Rosy Mound Natural Area

Every time I tend to go here, it's during the of season. It offers some wonderful paths that can make an hour go by quickly if you're just out for a stroll. This park has a mixture of easy paths, stairs, and more intermediate paths. The intermediate paths are new to me and must have been a new addition. For this, there's steep inclines, narrow paths, and some that are a little too close to the edge of a steep hill. You've also got roots to watch for. It was a surprise to come across this and made my visit a little longer to explore this new area!

Definitely enjoyed my time here. The trails are beautiful, well-maintained, and attract the kindest of visitors. Fall foliage was a bonus too. I couldn’t recommend it enough. A good chunk of the trails aren’t wheelchair accessible and might require extra work if traveling with children. So keep that in mind.

Excellent signage and nicely maintained trail and stairs. If you follow Red #1 to Acorn trail it is a bit longer loop to the next sign, Red #2. If you take Jean Laug-Carroll trail (nearer to the restrooms) it is a more direct route to Red #2 then on to #3 and the beach. It is about 0.75 miles to the beach/water. With lots of stairs. The trail meanders through the woods so there is plenty of shade until the last section and beach. The beach and views of L Michigan are beautiful and the sunsets must be spectacular. Please note: some moron dropped and hypodermic needle on the beach. So watch your step! I disposed of it back at the parking lot. Also note: there is a kiosk at the trail head. The day use fee is $8 to Ottawa County. No pets are allowed and the MI state park sticker is not valid.

So.many.stairs. Worth the climb through a quiet beautiful forest. You come over the top of the sand dune and boom, Lake Michigan. I walked out at around 10:30 am and although I passed maybe three people, I was alone out on the beach. Absolutely breathtaking. Bathrooms at the beginning of the trail are closed for the season.

One of the nicest trails ever! Hike through a beautiful forest trail with plenty of steps...stairs, and the down to dunes and the beach of Lake Michigan. Loved it!

This is such a beautiful nature area. It's only a short walk to the lakeshore with amazing views. Thankfully there are lots of places to stop and rest with benches along the paths and between flights of stairs. Lots of trees for shade as well and there's a bathroom right at the entrance for the kiddos to make one last stop before getting on the trail. Would definitely recommend this trail if you're up for a short hike and want to enjoy a breathtaking view at the end.

My wife and I had a very nice 4 mile hike all around the park. We walked down to the beach and swam for an hour or so. A beautiful park and very well maintained

Our bus load of 48 people really enjoyed our hour and a half here on April 26. Parking is free before Memorial Day in the spring. The trails are well kept and it is such a nice view of the lake. The bathrooms were also well maintained.

Rosy Mound Natural Area's dunes, forested trails, and shoreline views were stunning! Pulling in there is small parking lot, restrooms, and pay station kiosk for the $8 daily permit. The 2.2 mile trail starts at the parking lot leading you through the woods right to Lake Michigan's shoreline. The trail consist of dirt, dune, and board walk paths with a total of 360 stairs; so get those quads ready! Thankfully there are lots of shaded places to stop and rest with benches along the paths and between flights of stairs. Note to mention: This is a no pet area so keep your furry friends at home! Would definitely recommend Rosy Mound if you're up for a short hike and want to enjoy a breathtaking shoreline view or beach at the end.

Beautiful hike to the beach! The trailhead starts in a parking lot, weaving through the woods. You go up stairs to a dunes overlook and you can continue to follow the trail down to the beach. The beach and the sand dunes are beautiful, especially at sunset. There are bathrooms at the beginning of the trail and near the beach.

There is a parking lot with restrooms available. They will start charging to park but today they did not so we got to park for free. There is a kiosk that you enter your license plate and pay. There is also restrooms before you start. All trails start here, there are steps, flat ground and sand dunes. Very well kept and when you get to the beach there is are two more restrooms but they are out house style. Huge temperature change from the parking lot to the beach so later if you are heading down in May. If you have a backpack cooler I could see you making this a beach day but those are and distance you had to be very determined if you want to make it the beach day here. You would have to haul your things in and that my friend would be challenging. This is a no pet zone beach. So leave your furry friends at home.

My friend and I had the most wonderful winter hike here! I haven't done many hikes in the area, but I was really impressed with this area. Since we went in the winter I think there are maybe some restroom facilities that weren't open when we were there. The trails are well marked, which was really nice. There are a lot of stairs, but they aren't terribly steep. We hiked for just over an hour, but it felt like the time flew by. The woods are so pretty in the winter, and the beach views were amazing! I loved the paths through the dunes, and I can't wait to go back again in the spring! The parking lot is a bit small, so I'll probably try to go on an another off-peak time. But it was lovely.

The lakeshore along Lake Michigan is definitely a blessing for us Michiganders! Rosy Mound is right on the lakeshore and brings you on a trail through the woods that eventually leads you to the beach! The dunes are abundant and SO FUN to climb! This trail is a 2.2 mile trail with a boardwalk and stairs throughout! There are a total of 360 stairs, so be ready to get your workout in! As you come down the stairs, the stunning views of Lake Michigan and the coast greet you! It really is the coolest view!

Rosy Mound is awesome because you have a mixture of terrain and scenery! Your exploring heart won't be weary! Quick tip, if you park at the school across the street, it's free and just a quick walk up to the park. The park ranger actually told us about this lol. As soon as my friends and I got up to the park, we had to walk up a hill and some steps. It was most challenging, but stick with it because it's so worth the climb. Once you're at the end, you have a beautiful view of the dunes and the lake. It's so peaceful here. I can't wait to be back to Rosy Mound !

At first, it doesn't look like much of a hike. Easy laid out path to guide you through with frequent "you are here signs". After ~1 mile you will get into some stairs to get to the dune lookout. This is the most beautiful lookout of the dunes with Lake Michigan in the background! If you keep going all the way to end you will see an amazing view of Lake Michigan. It was a little sad some of the stairs were blocked off to use because of the dune erosion, but you can access the dunes or shores of Lake Michigan and continue your journey or turn around. The stairs going up on the way back will take your breath away, but it is a good little exercise. Overall, it is about a 2 mile in and out hike!

My favorite place to go that is near, by the way to the beach. If you a person that likes hiking and great views then this is the place for you. Once your done with the hundreds of steps you finally get to the beach. The view is amazing plus you can run up and down the beach if you choose.

One of my favorite hiking spots in West Michigan! A mile hike from the parking lot to the beach, through wooded trails, up and down many steps, all surrounded by nature.

Rosy mound is one of those somewhat hidden jewels on Michigan's "West Side" You can find it right on US31 not far from Grand Haven State and City Beaches. The nice thing about this place is that it's not overly crowded (or crowded at all) due to the fact that it's a little off the beaten path and it takes a little effort to bet to the beach from the parking lot. Rosy Mound has a trail that's roughly 3/4 of a mile through the woods, through the dunes to Lake Michigan. The trail while not terribly challenging has quite a bit of ups and downs and a giant stair case near the beach which seems to deter a lot of would be beach goers or anyone who doesn't want a bit of a challenge to get to the beach. Those who do make the trek are rewarded with a beach that is not crowded and quite nice. Yea, it'd be a total PITA to drag a picnic cooler there, so bring a day pack with some food, beverages, etc instead, it'll be well worth it, trust me.

This is my new favorite summer hideaway. The quiet trails go on for a few miles through the trees and over ravines leading to a good stretch of Lake Michigan's coastline which allows for a mental escape from busy city life. Be prepared for a few hundred stairs on the trails, however. There are also a good expanse of boardwalk trails through the sand dunes near the water. It was very nice to find the bathrooms at the trailhead were clean. This is a great place for trail running, easy hiking, and relaxing on a beach away from the throngs of people at the state parks!

Great area to walk. Used to walk this before the county bought and improved it, this is much better now. Toilets in the parking area. No dogs allowed here, so you won't be bothered by them- probably (most pet owners can read and understand those signs, others not so much). Small county park use fee between Memorial Day & Labor Day, but free parking the rest of the year. Pass is bought at a machine by the parking lot which accepts cash or CC. Path to the beach is almost a mile long and has hundreds of steps (see pics). I wouldn't bring anything you can't pack in and back out on your back. Very beautiful sandy beach, the neighboring property to the north is a sand mining operation which has been in business many years and is who actually sold this property to the county. Rarely crowded, even on the hottest days because of the walk/stairs. Little kids & old people will be complaining after the first set of steps, but hang on, because there are about 5 more sets to get to the beach - and then you have to come back! There are sitting areas and a couple of nice lookout areas with information boards. There are areas by the beach to attain minimal shelter from the sun, but not from the elements. There is a nice walkway through the dune area by the beach, please stay on it as the dune system is fragile. Many people exercise out here, running the pathway, or walkers of all speeds...the stairs will make you burn :). Not a place you want to bring a stroller or large rolling cooler. So pack light, and carry enough water with you. You'll be glad you did when you get back to your car.

Really nice hike in the Michigan woods (lots of stairs up and down) overlooking the beach and dunes. Less crowded and more quiet and peaceful than many locations in the area.

No where did i see no dogs allowed until we drove 40mins and got to the opening of the trail and then seen a sign of no pets. all surrounding trails/paths said no pets aw well... not happy and didnt get to walk them at all

This is a great place to take a hike. The downfall is No Pets Bummer as the summertime we all want to get our dogs out. We drove an hour and a half to find the sign. We had to go elsewhere but we have enjoyed Rosy Mound on several occasions and Love it!

Amazing hiking natural area with spectacular, breathtaking views of Lake Michigan! I am amazed it took me this long to finally make it to Rosy Mound natural area in Grand Haven. I have been going to Grand Haven for the last 20 years as family is there. Rosy Mound is located across 31 in the heart of Grand Haven. I visited over Easter weekend so it wasn't overly busy and there was easy parking right at the site. I highly recommend this area to anyone who loves being surrounded by nature, peacefulness, natural beauty, water etc. I consider this a rigorous hiking course as there are hundreds of steps that take you to Lake Michigan. Once you are there it is simply breathtaking. I consider myself a fit person- after the hike I was extremely sore my lower legs were hurting a week after but it was a good hurt you know you got a good work out... this is definitely a course that will amp up your traditional workouts in a good way. This Ottawa County park is beautifully maintained as well with restrooms on site. Highly recommend!

Great spot on the lakeshore to check out! Definitely a hidden gem in this great town. Clean and multiple trails to explore. Excellent spot to enjoy the sunset.

Very well constructed trail and stairs leading over a large dune and down to the Lake Michigan shore. The trail is well shaded with several resting benches and a few scenic view stopping points. There are bathrooms at the parking area and down at the lake shore. Extensive board walks across and through the dunes after coming down from the forest. Educational signs describing dune formation and life cycle are found along the trail. There is also a small, stair-free loop trail through the woods without going over the dune. $6 parking fee during the summer.

Beautiful area. Very Clean and kept up park! Lots of stair climbing to get back to Lake Michigan but well worth the exercise. The views are spectacular. Enjoy your walk to the beach.