Log In | Register |
Search: Go
Return to Home PagePrintable View of This Page

Natural Resources>Trails and Hiking in Leelanau

Trails and places in Leelanau county
Leelanau County offers a wide variety of trails and hiking experiences. From the massive Sleeping Bear National Park to a simple walk down the road, you will find adventure, nature, heart pounding exercise if you like, or simply a wonderful escape from your "other" environment.
Be sure to check out the Leelanau.com "unofficial" Sleeping Bear site for an excellent collection of trail information including maps and photos.
Click here to view full size picture

Sleeping Bear National Park
South Manitou Island
North Manitou Island
Leelanau State Park
The Leelanau Trail
The Leelanau Conservancy

Sleeping Bear National Park

Top
Click here to view full size picture Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore encompasses a 60 km (35 mi.) stretch of Lake Michigan's eastern coastline, as well as North and South Manitou Islands. The park was established primarily for its outstanding natural features, including forests, beaches, dune formations, trails and ancient glacial phenomena.

South Manitou Island

Top
Click here to view full size picture South Manitou Day Trips
Self guided tours to such locations as the perched dunes and famed Valley of the Giants are very popular. The trail system and the sandy shoreline of the island allows for unparalled hiking opportunities to see rare wildflowers, old farmsteads, and a number of raptors and other birds

North Manitou Island

Top
Click here to view full size picture North Manitou Island
The primary visitor activities include hiking, swimming, backcountry camping and backpacking. The island itself is home to a large whitetail deer herd and is the summer range for a variety of raptors (including the Bald Eagle).

Leelanau State Park

Top
Click here to view full size picture The Leelanau State Park is located North of Northport near Woolsey Airport. This park has an excellent set of trails through virgin forest some of which lead to a pristene section of the Cat Head Bay shore line, a view and experience not to be missed.

Leelanau State Park
15310 N. Lighthouse Point Rd.
Northport, MI 49670
phone: (231) 386-5422

The Leelanau Trail

Top
Click here to view full size picture Leelanau Trail
Stretching over 15 miles through the last of the Leelanau County railway corridors, the Leelanau Trail connects Traverse City and Suttons Bay. The trail route features rolling hills, lush forests, picturesque orchards, peaceful meadows, and an aquatic medley of streams, lakes, and ponds

The Leelanau Conservancy

Top
Click here to view full size picture The Leelanau Conservancy relies upon the efforts of three groups of people, working together to achieve our common goals of conserving the land, water and scenic character of Leelanau County.

A Board of Directors, comprised of individuals with long-standing commitment to Leelanau County, directs the activities of the Conservancy.

Our full-time professional staff works with landowners to protect our land and water resources. Both Board and staff are aided in countless ways by dedicated volunteers and community members who contribute their time and expertise.

CONSERVANCY AREAS WITH PUBLIC ACCESS, (Please consult the Conservancy web site via the link provided):
Kehl Lake Natural Area Whaleback Natural Area Cedar River Natural Area Mebert Creek & Greeno Natural Areas Leland Village Green Hall Beach Chippewa Run Natural Area Houdek Dunes Natural Area Belanger Creek Natural Area Whittlesey Natural Area Tiechner Natural Area
This page last updated on 5/20/2003.
This site is supported by the Leelanau County Board of Commissioners, participating agencies, and the community.
The Leelanau County Government Center is located at:
8527 E. Government Center Dr., Suttons Bay MI 49682 
Toll Free Phone # 1-866-256-9711