North Central Michigan College Nature Preserve, Emmet County (4-30-07)
Mileage Hiked: 1.5 miles Trailhead Temp: 55'F Min. Elevation: 660' Max Elevation: 790'
Directions to Trailhead: -From US-131/US-31 intersection in Petoskey head south on US-131 0.5 miles to Sheridan Road, turn left. -Follow Sheridan Road 3/4 mile to Howard Street, turn right. -Follow Howard Street 3/4 mile through to the back of the second parking area on the campus of North Central Michigan College.
The beginning of the loop trail through the preserve...
The trail started out through an open field surrounded by Cedars...
Grape Hyacinth
Diving into the cedar swamp...
Boardwalks to help during wet periods...
A small observation platform overlooks a tiny spring in the center of the preserve...
Bubbling spring...
Tamarack buds...
The North Country Trail merges with the loop trail for a time...
A nice section along the Bear River...
Spring Beauty...a good sign of warmer weather...
One of the sturdier birdges I've seen...a bit rough though.
The stream formed by the spring earlier winds along the trail for a bit...
Spring watercolors...
Yellow Trout Lily
Again along the Bear River...
Still on the NCT, the trail swings inland...
...and climbs to high ground away from the river.
Trillium Heaven...
The Northwoods sign that spring has arrived...
Breaking out of the Cedars, back where I began.