Protected, owned and managed by the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy.
PLEASE NOTE: A portion of the trail will close annually from April 15 – June 15 to protect nesting birds. Please respect the trail closure during this time.
Lower Woodcock Lake is a true gem within the Platte River watershed. It contains the entirety of undeveloped Lower Woodcock Lake, a picturesque 22-acre lake surrounded by beautiful forest.
The conservation qualities of this preserve don’t stop there. It also contains most of a small unnamed stream that flows from Upper Woodcock Lake to Lower Woodcock Lake, the entire stretch of another unnamed stream from the lower lake that feeds into the Platte River and a full half mile of frontage on the Platte River itself. And while not completely surrounded by state land, about 70 percent of the property – including portions of all four sides – borders state forest. Such contiguity is critical for wildlife corridors, recreation and other factors.
To learn how this special place was protected, read the Lower Woodcock Lake chapter from our Campaign for Generations publication.
Certain types of hunting and fishing are allowed in accordance with state regulations:
- Deer hunting; all forms
- Small game
- Turkey
- TRAPPING AND WATERFOWL HUNTING ARE NOT ALLOWED
For more information, please visit our Hunting Regulations page.
Fishing is allowed in accordance with state regulations, but motors of any kind are prohibited. For ice fishing, pop-up shanties are allowed, but must be removed daily (seasonal/permanent shanties are prohibited). Snowmobiles and ATVs are prohibited.
Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers! Boats and anglers can significantly contribute to the spread of invasive species in Michigan’s waterways. Every time you launch into or leave a body of water, please do the following to prevent their spread:
- Clean boats, trailers, and equipment and remove all mud, debris, and aquatic plant material
- Drain water from watercraft, including live wells, bilges, and ballast tanks
- Dry watercraft and equipment thoroughly
- Dispose of bait in the trash–please do not release bait into the water!
Dogs are welcome, but they must be leashed at all times! Click here to find out why.