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    Highland State Recreation Area

    4.1 (7 reviews)

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    Jim M.

    Highland State Rec Area is an excellent hiking experience with a 5mi+ trail (My GPS said 5.4 for the outer ring) that takes you thru several different environs. Honestly, if traffic noise doesn't bother you, consider this a 4 star, but it is hard to ignore nearby M-59. The trails are better marked than say, Island Lake, but not intuitive by any means. It's better now than in years past. I recommend starting from the Group Campground parking lot - which takes you from Trail Marker #1 and going clockwise/sequentially. There are boardwalks, wetlands, hardwoods, and mixed forests. If it weren't for the road noise, this would be one of my very favorites. Even so, I recommend hiking Highland.

    We went on trail A & B. It was 10 miles. It has bikers so be aware because they can't stop like we can move.

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    5 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    7 years ago

    Favorite hiking trails! Well maintained and gorgeous year round. Highly recommend to all levels.

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    12 years ago

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    Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge

    Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge

    4.8(4 reviews)
    51.2 mi

    A true gem. So special "as is" that we're hesitant to fill this review will our all our lauding…read moreremarks and don't want to overpopulate the visitor traffic Stop by visitors center first for some outdoor posted info, their packed pollinators garden, and most importantly a quick check with ranger to see if driving trail is open. If unable to drive through, highly recommend their nice hiking trails (easy terrain). Plenty of water fowl and flora to view. Quiet, serene setting truly transports one away from the hustle and bustle. We needed the break from tourist-filled Frankenmuth and we're surprised refuge was just a 20-minute drive away. Ahhhhh...great respite. Would have appreciated a few more benches to be able to sit and soak in the ambience. Plus a handout map....digital was great but cell service can be spotty. Add a list with pics of some wildlife to view would be helpful as well. Appreciate the park rangers hard work in keeping such a safe haven for wildlife. Expect to need a car wash afterwards...dirt road. But we'll worth it! Free admission (thanks). Donor box? We'd gladly support your cause

    Awesome little auto loop. They have great hiking trails…read morealso. I saw a lot of cool little fuzzy caterpillars, a snake, different kinds of birds, an eagle's nest...It's not open year round but you can hike year round. Beautiful little treasure tucked away...

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    Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge
    Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge - Driving tour (temporarily closed August 2023 to improve watershed infrastructure. Still walkable though)

    Driving tour (temporarily closed August 2023 to improve watershed infrastructure. Still walkable though)

    Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge

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    26 Mile Nature Preserve - Pond and dock, October, 2024

    26 Mile Nature Preserve

    4.5(2 reviews)
    33.3 mi

    My mother in law found out there was a nature preserve near my mom's house. We always drive past it…read moreand never noticed it because the sign is kinda small and the road is narrow and rocky. We pulled in and there wad a building on the right and one of the left. When we pulled to the left we saw two gentleman with trucks and spoke with them. They told us it is a 38 acre property but the trail is about a quarter mile. They also mentioned that the building we saw use to be an equestrian farm. We pulled to the side and parked on a rocky road. It was a little rough to push the wagon at first because of the big rocks. We walked along the trail and it was mostly covered by tons of trees. The path was mostly grassy and I didn't see any dirt or rocks. We saw a pond with a little shack on it. We also saw the back of the pond with tall grasses. It was very beautiful but it was a very quick walk. If you enjoy nature this is a spot to come to because it is very secluded and quiet. You could hear the birds and there was tons of wildflowers to look at as well.

    August, 2020. This is a newly opened nature preserve in…read moreour area on 26 Mile, east of Card Rd. If you want a quiet, relaxing walk where you can enjoy the rustic beauty that nature has to offer, this is a nice place to do it. It's 38 acres of trees, a dirt walking path and lots of wildlife to seek out from birds, to insects to squirrels, deer and other animals. The trail isn't too long and it's a quick circular walk if you're short on time. Along the pathway, you'll also see wildflowers and a couple of ponds. There's not much to the ponds... they're just natural looking ponds. Also, look for the old rustic cabin that sits next to the pond while you're walking. It's worth a quick look and adds to the beauty of the area. Although this nature preserve sits in the middle of the township, when you're on the trail, you'd never know that because you can't hear the traffic. You can easily enjoy the solitude and peacefulness of your short journey around the loop. A couple of tips....There's a porta john on site 'just in case'. Also, wear walking shoes since it's a dirt trail, especially if the dirt is wet. There's plenty of parking, although I don't think you'll be searching for an available parking space since as of right now, there's not much to do here besides walk the short trail and take in the scenery. So if you want to feel close to nature in some quiet solitude, come visit our newest nature preserve in Macomb. Look for the wooden sign at the driveway entrance. I posted a picture of it. Don't blink or you'll miss where to turn in!

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    26 Mile Nature Preserve
    26 Mile Nature Preserve - Pond and cabin, October, 2024

    Pond and cabin, October, 2024

    26 Mile Nature Preserve - Pond, October, 2024

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    Pond, October, 2024

    Highland State Recreation Area - hiking - Updated August 2026

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