Where woods and water meet. Bringing together two vastly different ecosystems under the umbrella of the Thorne Swift Nature Preserve. I have been on the beaches of the East Coast from Maine to Florida and many of them are over developed, containing housing developments and shopping areas and overrun with way too many people. So it was nice to visit this quiet little park just north of Harbor Springs and walk the wooded trails leading to Lake Michigan. Despite it being high season, my husband and I were the only folks on the trails.
When you pull into the drive at Thorne Swift, you are greated by a sweet little nature center featuring exhibits of the local flora and fauna as well as books on nature with a cozy reading nook for which to peruse them. The friendly caretaker greets you upon arrival and answers any questions you may have and sets you on your way along well maintained trails. I loved the boardwalks that ushered us through the marshy areas of the park as well as the benches to sit and stop and be contemplative along the way. Interpretive signs help you identify the beauty around you and birdsong keeps you company.
The trail system is short but all the better for it leads the way quickly out to the beach via two loop options. Along the way there is a fantastic overlook that crosses over a undisturbed dune and a bit further along the trail you find a short staircase that brings you down to the pristine beach. All in all, a great getaway and worthwhile trip if getting away from it all is what you seek.
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