Kal-Haven Trail: Kalamazoo to South Haven

Enjoyed by more than 90,000 outdoor enthusiasts annually, the 34.5 mile linear Kal-Haven Trail State Park extends from South Haven, on the shores of Lake Michigan, to the northwest suburbs of the City of Kalamazoo. The trail is built on the abandoned Kalamazoo & South Haven Railroad which existed from 1870 to 1970. The right-of-way was purchased by the DNR in 1987, and the trail opened in 1991.

The trail passes through the towns of Grand Junction, Bloomingdale, Gobles and Kendall where restaurants and other amenities are available for trail users. A wide range of activities are available to trail users: biking, hiking, birding and horseback riding (on an adjacent trail between Bloomingdale and Kibbie); winter activities include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. Snowmobiling is permitted when the snow depth is greater than four inches.

Saturday, May 12, 2007 is the date of the next Trail Blazer. The purpose of the Trail Blazer, a bicycle ride between South Haven and Kalamazoo, both on and off the trail, is to raise money to fund projects along the trail and to provide a pleasant experience for all bikers.