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Harold Hartger Trail

The Harold Hartger Trail at the Kitchel-Lindquist-Hartger Dunes Preserve in Grand Haven, Michigan is an easy 0.5-mile one-way trail that features a glimpse of a freshwater dune ecology near the shores of Lake Michigan.

This recording begins in the center of the park and heads back to parking; however, hikers will find the hike in from the parking lot is just as easy as the hike out.

Along the trail, hikers will pass several sand dunes before reaching more trails like the Meime Vandenberg Trail and the Connie Lindquist Trail.

Important
Hikers must stay out of the dunes to keep them preserved.

About the KLH Dunes Preserve
The KLH Dune Preserve is a hidden gem of West Michigan's parks and green spaces. With 115 acres of protected dunes, forest, and wetlands, this stunning location represents the unique freshwater dune ecology that can only be found on the Third Coast--that is, the eastern shores of Lake Michigan.

The preserve was founded in 1971 by Constance and Gerald Lindquist, along with Harold Hartger, with an original donation of 60 acres to The Nature Conservancy. Today, it is owned and operated by the City of Ferrysburg and receives substantial support from the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, local Boy Scouts, and other organizations.

Author's Note
This particular route and associated photos also demonstrate the ongoing ecological crisis unfolding in Michigan. Due to extraordinarily high water levels and erosion, much of the trail remains impassable this season (winter 2020). The photo album will show numerous wetland areas that are totally flooded.

Warning (Ticks)

Ticks can be found in the high dune grass in KLH. Hikers are encouraged to check themselves and their gear.

Amenities
-- Outdoor classroom
-- Bathrooms available during warm months

Parking
Hikers will find a small parking lot at the coordinates provided.

Pets
Dogs are allowed if leashed and their waste must be carried out by the hiker.
Explore 16 trails near Grand Haven, MI

Know Before You Go

  • The Harold Hartger Trail is an easy, short trail within the Kitchel-Lindquist-Hartger Dunes Preserve in Grand Haven, MI, offering views of freshwater dune ecology.
  • The KLH Dunes Preserve is a 115-acre protected area showcasing unique freshwater dune ecosystems and faces ecological challenges like flooding due to high water levels.
  • Visitors to the Harold Hartger Trail and KLH Dunes Preserve should be aware of tick presence, stay on marked trails to protect the dunes, and keep dogs leashed while carrying out their waste.
Interactive topographic map for Harold Hartger Trail located in Grand Haven, MI. Click the "View Map" button to load GPS coordinates and trail markers.
Get directions
Distance
0.6 mi
Difficulty
Easy
Type
One-Way
Est. Time
18 min
Elev. Gain
32'
Rating
0.0
Added
February 03, 2020
Updated
February 04, 2020

Weather Forecast

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Total Change
16'
Ascent
32'
Descent
20'
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Features

Dogs
Water Source

Points of interest

  1. Parking

    43.061854, -86.245946
  2. Main Trailhead

    43.065594, -86.246113
  3. flooding next to dunes

    43.062872, -86.247681
    flooding next to dunes
  4. flooding

    43.064992, -86.247197
    flooding

Safety information

For your own safety: plan ahead, let someone know where you'll be, and hike at your own risk.

Hazards

Poison Ivy or Poison Oak

Availability

All seasons

Surface type

Dirt

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