Lost Lake and Island Loop Trailhead — Attraction in Hamlin Township

Beautiful and peaceful trail within the Ludington State Park forest area. This section of the park has many trails that wind throughout the woods, along the waterfront, and out onto several dunes. Trail maps are located at all trail intersections and there are several benches and shelters along the trails too.

The boardwalk of the trail is very easy to hike, but can be damp and a little muddy. The first mile of the trail is relatively flat, and wanders through forests with multiple reflection pools in the woods.

After a mile in, the trail takes several routes, one of which goes upwards on the ridge within the woods. This ridge does get rather steep in sections and the sandy parts can be difficult. The ridge trail does lead out into a dune area, or towards Lake Michigan, or back to the parking area. I took the lighthouse trail towards Lake Michigan.

The lighthouse trail does have limited shade, I would recommend it in the early morning as it can get very hot. Luckily the lake breeze will keep you cool. At the end, beautiful views of the Big Sable Lighthouse and beach provide a great spot to relax, picnic, or even swim. To return to the trail parking, the lighthouse trail or walking along the beach and following the main park road back to the campgrounds will get you back to the parking area near...

Put our tubes in below the Hamlin dam, and took a leisurely trip down the river, passing by beautiful scenery and wildlife. The sign warns about rapid currents, but it was rather slow the whole time. In fact, at one point the wind picked up and actually started blowing us up stream. We amused ourselves about that as we kicked and paddled hands back to the stronger current in the river. Ending up in lake Michigan was fun too. We kept flowing in and somehow weren't pushed back by the waves. We just rode them until my tube was deluged by a big one and I had to get up on...

Love coming here! There's various trails and routes to take with so much to see. Each time we go it a bit different.

Things to do: Hike the loop around the water Eat wild blueberries Play at the play ground Kayak or Tube Run up and down the sand dune Sit and watch the water Climb on the fallen uprooted trees Nature and wildlife watch Fishing

Wildlife we've seen: many porcupines walking and in trees, tiny just born squirrel,...