UPDATE: The Estivant Pines will celebrate its improvements and legacy with a trail rededication and 50th anniversary celebration from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 27. The Michigan Nature Association looks forward to welcoming the public to the pines and teaching about the forest.
THE KEWEENAW, Michigan (July 11, 2023) -- The Estivant Pines Nature Sanctuary trail is open now with an upgraded experience for adventurers -- in time for its 50th anniversary. The trail was closed briefly while Rock Solid Trail Contracting made improvements with the Michigan Nature Association (MNA), owner of the Sanctuary since 1973.*
"When boardwalks age, they create a lot of upkeep work and in the process become unsafe as they degrade and become slippery when wet," said Nancy Leonard, Michigan Nature Association conservation coordinator. "Visitation to the Estivant Pines includes folks of all ages and of varying hiking abilities. Slippery board walks and steep grades [were] a hindrance to some. Looking forward to the 50th anniversary of the Pines, we realized that it was time to address these issues and to make an upgrade [to] the core trail."
Leonard explains Rock Solid Trail Contracting is an industry leader for trail work of this scale. Michigan Nature Association (MNA) was excited to enter an agreement with Rock Solid on the project. Leonard says building better on the Pines will bring a greater accessibility level for hikers and one that requires less maintenance over time.
"This year’s project centers upon the core trail," said Leonard. "The two loops, Memorial and Cathedral, will remain the same. Boardwalks are being removed and raised gravel tread will be laid in place. Culverts will be added to channel the water from natural seeps and away from the trail. A section of the lower trail that includes a steep grade will be replaced by a new trail bed nearby that will lessen the grade. An accessible side spur will lead to an area of meditation beneath a grand old pine."
According to MNA's Web site, the 570.5 acre sanctuary protects one of the last old-growth white pine stands in Michigan. Some of the trees are more than 125 feet tall and date back 300 years. The two loop trails intersect, offering a 2.5 mile hike.
The improved trail is open to traffic now.
"Most major improvements are indeed completed; however, the remaining task of applying the hard-packed gravel tread will be completed later this summer," Leonard added. "In the meantime, hikers are enjoying the trail as we speak."
How to get there:
The sanctuary is located in Keweenaw County. Follow US 41 east through Copper Harbor. From US 41, turn right onto 2nd Street at the Community Center and sign for Manganese Lake.
Follow 2nd Street (also called Manganese Road) for 1.2 miles and then turn left onto Clark Mine Road. Travel 1.2 miles and turn right onto Burma Road. Travel another .5 miles on Burma Rd. to the trailhead and parking area. For additional information, contact the MNA office at (866) 223-2231.**
A celebration of the pines is planned for this summer (date to be announced). Make sure to check out the best hikes like Estivant Pines when you’re in the Keweenaw.
Notes:
* For MNA's details about the Estivant Pines Sanctuary, click here.
** For more photos and a map, click here.
