Pyatt Lake Nature Preserve

A visit to Pyatt is an opportunity to experience a geologically unique and botanically rich landscape. A hike on the loop trail and two scenic spurs totals roughly a mile. Head east out of the parking area towards Pyatt Lake. You will reach a fork in the trail and a boardwalk takes you to a platform overlooking Pyatt Lake. Thousands of years ago, this small lake was actually an arm of Grand Traverse Bay. As you continue on the forested trail you may notice low parallel ridges and lower wet areas. These are old sand dunes and wetland swales; features of rare a natural community known as a Wooded Dune and Swale Complex. Reach a second spur and follow a ridge to another platform that extends over a marsh.

The preserve is located on the Old Mission Peninsula, just north of Bowers Harbor. Take Neahtawanta Road to Pyatt Lake Road. The parking area and trailhead are located about 1/4 mile down on the right. This is a seasonal road.