Let the glow of lanterns guide you during a hike this winter in Northern Michigan. Head to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula with Little Traverse Conservancy to hike or snowshoe Round Island Point by torchlight.
Each winter, Little Traverse Conservancy hosts guided nighttime walks, like this hike by torchlight at Round Island Point Nature Preserve near Brimley. Nestled in the eastern Upper Peninsula, this preserve event was done in partnership with Bird’s Eye Outfitters and O.U.T House Consortium from Sault Ste. Marie. Lanterns hung along the 1.5-mile trail provided a cozy glow, made even cozier with a post-hike cup of cocoa.
Related Read: Searching for more winter adventures? View our Northern Michigan winter page.
Photo by Little Traverse Conservancy
While much of this 1,024-acre preserve is challenging to access, a paved road bisects the property and takes you within a short distance of the lake, and a 1.5-mile inland trail and viewing area are accessible from the parking lot. (Note: There are no established trails that lead directly to the lake.) With 9,000 feet of Lake Superior frontage, this protected habitat is home to black bears, wolves, moose and bobcats, and also lies within a central flyway for migrating waterfowl and other birds.
For their guided hikes, LTC organizers suggest bringing your own travel mug and walking poles. Snowshoes are optional. Check out the dates for this winter’s walks at Round Island Point and other preserves by visiting landtrust.org, following LTC on social media at @LTConservancy, or becoming a conservancy member (members get notified first about events): landtrust.org/membership.
