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Michigan
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Michigan State Parks

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USA Parks
Michigan
Southwest Region
Allegan State Forest
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Allegan State Forest Northwest Trail Loop - Allegan State Game Area © Lynn
Northwest Trail Loop, called the Wakazoo Trail by the Boy Scouts, is a 13.8 mile loop through the Allegan State Game Area with trail heads in Ely Lake Campground, 44th St 115th Ave, 117th Ave 52nd St, Swan Creek Marsh off 121st St, North and South Swan Creek, both off 118th Ave east of Allegan State Game Area HQ. You can also get to this trail from the Allegan State Game HQ by hiking the bike/ski trails.
Allegan State Forest Northwest Trail Loop - Allegan State Game Area © Lynn
Northwest Trail Loop, called the Wakazoo Trail by the Boy Scouts, is a 13.8 mile loop through the Allegan State Game Area with trail heads in Ely Lake Campground, 44th St 115th Ave, 117th Ave 52nd St, Swan Creek Marsh off 121st St, North and South Swan Creek, both off 118th Ave east of Allegan State Game Area HQ. You can also get to this trail from the Allegan State Game HQ by hiking the bike/ski trails.
Allegan State Forest Northwest Trail Loop - Allegan State Game Area © Lynn
At Swan Creek Marsh, the Northwest Trail Loop, called the Wakazoo Trail by the Boy Scouts, is a 13.8 mile loop through the Allegan State Game Area with trail heads in Ely Lake Campground, 44th St 115th Ave, 117th Ave 52nd St, Swan Creek Marsh off 121st St, North and South Swan Creek, both off 118th Ave east of Allegan State Game Area HQ. You can also get to this trail from the Allegan State Game HQ by hiking the bike/ski trails.
Allegan State Forest Ely Lake Campground - Allegan State Game Area © Lynn
Springtime is wet around Little Tom Lake. Little Tom Swamp Trail is dry in the summer and fall, but in the spring it becomes a wetland wonderland for people who are captivated with habitats for plants and animals.
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ALLEGAN STATE FOREST
ALLEGAN STATE FOREST
The Allegan State Forest, nestled in Southwest Michigan, paints a picturesque landscape that evokes a sense of tranquility and natural beauty. Spanning over 50,000 acres, the forest is a sanctuary for outdoor enthusiasts seeking solace and adventure. Its diverse ecosystems showcase stunning woodlands, captivating wetlands, and enchanting rolling dunes, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the thriving flora and fauna. Hiking trails meander through the forest's vast expanse, leading to hidden gems like the soothing waters of the Kalamazoo River or the serene shores of Lake Michigan. Whether it's birdwatching, hunting, fishing, camping, or simply reveling in the marvels of nature, the Allegan State Forest provides an unforgettable experience for all who seek it.
History of the Area
The Allegan State Forest is a 50,000-acre state forest located in the southwestern Lower Peninsula of Michigan. Previously known as the "Mineral Swamp," this forested area has a rich and diverse history.

The history of the Allegan State Forest goes back to the 19th century when it was primarily owned by the Allegan Iron and Mining Company. The company initially acquired the land for mining and timber operations. However, the land proved to be filled with wetlands, and mining efforts were abandoned. As a result, the company began logging operations, which continued throughout the late 1800s.

During the lumber era, the Allegan State Forest played a significant role in the state's timber industry. The tall white pine trees found in the forest were highly sought after for their quality timber. Logging companies extracted vast quantities of timber from the area, contributing to the rapid growth of local sawmills and nearby cities.

However, the excessive logging practices resulted in widespread deforestation and environmental degradation. Concerns about the destruction of the forest's ecosystem led to the establishment of the State Park Commission in 1919. The commission worked towards preserving and restoring valuable forest areas, including what is now the Allegan State Forest.

In the 1930s, during the Great Depression, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) played a crucial role in rehabilitating the land by planting trees and constructing necessary infrastructure. The CCC built roads, bridges, fire lanes, and campgrounds throughout the state forest.

In 1935, the Allegan State Forest was officially dedicated and became one of the first state forests in Michigan. The forest's primary purpose was to provide timber for future generations while promoting both recreational opportunities and conservation efforts.

The Allegan State Forest has been managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The area offers various recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, hunting, bird watching, horseback riding, and camping. The forest's unique terrain, which features both hardwood and pine forests, wetlands, rivers, and dunes, attracts nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike.

The Allegan State Forest remains an important natural resource in Michigan, providing habitat for wildlife, protecting watersheds, and offering recreational opportunities to visitors from near and far.
Passes
The Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. Details and information on how to obtain your Michigan Recreation Passport can be found by visiting the MICHIGAN RECREATION PASSPORT web page.
Camping
1. Allegan County Equestrian Campground: This campground is designed for horse riders and offers 25 campsites with hitching posts, fire rings, picnic tables as well as a vault toilet.

2. Silver Creek State Forest Campground: Located on the eastern edge of the forest, this rustic campground has 26 sites available for tent or small trailer use.

3. Swan Creek Pond State Forest Campgrounds: It features ten camping spots that are perfect for those who enjoy fishing since it's located near several ponds stocked with fish like bluegill and bass.

4. Echo Point Shooting Range Camping Area: A primitive campsite area in close proximity to an outdoor shooting range within the state forest boundaries.

5. Ely Lake - Rustic Cabins & Group Site: The cabins can accommodate up to six people each while group site allows larger gatherings.

6. Pine Point Horseback Riding Staging Area - Primitive Camping Sites: These camping areas offer minimal amenities but provide direct access to miles of equestrian trails throughout Allegan State Game Area.

7. Triangle Recreation Areas: Dispersed/Primitive Backcountry Camping Spots . For more adventurous types looking at back-country experience, dispersed/primitive camping options exist across various parts of park where one could pitch their tents away from developed facilities.
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Location
Allegan State Forest is located near Allegan, Holland and Kalamazoo

Trails
1. Pine Point Trail: This is a 2-mile loop trail that offers scenic views of the forest and wildlife sightings, including deer and birds. The path winds through mature pine forests with well-marked signs.

2. Ely Lake Campground Trails: These trails offer various lengths from one to three miles around beautiful Ely lake which provides opportunities for fishing or bird watching along the way.

3. Swan Creek Pond Hiking Trail: A short but picturesque half mile trail surrounding Swan Creek pond offering serene water views, perfect for beginners or those looking for a quick hike in nature.

4. Swamp White Oak Pathway: It's an easy-to-moderate difficulty level pathway stretching over 5 miles long within Allegan State Forest providing hikers with stunning wildflower displays during springtime as well as diverse tree species identification opportunity throughout year round hiking experience.

5. Old Orchard Loop: This moderate-difficulty six-mile-long loop takes you past old apple orchards where you might spot white-tailed deer feeding on fallen apples in autumn season.

6. Bear Swamp Nature Interpretive Trail: An educational two-and-a-half mile route featuring interpretive signage about local flora & fauna; this self-guided tour includes boardwalk sections across wetlands areas making it accessible even after rainfalls.

7. Tower Hill Overlook: This steep climb leads up to panoramic view point overlooking entire state forest area giving breathtaking sunset viewing chance especially during fall color change period.

8. Lost Nation Raptor Center Birding Route: A unique four-mile trek designed specifically for birdwatchers showcasing variety of habitats attracting different types of migratory birds such as warblers,thrushes etc.

9. North Country National Scenic Trial Section: A part of longest continuous footpath spanning eight states passes through Allegan State Forest covering approximately ten miles distance here presenting challenging terrain changes yet rewarding vistas at every turn.

10. Equestrian Trails: Allegan State Forest also features over 60 miles of equestrian trails, offering horseback riders a chance to explore the forest's diverse landscapes. These are multi-use trails and can be used for hiking as well.

11. Snowmobile Trails: In winter months these designated routes become popular among snowmobilers providing thrilling ride through snowy woodland scenes.

12. Cross Country Skiing Routes: During winters,several groomed cross country skiing paths open up in Allegan state forest giving another way to enjoy this beautiful natural area during colder season.

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Area Campgrounds
East Lake Camping
3091 Weicks Drive
Hopkins, MI
269-793-7177
Sandy Pines RV Resort
2745 136th Avenue
Hopkins, MI
616-896-8315
Warner Camp
60 55th Street
Grand Junction, MI
269-434-6844
South Haven Family Campground
03403 64th Street
South Haven, MI
Dumont Lake Campground
3106 125th Avenue
Allegan, MI
269-673-6065
Gile's Campground on Swan Lake
697 44th Street
Allegan, MI
269-521-6171
Tri Pond Family Camp Resort
3687 Dumont Road
Allegan, MI
269-673-4740

Directions
1. Start by heading south on N Main St toward W Trowbridge St.
2. Continue straight onto Monroe Rd and drive for about 3 miles.
3. Turn right onto M:40 S/Sherman St and continue to follow M-40 South for approximately 6 miles.
4. At the roundabout, take the second exit to stay on M:40 S/Allegan Dam Road/Monroe Road (signs for Holland).
5. Drive for another mile before turning left onto Dumont Lake Rd/Lake Shore Dr., following signs towards "Dumont Lake County Park.".
6. Continue driving along Dumont Lake road until you reach a fork; keep left at this point.
7. Following that turn slightly right continuing down dumount lake rd.
8. After around .9miles make sure your destination will be coming up soon.

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Michigan
27

Michigan State Parks

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