Parks and Planes

Michigan is a rich destination for outdoor adventures and lake lovers. When you cross the state line into Michigan, the state makes quite a first impression. The Lake Michigan coast is a show stealer with endless miles of sandy shore but there is much more to discover in the southwestern corner of the state. We invite you to continue reading and partake in the magic of a little wooded slice of Southwest Michigan with us as we explore Warren Woods State Park.

Often described as a “nature lover’s paradise”, Warren Woods is a 311-acre nature preserve. It is tucked inland and only a 7-minute drive from Warren Dunes State Park, a very popular park located on the shores of Lake Michigan.  

Inside the Park

There is one main entrance located off Elm Valley Road and one main parking area within the park. Once you arrive, step outside into nature and find yourself surrounded by towering trees. The forest here is made up mostly of old beech and maple trees. The trees are growing close together. In the spring and summer their leaves create a bright green canopy that lets in little light creating a cool, shaded respite for hikers looking to escape from the relentless Midwestern sun. It’s the kind of natural place that made us stop and marvel. We spent a good amount of time looking up at the trees stretching into the sky and observing the spring buds unfurling. We took notice of tiny mushrooms sprouting from the forest floor and breathed in the fresh air that smelled like recent rainfall. We slowed down and tuned into the sounds of nature. We were fully unplugged here. If you ask us, that was one of the best parts of this state park. Plus, we didn’t get service on our phones the entire time we were in the park, which allowed us all to be fully present and engaged with our surroundings.

Hiking the Trail

There is one main trail that is clearly identifiable and quite wide. You can’t miss the trailhead from the main parking area. If you take another path originating from the parking lot, it will lead to the bathroom facilities, or you will loop around the parking area back to where you started. The trail itself is short – only 0.51-miles – and made up of sandy soil in some parts. It is perfect for families with little ones looking to take a leisurely walk outdoors. The trail is shaded and follows the Galien river. At one point, the trail crosses directly over the river via a bridge.

Early in the hike we found ourselves thinking that someone should come in and clean things up a bit but then we quickly realized that what we perceived as a “mess” was just a natural part of the forest’s recycling process. The snags (standing dead trees), stumps and fallen trees all have a purpose.

There are several pathways that offshoot from the main trail. These trails are narrower and appear to be semi-travelled, but it is always best to stick to the well-wore trails in a park. We suggest this because it will help keep you from running into animals, insects or plants you rather not meet (i.e., snakes, ticks, poison ivy, etc.). It also helps prevent damage to the forest.

Hiking with kids?

Before Setting Foot in the Woods

• The trail can get muddy and also buggy. We recommend you wear waterproof hiking boots, bring bug spray and wear tall socks to help prevent tick bites. For outdoor bug protection while out on the trail, we like NATPAT products – especially for our daughter. Save 10% off NATPAT products today by using our special referral link to order online!

• Layering is important. This trail is shaded and can get cool. Avoid wearing cotton which won’t keep you warm if it gets wet and takes forever to dry.
• During our hike we encountered several fallen branches and trunks lying strewn on the woodland floor. We didn’t anticipate this! Before visiting a state park or trail it is always a good idea to check out the latest closures due to weather-related events and planned improvement projects. For Warren Woods State Park you can learn about closures at: Michigan.gov/DNRClosures

• The standard right-of-way when hiking is that hikers coming uphill have the right-of-way, so if you are on the descent, please step aside and allow those ascending the right-of-way.
• If hiking in a group, do not take up the entire width of the trail.
• If you have time to spend an hour or two at Warren Woods, we suggest you give forest bathing a try! What is forest bathing? Forest bathing is a concept that focuses on taking in the forest through one’s senses (sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch). It’s rooted in the Japanese practice called, shinrin-yoko, which translated to “bathing in the forest atmosphere”. A great book about forest bathing to check out at the library or purchase online is, “Forest Bathing How Trees Can Help You Find Health and Happiness” by D. Qing Li.
• If you are looking for a more rigorous outdoor recreational activity, consider biking to Warren Woods State Park. Three Oaks Spokes Bicycle Club, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting cycling among Southwest Michigan and Northwest Indiana, put together this poplar bike route to Warren Woods State Park. It is a 16-mile route which starts and ends in downtown Three Oaks.