.
This trail is a little more technical as you have to deal with roots sometimes.
If you’re planning to have a picnic during your visit, there is a table at the beginning of this trail, right by the water, that would make a perfect spot!
This trail is mostly in the shade.
White Cedar Nature Trail (.8mile)
This loop is all in the woods, all in the shade!
A good break from the sun, and more opportunities to see cool birds and flowers different from the ones on the Bobolink Trail.
The trail is easy, mostly flat and accessible right from the parking lot, where there are more picnic tables, if you didn’t have lunch by the lake.
Lakeview Trail (.8 mile)
On a sunny day, Lake Michigan has so many incredible shades of blue it resembles the Caribbean Sea… this is the best trail to check that out!
And since the lake is east of the trail, it’s also a great spot to watch the sunrise. As you can see from the photo here, sunset isn’t bad either…
Note: On the north side, there are many trees that make up good spots to hang a hammock.
Bobolink Trail Loop (1 mile)
A mowed path in the prairie, this trail is great to observe the vegetation and try to see butterflies and birds.
It’s an easy trail, mostly flat.
Be aware that there is no shade for that whole mile.
I wish the campsite were closer to the lake, but really the best thing about this park is in its variety, no two trails are alike!
To see the map of the trails, click here.
And for even better view of the Caribbean-like colors of Lake Michigan, head on over to Lion’s Den Gorge Nature Preserve, only a 20-minute drive!