Walloon Lake Association
Walloon Lake Trust and ConservancyWalloon Lake Trust and Conservancy Preserve Trail Maps
The Walloon Lake Trust and Conservancy (WLTC) owns several Preserves with hiking trails. These lands were donated and purchased to protect the natural integrity of the Walloon Lake watershed. To maintain a balance between the plants and animals that live in the Preserves and those who use them for educational, scientific and recreational uses, we ask that you follow the Preserve Guidelines below:
PRESERVE GUIDELINES
Signs with specific WLTC Guidelines are posted at the entrances to each Preserve.
Please enjoy: Hiking, bird watching, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, trail running, yoga and other minimal impact activities.
Please refrain from: Snowmobiling, camping, fires, dumping or littering, removal of vegetation and use of off road vehicles.
Hunting is only permitted on designated Preserves. WLTC requires written permission, so please call the office (347-0100) for more information.
Walloon Lake Watershed Protected Area
Walloon Lake is located in northern, lower Michigan and lies within the Little Traverse Bay watershed. Walloon Lake is fed by natural springs and precipitation, and empties into Lake Michigan through the Bear River. The Walloon Lake Trust and Conservancy protects land in the Walloon Lake watershed, which is located in Bay, Evangeline and Melrose Townships of Charlevoix County, and Bear Creek and Resort Townships in Emmet County (see Walloon Lake Watershed Protected Properties map below).
Walloon Lake has a relatively small watershed (22,650 acres), compared to its lake surface area (4,270 acres). Five percent of the Walloon Lake watershed is classified as wetlands. Of particular importance are the North Arm wetlands, where over 500 acres of land drain through the wetlands before reaching the waters of the North Arm.
Four nature areas with hiking trails are listed below, with directions and maps to help you enjoy the lands.
North Shore Preserve (Charlevoix County, Melrose Township)
From the Village of Walloon, take N. Shore Drive 1.2 miles. The Preserve entrance is adjacent to 1205 N. Shore Drive. Look on the right side of the road to find a small, white sign mounted on a 4X4 post marking the entrance. Parking is minimal and off the side of the road. Please do not block the neighbors' driveways.
Postle Farm Preserve (Charlevoix County, Melrose Township)
Take 131 South from Petoskey. Pass Bear River Road. Turn right onto Country Club Road. Drive approximately 1 mile. At a 90 degree, right turn in the road, a two track drive is the entrance. A large wooden Preserve sign is just past the two track, if you miss it.
Cherry Lane Nature Area (Emmet County, Resort Township)
Take Resort Pike Road south to N. Indian Garden Road (across from Morford Road). Drive 1.5 miles and look closely for Wooden Landing (formerly Balsam Lane) on the right. Take the dirt road as it turns left behind some Indian Garden waterfront houses. Drive to the end of Cherry Street, where you will find parking. The trail begins up a hill.
Wildwood Harbor Preserve (Charlevoix County, Evangeline Township)
From the Village of Walloon, take M-75 south to S. Shore Drive. Follow S. Shore Drive to Shadow Trails Road, which becomes Wildwood Harbor Road. The Preserve, on your left, is marked with a large, wooden sign. Parking is near the sign and the orange trail head.