Nature Trail, Scenic Deck, and Sand Dune...
The Old Baldy Dune and Nature Trail is part of Charles Mears State Park. The beginning of the nature trail hike starts at the North end of the State Parke, just across from the bathrooms / shower house and playground. The trail is consists primarily of a stepped board walk that asscend rapidly up the wooded dune. After a couple of steep ascents, hikers are rewarded with a lookout point, offering an excellent view of the State Park, beach, piers, and Lake Michigan (the above photo was taken from the viewing deck).
From the lookout deck, another short (and flat) walk brings you to the top of Old Baldy, a long sand dune at the northwest corner of the park. Chances are, if you're familiar with Pentwater, you have many great memories of the race to the bottom, and have probably enjoyed more than one face full of sand after a rough fall! This is always a favorite activity of children. It's free. It's fun. It's excercise. And it will certainly be a great vacation memory.
