Welcome to the
Kal-Haven Trail
A Trail For All Seasons
The Kal-Haven Trail, the first State Park of its kind in Michigan, is a wonderful 34 mile long linear, multi-use trail that links Kalamazoo to South Haven and is one of southwest Michigan’s premier tourist destinations. The Trail passes over a glacial moraine, through busy towns, ghost towns and small villages, open farmland and orchards, delicate wetlands and ends on the shores of Lake Michigan losing only 300′ in elevation along the way.
Summer
During the summer season, the Kal-Haven Trail hosts numerous hikers, bikers, runners and more. Long stretches of it are heavily shaded, keeping users cool on hot days.
Note:
Motorized vehicles are not allowed on the trail
Class I ebikes are allowed, class II are only allowed with DNR permits.
Fall
The mixed hardwood forests that surround many sections of the trail explode into vibrant autumn hues. This time of the year is a magical time to explore and exercise along the entire 33.4 miles.
Trail Surface:
note that the Kal-Haven Trail is a natural, crushed limestone surface. This means that on wet days, especially during spring thaw, the surface can soften and wider tires are recommended. When the trail surface is dry, it is ideal for all bike styles other than road bikes.
Winter
During the coldest months of the year, snow piles up and the trail opens up to snowmobiles as well as cross country skiing and the occasional adventurous fat tire bike.
TO CHECK ON TRAIL CONDITIONS FOR SNOWMOBILING FROM THE DNR:
We do not determine or track if the trail is currenly open for sleds. 4" of snow is required for snowmobiling on the trail. Users can check snow fall totals at MISORVA (https://misorva.org/) which has a trail reports page that gets updated regularly.
Spring
As winter fades, plants along the trail explode into life. Native spring ephemerals such as Spring Beauty, Trout Lily and Jack in the Pulpit are some of the first flowers to bloom. Our wildflower restoration project between F and G avenues near the Kalamazoo end of the trail showcase many native plants this time of the year!
Trail Surface:
note that the Kal-Haven Trail is a natural, crushed limestone surface. This means that on wet days, especially during spring thaw, the surface can soften and wider tires are recommended. When the trail surface is dry, it is ideal for all bike styles other than road bikes.
A volunteer organization dedicated to supporting Michigan's DNR in maintaining and beautifying the Kal-Haven Sesquicentennial Trail State Park.
