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.

Just blocks away from the shops, restaurants, and parks of downtown Harbor Springs is a beautiful Little Traverse Conservancy property that covers 47 acres. The Naas Mauger Raunecker Nature Preserve connects to the Leslie Nature Preserve to offer about a mile of trails that are full of scenic views of forest, swamp, boardwalk, and more. We had the chance to check out these preserves back in July and today we will share some photos and tell you why this short hike is a great escape in Northern Michigan.

There are several different ways to enter the preserve. We chose to park at the west end of 4th St. and follow the trail that begins there. A sign at the trailhead greets guests, and provides a map as well as some background on the preserve and what you can possibly see during your visit. It was interesting to think about how 100 years ago there was a beach club and clubhouse here as well as a train that carried lumber and passengers up and down the hill on the eastern edge of what is now this preserve.

The trail is wide and mostly flat, and passes through woods that are full of life. We saw quite a few birds, a handful of squirrels and chipmunks, and lots of mushrooms.

After a short time on the trail, a spur to the left leads to a bench that overlooks a swampy pond. Keep your eyes open for wildlife here, and see if you can fins the bubbling spring.

We rejoined the main trail, and then when it reached the fork shown above we headed to the left. The trail becomes boardwalk here, as it passes through an area that is normally fairly wet. The trail seems to have ended when you reach the paved Glenn Dr., but that is not the case.

Across the road, the Leslie Nature Preserve immediately welcomes you with views of a small stream and more trail. You can add a little to your visit by following the trail marker numbers from 5 to 6 to 8 to 9 and then 11 to 10. From there you can take 10 to 8 to 6 to 5 and wind up back at the edge of the preserve.

We retraced our steps back through the Naas Mauger Raunecker Preserve and back to where we had parked. This is a great spot for a short but scenic hike! To get to the preserve from downtown Harbor Springs, head north on State St. one block from its intersection with Main St. Turn left on 3rd St., then take a right on Church St. Follow Church St. around the curve as it becomes 4th St. and then follow it to the parking area on the left before Bull Moose Hill.