North Central Michigan College Trailhead

The beginning of the loop trail through the preserve...

NCMC Preserve Loop Trail

The trail started out through an open field surrounded by Cedars...

NCMC Preserve Loop Trail

Grape Hyacinth

NCMC Preserve Loop Trail

Diving into the cedar swamp...

NCMC Preserve Loop Trail

Boardwalks to help during wet periods...

NCMC Preserve Loop Trail

A small observation platform overlooks a tiny spring in the center of the preserve...

NCMC Preserve Loop Trail

Bubbling spring...

NCMC Preserve Loop Trail

Tamarack buds...

NCMC Preserve Loop Trail

The North Country Trail merges with the loop trail for a time...

NCMC Preserve Loop Trail

A nice section along the Bear River...

NCMC Preserve Loop Trail

Spring Beauty...a good sign of warmer weather...

NCMC Preserve Loop Trail

One of the sturdier birdges I've seen...a bit rough though.

NCMC Preserve Loop Trail

The stream formed by the spring earlier winds along the trail for a bit...

NCMC Preserve Loop Trail

Spring watercolors...

NCMC Preserve Loop Trail

Yellow Trout Lily

NCMC Preserve Loop Trail

Again along the Bear River...

NCMC Preserve Loop Trail

Still on the NCT, the trail swings inland...

NCMC Preserve Loop Trail

...and climbs to high ground away from the river.

NCMC Preserve Loop Trail

Trillium Heaven...

NCMC Preserve Loop Trail

The Northwoods sign that spring has arrived...

NCMC Preserve Loop Trail

Breaking out of the Cedars, back where I began.