Echo Lake Nature Preserve

Plan Your Visit

Frequently Asked Questions

• When should I visit?

  Echo Lake offers activities year round, from snowshoeing in the winter to hiking and canoeing in the summer. Early May and late July through October are the best times to visit this preserve to take advantage of Upper Michigan’s beauty while avoiding biting insects.

  Please note that Echo Lake is not accessible via vehicle in the winter months.

• What should I bring?

  Come prepared with head netting and insect repellant to guard against mosquitoes, black flies and other insects during the midsummer months. Hiking boots are recommended for walking the rocks and shoreline of this preserve.

• How can I access the trail?

  You can take an out-and-back journey to the peninula overlook, about a 1 hour walk round trip. Or for steeper hiking, head to the other overlook where you’ll find stunning views of the surrounding forestland and Lake Superior. This option takes about 1.5 hours to walk round trip.

  Trail Map

• What activities are permitted?
  • Foot access for hiking, snowshoeing, skiing, etc.
  • Birdwatching
  • Educational studies
  • Catch-and-release fishing is authorized but only with the use of artificial lures or flies; live bait may not be used
  • Kayaks and canoes are permitted on waters of the preserve including Echo Lake. Vessels must be carried from the parking lot.
• What activities are prohibited?

  For the safety of both the habitats at this preserve and visiting guests, we ask that you please follow the rules listed below.

  • No rock climbing and rappelling
  • No motorized and non-motorized vehicles, including but not limited to automobiles, off-road vehicles (ORVs), all terrain vehicles (ATVs), motorcycles, snowmobiles, amphibious vehicles, and bicycles. All visitors must park at the gate and walk in.
  • No pets
  • No trapping
  • No motorized watercraft including diesel, gasoline or electric powered watercraft or sailboats and sailing.
  • No removal of trees, plants or animals (alive or dead)
  • No removal of rocks, water or other non-organic materials
  • No geocaching
  • No transportation, handling, dumping, or disposal of liquid, solid, natural or man-made waste, refuse, or debris
  • No camping, bonfires, fireworks or other fires
  • No sound or sounds artificially generated, regardless of decibel level
  • Hunting of white-tailed deer (or any other species) is currently not allowed at Echo Lake Nature Preserve as deer do not appear to be posing a threat to our conservation targets.
• Is the preserve accessible?

  In accordance with the Department of Justice’s amended regulation implementing Title III of the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regarding "Other Power‐Driven Mobility Devices,” The Nature Conservancy has completed an assessment of our Echo Lake Nature Preserve. While some types of OPDMDs can be accommodated, there are necessary restrictions on their use. Please contact the UP Office at 906-225-0399 or upmichigan@tnc.org with any questions regarding these policies.

  • Groups or individuals must contact the UP office to arrange entry and escort. Access will be limited to daylight hours and at the availability of Conservancy staff.
  • Access into the preserve will be based on the size of the power driven mobility device.
  • OPDMD’s no larger than a standard passenger car, truck or SUV (and no wider than 80 inches from outer wheel to outer wheel) are allowed access on the gravel two-track road for 0.4 miles to the Conservancy branding sign at the base of hill that leads to Echo Lake and viewpoint.
  • Small OPDMD’s may access the gravel road an additional 200 feet up the small hill to the viewpoint at the discretion of Conservancy staff if the OPDMD is deemed small enough to safely ascend and descend this narrow, rocky steep road section and turn around, avoiding damage to sensitive environments and if the rider requests to do so.
• Questions? Contact Us

  Have questions about the preserve? Contact us at miplaces@tnc.org.