Grand Mere State Park — Attraction in Lincoln Charter Township

be warned: there are NO clear trails or trail markers here. Novice hikers should STAY AWAY. No cell reception! NOT a good place for a picnic or for those with disabilities. It's essentially a maze of random sandy/wooded trails. In addition the sand dunes & uneven trails make it difficult to tell elevation/direction. Even as an experienced outdoorsperson I found it difficult to keep my bearings. The beach is beautiful but tiny & extremely rocky once you get into the water. After a short & strenuous hike (which granted is what I wanted!) I relaxed at the beach for a bit before heading back. Although I had ample water, trail snacks, appropriate gear, etc. I ended up on the opposite side of the park when heading back due to a complete lack of mapped/marked trails or even trails that led anywhere period! I'd try to circle back but you never know where the trail you're on is going to take you. After a few hours of hiking I cut my losses & found the access road that eventually leads to the highway & hiked that back to my car. .... please come prepared with a fully charged phone should you get lost & somehow be able to get some cell reception, a compass, knowledge of the parks layout, & plenty of water, snacks, layered clothing, any meds you might need, etc. ... just keep a good attitude (you chose to come here expecting strenuous hiking!) & always be prepared! Maybe there's an easier way to traverse the park but if there isn't just be prepared for a potential several hours of hiking + several hours of beach time & plan your daylight...

Parents LISTEN UP! Ignore the other reviews that said "A short 10 minute walk".( Maybe if your are an Olympian). Don't get fooled like us.

We are a millennial couple who have no problems taking a 5 mile hike though the woods but I got my butt handed to me here. We stopped here on the way to Chicago to let our 5 kids ages 2 months-11 get their wiggles out. The location is right off the highway.

With that said, it's a 15 min walk through the woods. At the time we went there were several large trees you had to go over or under as they were blocking the path. The first half is paved with cement but other half is muddy.

At the end of the path is a steep sand dune you need to climb. When you get to the top, you have to go down again, then up another hill, down, then up... Then there's a small dune leading to the water. Tho the views are breath taking the climb sucks. Especially with little kids. Don't bother bringing a stroller. Even a Bob or Thule will get stuck. Bring water and if you have babies a good carrier like an ergo or Tula. Expect about a 30-40 minute "walk" to the lake. Longer if your kids need breaks.

On our way back to the car I saw several families and elderly and they were not dressed for a dune climb. I told the poor sap to leave his umbrella stroller in the car as he wouldn't make it but he smirked and ignored me lol....

Wow. We were not prepared for the trek to get from the parking lot to the beach 😳 We went around 11:00am on a Tuesday, 75* (so not too hot) things I wish I knew ahead of time:

-Not great for young kids to walk.

-The walk to the beach from parking lot is FAR, with sand hills.

-NOT stroller friendly.

-Wear sneakers!!!

-Bring extra water to drink.

-The sand is extremely hot walking the path and climbing sand dunes. It will get into sandals and burn feet even with them on (not exaggerating)

we passed numerous people who were seeking the bits of shade from bushes along sandy path to cool their feet just like we were.

We warned people we passed on the way back cause they noticed our exhaustion; 3 couples tried going further but ended up turning around because the sand was just too hot to make the trek!

I had my 2 young daughters with me so this may be why it was much harder to get to and from the beach for us- I ended up pulling my 4 year old on her beach towel through the sand and my 9 year old sat on her tune and scooted along because it was too hot for their little feet!

It was QUITE the journey, definitely a workout getting to and from the water; beach was pretty, lots of rocks along the shore, but we will NOT do...