This section of the river maintains much of its forest integrity, even though it is mostly privately owned. This portion is deeper than upstream, though there are areas that are still wade-able along the edges.
This area features impressive forested slopes and overlooks, and large emergent wetland areas. It is a good birding area because of the more open areas.
A paved trail leads through former pastures, now being restored to natural habitats, down to the Grand River where there is a canoe landing and river overlook. Looping unpaved trails let visitors explore the lowland forest that shades the river in this Ada Township
Located between Saugatuck and Holland with towering dunes, 2.5 miles of undeveloped shoreline, and no crowds–this is one of the great Lake Michigan parks.
Hiking trails loop through the dunes, around wetlands, to the north shore of the Oxbow Lagoon, along the Kalamazoo River channel, and the Lake Michigan shoreline, offering scenic views at every turn. At the beach, look for migratory shorebirds including gulls, plovers, sandpipers, and terns.
This former cow pasture-turned-county park near Zeeland was returned to fields and wetlands. It meanders to miles of the Macatawa River, attracting a variety of wading and grassland birds. It offers extensive hiking and mountain biking trails.
Whitey’s Woods is a forested portion of Lake Harbor Park that offers visitors natural beauty and opportunities for quiet recreation.