Hiking

Harrington Beach State Park has seven miles of hiking trails and one mile of Lake Michigan shoreline to explore. Walking the beach along Lake Michigan, hikers can see the remains of a 700-foot pier that was used in the early 1900s for shipping limestone quarried and processed at the park. The old pier is on the point which is the dividing point between the north and south beaches.

Bobolink Loop trail

This 1-mile hiking trail is in the western section of the park across from the Puckett’s Pond picnic area. This trail winds through red osier dogwood shrubs, past some wetland ponds and through prairie grasses and forbs. Pets are allowed but must be on a leash 8 feet or shorter.

Hardwood Swamp trail

This 0.8-mile trail takes hikers past portions of the park's hardwood swamp and connects to the Whitetail Trail and Service Road Trail. Expect the trail to be wet in some areas at any time of the year. Pets are allowed but must be on a leash 8 feet or shorter.

Lakeview trail

This 0.8-mile trail parallels the park’s north beach until the point where it turns inland to catch of glimpse of Quarry Lake. The trail then meanders back towards the lake and the south picnic area. Pets are allowed but must be on a leash 8 feet or shorter.

Meadowlark trail

This 0.2-mile trail provides access from the campground to the Puckett’s Pond picnic area and connects to the Whitetail Trail and the Bobolink Trail.

Quarry Lake trail

A 1-mile hiking trail that circles Quarry Lake. The deep, serene waters of the 26-acre lake are surrounded by limestone ledges lined with white cedar trees. This trail is one of the highlights of the park. The trail is considered universally accessible with its crushed limestone surface and flat terrain. The trail also features an accessible fishing pier. Pets are allowed but must be on a leash 8 feet or shorter. Bikes are not allowed on the Quarry Lake Trail.

Service Road trail

Bicycling or walking along the 1.7-mile service road trail (formerly the shuttle bus route) in the lower park is a pleasant way to enjoy the woods and get exercise. The trail offers an excellent way for people with disabilities to see the woods and wildlife. Pets are allowed but must be on a leash 8 feet or shorter.

White Cedar nature trail

Explore the white cedar swamp in the eastern section of the park by following the 0.5-mile nature trail that begins East or South of the North Picnic Area. Pets and bikes are not allowed on the White Cedar Nature Trail.

Whitetail trail

The Whitetail trail begins at the Puckett’s Pond picnic area parking lot. Visitors will enjoy the 0.8-mile hike into the middle of the day-use area of the park which includes Quarry Lake, both the point and quarry picnic areas and the north beach. Pets are allowed but must be on a leash 8 feet or shorter.