Van Buren Trail State Park

Van Buren Trail State Park is a 14-mile, linear, multiuse trail that runs along a former railroad right-of-way and links the cities of Hartford and South Haven. The trail is located off the coast of Lake Michigan and runs through open farmland, blueberry fields, dense brush and wooded areas. Along the trail, you may see deer, rabbits, foxes and eagles, all native to the area, attracting birders and naturalists.

A 2-mile section of trail between city of South Haven and 16th Avenue is paved and suitable for bicycles. A 12-mile undeveloped section of trail between 16th Avenue and the city of Hartford is an unimproved gravel surface more suitable for mountain bikes. The undeveloped trail runs through long sections of grass and sand, while occasionally traversing over rough ballast stones and through areas of pines and hardwood trees.

There are two main starting points:

• To start from the grass-covered parking lot in Hartford, take the Hartford exit off Interstate 94. Head north two blocks past the first stoplight, take a left onto Prospect Street and proceed another two blocks.
• To start in South Haven, take Lagrange Street to Aylworth Avenue, go west to Kalamazoo Street and then south on Kalamazoo to Lovejoy Avenue. The trail is 0.1 mile to the west on the south side of the street.

The state's parks and recreation system includes Van Buren State Park, Van Buren Trail State Park and Van Buren spur trail. They are often confused.