Antrim County: Lakes, Trails and Nature Experiences

Antrim County combines quiet lakes, forested trails, river landscapes and Lake Michigan shorelines to create a diverse destination. Those looking for a vacation rental or holiday home can tailor their stay to their preferred pace: the Upper Chain appeals to paddlers who prefer small and tranquil lakes, while the Lower Chain, with larger lakes, more motorboat traffic and possible waves, is recommended for experienced paddlers. In addition, there are hiking trails, nature preserves, beaches and cultural sites, making it possible to combine active and more relaxing days.

Lakes and Waterways for Different Paddling Experiences

The Upper Chain comprises small, calm lakes and is suitable for most paddlers. The Lower Chain offers larger lakes with more motorboat traffic and possible waves. These differences help with planning a suitable day on the water, without all sections having the same character. The Chain of Lakes Water Trail includes twelve lakes and interconnected rivers, creating an expansive water landscape.

One specific route covers 7.4 miles from Ohio Street to Clam Lake. It runs via the Intermediate River, Lake Bellaire and the Grass River, as well as along the protected shores of the Grass River Natural Area. Kayaking is possible along the entire 2.5-mile Grass River, as well as on Lake Bellaire and Clam Lake. Guided kayak river tours for the public are also offered at the Grass River Natural Area in summer and fall.

Natural Areas Between River, Forest and Shoreline

The Grass River Natural Area is a 1,502-acre nature preserve surrounding the Grass River in the heart of Antrim County. Seven miles of trails are suitable for easy walks; in addition, 1.6 miles of accessible boardwalks and gravel paths lead through northern lowland and cedar swamp wetlands. The trails are open daily from morning until evening. This makes it possible to combine time on the water with a walk through a unique landscape.

On Lake Michigan, the Antrim Creek Natural Area is located in Banks Township, two miles west of Atwood. The area comprises 156 acres of land with nearly one mile of shoreline along Grand Traverse Bay. The Glacial Hills Pathway and Natural Area features twelve different habitat types. More than 20 tree species and over 100 flower species grow there; more than 100 bird species can also be found. The trails are suitable for hiking, cycling, cross-country skiing, hunting and wildlife viewing. The Outer Loop is 20.3 miles long and accessible from every trailhead in the network.

Hiking, History and Art

For longer hikes, the 18-mile Jordan Valley Pathway runs through the Mackinaw State Forest along the Jordan River. Four trailheads are available, with the main one located at Deadman's Hill Overlook. Backpackers can stay overnight at Pinney Bridge State Campground, near the halfway point of the trail. Canoeing, fishing and hiking are possible along the Jordan River in Graves Crossing State Forest; there are also ten campsites for tents and small trailers.

Cultural impressions complement the nature experiences. Walk of Art is an outdoor sculpture gallery in Antrim County's Elk Rapids Day Park. The park hosts classes, workshops, concerts and other activities. The Bellaire Historical Museum displays exhibits about the community's origins and its people and activities from 1865 to 1965, including memorabilia from Antrim County's lumbering era. The Antrim County Fair has been a county tradition for more than fifty years and takes place at the Antrim County Fairground behind Craven Park in Bellaire.

Choose the Right Accommodation for Your Travel Plans

When searching for accommodation, it is worth deciding first which experiences you prefer. Paddlers can make the lakes and rivers the focus of their trip, while hikers can choose different priorities with the Jordan Valley Pathway, Glacial Hills or the trails along the Grass River. Those who want to combine nature observation with culture can include the nature preserves, Walk of Art and the historical museum in their plans. For families, the combination of water, short walks, a beach and play areas offers various options for a varied daily rhythm, without every vacation day having to be the same.

Barnes Park also has its own distinctive appeal: It features 1,200 feet of sandy beach, a picnic and play area, and hiking and biking trails. Antrim County therefore ranges in character from beaches on Lake Michigan to trails in densely forested areas. For further trip planning, you can also explore the places Elk Rapids, Mancelona, Bellaire and Kewadin.

Other destinations for your search include Ogemaw County, Saginaw, Grand Traverse and Berrien.

For the overarching travel overview: Michigan.