Sagaser Nature Preserve (20 acres)
From Traverse City, take U.S. 31 south toward Beulah. Just before Beulah, turn right (west) on Crystal Dr. (704), which follows the northern shore of Crystal Lake. Approximately 1 ½ miles along 704, turn right (northeast) on Nichols Rd. (before Warren Rd.). Go to the end of Nichols Rd. and park at the side of the road here. The Sagaser preserve spans approximately ¾ mile back up the north side of Nichols Rd. The gate at the end of Nichols Rd., marks private property and is the northernmost boundary of the preserve.
No trails exist at this preserve.
Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy
Nature Preserves and Natural Areas
Palastra-Holm Nature Preserve
(19 acres)
This preserve is best viewed by boat. You cannot access it from the road without crossing private property. It is located along one of the last stretches of undeveloped shoreline on Elk Lake, south of Whitewater Township Park, where there is a public boat launch. To get to Whitewater Township Park from Traverse City, take U.S. 31 N. to Acme. In Acme, turn right (east) on M-72. Take M-72 to Williamsburg and turn left on Elk Lake Rd. (605). Follow Elk Lake Rd. to Park Rd. and turn right. The park and boat launch are at the end of Park Rd.
Palmer-Wilcox-Shah
Nature Preserve
(35 acres)
From Traverse City, take U.S. 31 north to Elk Rapids. At the stop light in Elk Rapids, turn left and then take an immediate right on N. Bay Shore Dr.
The preserve is approximately 2 miles up on the left-hand side, where there is a sign and pull-off.
There is a very short trail from the parking area to the beach.
(Parr) Elisabeth Parr Nature Preserve (5 acres)
The Elisabeth Parr Nature Preserve is located just a few miles north of Frankfort. To get there from Traverse City, take U.S. 31 south to Beulah/Benzonia. Just after the town of Beulah, turn right on M-115. Take M-115 to Frankfort but turn north on M-22. Off of M-22, turn left on Ness Rd. Follow Ness Rd. to the end and park at the dirt turnaround. The preserve starts at the last driveway.
This preserve contains a towering bluff overlooking the water and 400 feet of shoreline. The inland property contains a northern hardwood forest. There is a short trail from the turnaround to the bluff.
Pearl Lake (251 acres)
This property is owned by the State of Michigan
From Traverse City, take M-72 west to Coleman Rd. (669) and turn left (south). Follow 669 4 miles and turn right at the intersection of County Rds. 669 and 610. Immediately after the intersection, turn right again on Almira Rd. (610). Go approximately 2 miles and turn right on Rayle Rd., a small dirt road. Follow Rayle Rd. a little less than 1/2 mile to an iron gate. Park here and follow the old two-track down to the lake. There is a rustic boat launch located further down Rayle Rd. on state property.
Pyatt Lake Nature Preserve (140 acres)
Pyatt Lake Nature Preserve is located just 20 minutes from Traverse City. From Traverse City, follow Peninsula Dr. north approximately 10 miles. Just past Bowers Harbor Marina, turn left on Neahtawanta Rd. Follow Neahtawanta Rd. ½ mile to Pyatt Rd. Turn right on Pyatt Rd. The parking area is ¼ mile down Pyatt Rd. A bus turnaround is located just past the parking lot. Visitors can a follow a loop trail, with numbered interpretive stops, around a portion of the 140-acre preserve and to 2 viewing platforms (one overlooking Pyatt Lake and one overlooking a Sedge marsh).
Railroad Point Natural Area
(61 acres)
This property is owned by Benzie County.
From Traverse City, take U.S. 31 south to Beulah/Benzonia. Just after the town of Beulah, turn right on M-115. Take M-115 to Mollineaux Rd. and turn right. Railroad Point Natural Area is ½ mile down Mollineaux Rd. Look for a small dirt parking area on the right.
The trail at Railroad Point Natural Area consists of an old two track, which leads to the bluff.
(Reffitt) George and Ada Reffitt Nature Preserve (83 acres)
Reffitt Nature Preserve is located adjacent to the TART trail, not far from the Traverse City State Park. From U.S. 31 N. (Munson Ave.) in Traverse City, turn south on Three Mile Rd. Then turn right on Parsons Rd. (at the light) and park immediately on the left (next to the TART trail). The Reffitt Nature Preserve trail starts immediately south of the railroad tracks on the left (east) side of Three Mile Rd.
For handicap access: From U.S. 31 N. (Munson Ave.) in Traverse City, turn south on Four Mile Rd. The first road on the right is Pine Dr. Follow Pine Dr. approximately ¼ mile and you will see the preserve right ahead of you. There is a small parking area marked by a kiosk and gate. ¼ mile of the trail is handicap accessible from this point.
There is a 1.7 mile loop trail and boardwalk around the preserve.