Hassle the Hoffmaster: The Michigan Hike that Will Actually Kick Your Butt

​Michigan is hands-down a beautiful state – well, except for that whole pesky winter thing (sorry snow bunnies!). There’s certainly plenty of great trails to go hiking on, and even though gyms are open, there are many of us still more comfortable exercising outside or at home.

Now, as someone who’s hiked in both California and Michigan, it’s no secret that California does have a leg up on that whole elevation thing. That’s not to say Michigan’s trails are any less awesome, but hiking up a mountain is a much more strenuous workout than a relatively flat trail. The good news is that I found a trail that actually kicked my butt – quite literally.

The Walk-a-Mile trail at Hoffmaster State Park was a great find. It starts you at the parking lot and takes you to the beach. If it’s a hot day, I totally recommend packing a swimsuit and going for a jump in the lake while you’re there. Once you are at the beach you’ll then hang a left where you’ll keeping walking until you see an opening to head back up to the trail in the forest. This is the part that was actually a really solid workout. The hill going back up is pretty steep and it’s all sand, so the combination really worked my legs and butt. Then, once you’re at the top it’s kind of fun because you sort of glide down with the sand through the trees and come out at the parking lot. 

So, even though the trail itself is a little shorter, if you’re looking for a hike in West Michigan with a little more elevation, I definitely recommend this one. Plus, you get a great view of Lake Michigan while you’re there!