Van Buren Trail State Park follows a former railroad corridor through the heart of Van Buren County, offering a paved multi-use trail that stretches approximately 14 miles between Hartford and South Haven. This linear park trades the typical state park layout for something different — a ribbon of nature winding through southwestern Michigan’s farmland, forests, and small towns.

The trail’s smooth paved surface makes it ideal for cycling, walking, jogging, and inline skating during warmer months. In winter, cross-country skiers and snowshoers take over. The relatively flat terrain — a hallmark of its railroad heritage — keeps the route accessible for families and casual riders who want distance without punishing hills. Birdwatchers will find the corridor’s edge habitats productive, with songbirds and raptors common along the tree-lined stretches.

The western terminus near South Haven puts you within easy reach of Lake Michigan’s beaches, making the trail a natural complement to a beach day. Pack a lunch and ride out to Hartford, or start there and reward yourself with lakeside dining in South Haven. Several small-town stops along the way offer water and restrooms.

Late spring through early fall delivers the best trail conditions, with May and June bringing wildflowers along the corridor and September offering cooler temps and fall color. Summer weekends see the most traffic near South Haven.

Come prepared with water, sunscreen, and a bike repair kit — services are sparse between trailheads. This is a park built for moving through, not just sitting still.

Explore Nearby

• Ottawa National Forest — National Forest in Michigan
• Huron–Manistee National Forest — National Forest in Michigan
• Woodward Avenue (M-1) – Automotive Heritage Trail — Scenic Byway in Michigan
• River Road Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in Michigan
• Zehnder’s Holz Brucke Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Michigan