Natural Places to Visit in the Platte River Watershed
Lake Ann Pathway- Begins at a parking lot at Lake Ann on Reynolds Road very close to where the Platte River flows out of Lake Ann itself. Turn north on Reynolds Road from U.S.31 to reach the parking lot. Part of the trail follows a section of the Platte River. Several small undeveloped lakes in the Platte River Watershed are also found along this trail (Mary's Lake & Shavenaugh Lake). Several loops are varying distances provided. This trail is popular in winter for cross-country skiing.
Lost Lake Pathway- Begins at Lake Dubonnet State Forest Campground at the end of Wildwood Road north from US 31. This area is in Grand Traverse County, very close to the Benzie County line. Excellent examples of glacial kettle lakes and acidic peat bogs can be found along the pathway.
Platte Lakes-The Platte River Flows through Big Platte Lake. A tributary of the Platte River drains Little Platte Lake. Both of these lakes are classified as Òglacial lake embaymentsÓ which means they were once bays of Lake Michigan formed by lobes of the last glacier. Offshore currents in Lake Michigan later deposited sand bars across the mouths of these bays separating them from the Great Lake and forming these inland lakes we see today.
Platte Rivermouth- Located at the end of Lake Michigan Road in Lake Township. See the final destination of the beautiful Platte River. This site is one of the few nesting sites (May-July) of the federally-endangered Piping Plover on the Great Lakes. Follow the beach north to find invertebrate fossils like Petoskey Stones and catch a great view of the perched dunes on Empire Bluff, Sleeping Bear Point and South Manitou Island.
Platte River Hatchery- Located east of Honor on the Platte River off of US-31. This hatchery is best known as the birthplace of the Great Lakes salmon program. Eggs are reared here for MichiganÕs Coho and King Salmon Programs. A small visitors center & the hatchery are open to the public.
Platte Rivermouth- Located at the end of Lake Michigan Road in Lake Township. See the final destination of the beautiful Platte River. This site is one of the few nesting sites (May-July) of the federally-endangered Piping Plover on the Great Lakes. Follow the beach north to find invertebrate fossils like Petoskey Stones and catch a great view of the perched dunes on Empire Bluff, Sleeping Bear Point and South Manitou Island.
Platte Springs Pathway- Start at the trailhead at the Platte River State Forest Campground located east of Honor 1.5 miles south of U.S.31 on Goose Road. Follow the blue markers. The trail requires wading across a shallow section of the Platte River as well as several steep hill climbs. Many artesian springs can be observed along this trail that are important to the quality of the Platte River water supply.
Home