Maple Bay Park & Natural Area
| Documents | |
| Other Link | Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy - Maple Bay Natural Area |
Features
- Beach
- Birding
- Hunting (Designated Areas Only)
- Nature Watching
- Parking
- Trails
Maple Bay Natural Area
Maple Bay Natural Area is a 450-acre property that straddles both sides of North U.S. 31. This property is known for its beautiful sunflowers planted on both sides of the highway by local farmers on leased land as well as wonderful hiking trails leading to 2,586 feet of pristine shoreline on East Grand Traverse Bay. This park is home to a variety of wildlife and plant species.
Beach Access
To access the beach visitors will travel past Maple Bay Farm (including a farm house, root cellar, sugar shack and pole barn building) on the west side of North U.S. 31 to a parking area on top of a bluff where forests meet agricultural fields.
Trail Information
The trail descends the bluff steeply to its foot where many dune zones, including dune swale complexes, can be seen. These areas are sensitive and are home to several endangered plant species. The trail length is approximately 2 miles round trip and can be extended with a walk on the beach.