Van Buren State Park is conveniently located six miles from the 38-mile Kal-Haven Trail State, which extends from South Haven to Kalamazoo.

The Kal-Haven Trail is a 38-mile linear trail that was once a railroad corridor. Today, this abandoned route provides hikers, mountain bikers, cross-country skiers, and snowmobilers an opportunity to see the countryside from a different perspective thanks to the combined efforts of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Friends of the Kal-Haven Trail.

Along the path expect to see forests, farmlands, open fields, rivers, streams, and nearly a dozen developed communities and cities. Spring through fall provide the best wildlife viewing opportunities. Typically seen are raccoons, opossums, red fox, squirrels, and rabbits. Evidence of their travel may be seen in the winter snow. Several species of woodland birds including cardinals and chickadees inhabit much of the trail year-round. Bluebirds may be seen in spring and fall perched atop one of the trail's many bluebird boxes. Don't look for this 7" thrush in the woods; look for the bright blue bird along open farmlands with scattered trees.

Directions: From Van Buren State Park, South Haven Trailhead: Travel north approximately 6 miles along the Blue Star Memorial Highway to reach trailhead parking. (The park is located just south of South Haven, Michigan off Interstate 196 / US 31.)

Difficulty: Easy

Visitor Information

Contact Wildernet