Michigan Trail Tuesday is our attempt to showcase a different trail or trail segment each week. The Mitten State is home to thousands of miles of trails, including the new Iron Belle Trail that runs from Detroit in the southeast to Ironwood in the western Upper Peninsula and more miles of the North Country Trail than any other state.

It had been eight years since we first visited the Estivant Pines Nature Sanctuary in Copper Harbor before we made a return visit in June of this year. In the interest of keeping things up to date we have chosen to post about this amazing place again, so that many more people can visit the trails here and look up in wonder at the towering white pine trees! Located just a short drive south from downtown Copper Harbor, this preserve covers more than 570 acres and protects one of the last old-growth white pine stands in the state. This is a Michigan Nature Association preserve, and one of our favorite hikes in the Keweenaw Peninsula.

The preserve gets its name from the Estivant family, who owned a large tract of land here as well as the Clark Mine. The land changed hands a few more times and these majestic trees were in danger of being lost to logging until the MNA led an impressive preservation and fundraising campaign to keep the pines protected forever. You can learn more about Estivant Pines and the MNA from a pair of signs near the parking lot and trailhead.

There are two loop trails here at Estivant Pines. The main trails leaves the parking lot and heads into the woods before offering up some options. The Cathedral Grove loop passes by trees that are 300 years old and 125 feet tall as it covers one mile of the sanctuary. The Memorial Grove loop is slightly longer than one mile and takes visitors through stands of pine, maple, and oak.

The trail is well-maintained and easy to follow, with “you are here” map signs at major intersections. It is asked that visitors stay on trail and use “leave no trace” principles when visiting. I noticed that much of the trail had been worked on since my last visit, with culverts and gravel tread put in place. This was part of a 2023 project that also saw a spur trail added that leads to a meditation area.

You will want to keep your eyes and ears open when visiting, as more than 85 species of birds have been identified here. Our visit occurred in the evening and we were the only car in the parking lot, so the sounds of warblers and vireos provided some background noise for us. We even saw a turtle near the end of the Cahedral Grove loop.

To get to Estivant Pines Nature Sanctuary from Copper Harbor, head south on 2nd St. (following signs for Manganese Lake, Clark Mine, and Estivant Pines) and follow it for 1.2 miles. Turn left on Clark Mine Rd. and proceed for a little more than a mile, then take a right on Burma Rd. and follow it for half a mile to the parking area. There are many signs along the way pointing the way to Estivant Pines. If you’re looking for a great hike in Copper Harbor, this is it!