Refitt Nature Preserve

Visitors to Reffitt can enjoy forest, wetland, and Mitchell Creek while hiking around the preserve. The trailhead is immediately south of the railroad tracks on the east side of Three Mile Road. The first section of the trail runs parallel to the railroad and TART Trail. The loop takes you through wetland and forest. Follow narrow boardwalks through the open marshy area; once in the woods, walk the footpaths and cross foot bridges over low-lying wet areas.

The original channel of Mitchell Creek flows through the preserve. A tributary of Lake Michigan and a popular local fishery, Mitchell Creek has faced significant degradation and was diverted from its natural course by heavy development throughout the Mitchell Creek watershed. The 87-acre Reffitt Nature Preserve offers protection to this section of the stream and surrounding wetlands.

The preserve is located adjacent to the TART Trail, not far from the Traverse City State Park. Access the trail from Three Mile Road or from the east end of the property. From Four Mile Road, follow Pine Dr. approximately ¼ mile; you will see a small parking area, kiosk, and gate straight ahead (before the road curves). From here there is ¼ mile of handicap accessible trail.