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Photo by Little Traverse Conservancy
Little Traverse Conservancy in Harbor Springs
Since 1972, the Little Traverse Conservancy has worked with landowners to protect the natural diversity and beauty of Northern Michigan. The conservancy protects significant land and scenic areas and provides opportunities for all of us to appreciate and understand the environment. With more than 40,000 acres of land and 70 miles of shoreline protected, the Conservancy encourages the use of the preserves for hiking, photography, and other types of recreation.
When visiting the preserves, please do not remove any plant, animal or other natural features. State law requires pets to be on a leash at all times. Interpretative information is available at some of the properties and all of the sites listed here include trails or boardwalks to facilitate comfortable travel.
And if you’re a geocacher, there are more than 80 caches hidden in 45 Conservancy preserves.
Here’s a list of some of the area nature preserves:
- Goodhart Farms Nature Preserve – This site, located on Robinson Road, just off State Road north of Harbor Springs, has 625 acres and includes hiking trails.
- Allan and Virginia McCune Nature Preserve – Here you’ll find 168 acres and 3,400 feet along the Minnehaha Creek with three easy hiking trails totaling approximately three miles. The preserve is located seven miles east of Petoskey on Maxwell Road just off of Mitchell Road.
- North Point Nature Preserve – With 2,800 feet of Lake Michigan frontage and 28 acres, this preserve includes a variety of trails with some connecting to nearby Mt. McSauba recreation area. It is located on the north end of Charlevoix: take Mercer Road north to Pleasant Street and turn left onto Mt. McSauba Road, turn right before the dirt road as the preserve is on the left.
- Oden Island Nature Preserve – This site has 50 acres with an easy one mile trail and benches. Take US 31 north to Pickeral Lake Road, turn right and continue onto Channel Road. Turn left on Oden Island Road and once on the island, turn right on Leeward Drive. Where Leeward meets a Y, take a sharp left and follow the two-track to the right.
- Offield Nature Preserve – Hikers and snowshoe enthusiasts love the 3.7 miles of trails on 390 acres. With parking lots on Quick Road and Bester Road, this preserve offers flat or hilly terrain.
- Raven Ridge Nature Preserve – More than 1-1/2 miles of trails and a valley overlook can be found in this 140-acre preserve. From Boyne Falls, go west of M-75 then left on M-48, left on Pearsall Road, left on Fuller Road, go over Deer Creek, and up the big hill. Park at Raven Hill Discovery Center or further up the hill at the parking area.
- Stutsmanville Bog Nature Preserve – This is a great place to see the beauty of a bog. The preserve has 65 acres with a 1/4 mile trail to the bog overlook. From Harbor Springs, take State Road north approximately five miles. Look for the preserve sign on the right side of the road.
- Thorne Swift Nature Preserve – This gem has 30 acres and 300 feet on Lake Michigan. It includes a nature center, beach access, dune observation platform, pond observation platform, gazebo, amphitheater, and seasonal guided programs. Thorne Swift has three boardwalk trails with a total of 1-1/2 miles of easy hiking. Take M-119 north of Harbor Springs approximately four miles to Lower Shore Drive. Follow Lower Shore for 1/2 mile. There is a $3 parking fee for non-township residents.
For more information on the Little River Conservancy:
3264 Powell Rd., Harbor Springs, MI, 49740
(231) 347-0991
Destinations Up North
Activities & Attractions in Northern Michigan
Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park
Historic Mill Creek Discover Park has 625 acres along Lake Huron, 3.5 miles of hiking trails, a reconstructed saw mill, mill dam, and more.
Up North Snowmobiling
With miles of scenic trails terrain and local snowmobile clubs, Northern Michigan is the place to bring the snow sleds in the winter.
Young State Park Near Boyne City
Young State Park outside Boyne City is a ‘year round delight for campers, hikers, snow lovers, swimmers and nature lovers.
Wilderness State Park on Lake Michigan
Wilderness State Park’s 2,582 acres of natural area and 4,492 acres of wilderness area make this a great place to explore all year ’round.
Petoskey State Park
Petoskey State Park is one of the premier destinations for campers and outdoor lovers and is tucked away between Petoskey and Harbor Springs.
M-119 Tunnel of Trees
Take a beautiful color tour as you travel under a tunnel of colorful trees along M-119 from Harbor Springs to Cross Village.
Beaver Island Up North
Beaver Island is located 32 miles offshore of Charlevoix, Michigan and is the largest island in Lake Michigan.
Saint Ignatius Catholic Church at Good Hart
Travel along the Tunnel of Trees in Northern Michigan and you will pass through Good Hart and see historic Saint Ignatius Catholic Church.
Fisherman’s Island State Park
Fisherman’s Island State Park has more than 2,600 acres and miles of gorgeous Lake Michigan beach and is located just south of Charlevoix.
Maple Syrup Season
Spring brings lots of outdoor activities to Northern Michigan but one often ends up on pancakes: making maple syrup.
Little Traverse Conservancy in Harbor Springs
Little Traverse Conservancy protects land and scenic areas and provides opportunities for all of us to appreciate the environment.
Cross Country Ski Trails
Just a short drive from Harbor Springs or Petoskey are more than a dozen Northern Michigan cross country ski trails in Emmet County.
Ride the Breezeway Scenic Highway Between Atwood & Boyne Falls
This 28-mile scenic highway running between Atwood and Boyne Falls known as the Breezeway draws visitors because it is gorgeous.
The Little Traverse Wheelway
Bicyclists, walkers, and roller bladers can go from Harbor Springs to Charlevoix on the 26-mile long Little Traverse Wheelway.
Arch Rock – A Natural Wonder on Mackinac Island
Arch Rock is a geologic wonder on Mackinac Island and stands 146′ over the Lake Huron shoreline- nearly 15 stories tall.