Ottawa Sands Loop

From the parking area, head south on the flat and wide path toward the inland lake. Coming out of the trees, look for the trail joining the road from the right (west) as this will be the exit for the loop around the lake (or do this hike in reverse and take this first turn). Continue to the southeast on the road toward the Grand River, ducking back into the trees with a patch of marshland around mile 0.4. At this point, follow the trail along the riverbank to the south staying left at all intersections through the grassland and open dunes keeping an eye out for nesting bald eagles in this southern area. Looping back toward the lake, pass some more wetlands before following the western half of the loop along the boundary of the grassland and deciduous forest back to the starting point.