Point Beach State Forest

Located on the shores of Lake Michigan just north of Manitowoc, Point Beach State Park has some of the soften trails I’ve ever experiences, probably because it’s so close to the beach. The trails are either sandy of covered in pine needles, which is one of my favorite surfaces to run/hike on.

I am partial to trails near a lake. In the summer, it’s a treat to get to swim after a hike. This park is also a beautiful place to see the leaves in the Fall.

The trails are all fairly easy: there are no big hills for example. The Ice Age Trail goes through this park (a 10-mile segment, including three and half glorious miles of beach!) but that is a linear trail. If you’re looking for a loop, try the the Red Pine Trail (2.8 miles), or a combination of the Red Loop and the Ridges Trail (for a shorter option).

This park has a variety of “feels” to it: beach, woods, dunes… try them all! It really is one of those parks where you can’t go wrong.

And considering how big it is, either plan to camp so you can explore over several days… or plan on coming back!

To see the official map of the trails, click here.

And if you’re taking 43 north on your way home, consider stopping by Cherney Maribel Caves County Park!