love of the land
get there ST. CLAIR LAKE / SIX MILE LAKE NATURE PRESERVE
photo by Dave Weidner
Dip your paddle into the waters of this marshy preserve that lies along the upper Chain of Lakes Water Trail in Antrim and Charlevoix counties— where St. Clair Lake meets Six Mile Lake via the Sinclair River—and you might just spot an otter playing among the ripples or a great blue heron searching for his next meal. This wildly magical 250-plus-acre natural area is jointly managed by Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy and Little Traverse Conservancy, and is home to one of the longest stretches of undeveloped shoreline within the Elk River Watershed. Beyond being a breathtaking spot to launch a canoe, kayak or paddleboard, this preserve also offers a universally accessible path—the Mary Behrens Sorrell Trail—allowing nature lovers of all ages and abilities to enjoy views of the river and the surrounding cedar wetlands and forests.-A.J.
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