Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Located in Crawford County, northern Michigan, Hartwick Pines State Park encompasses over 9,000 acres of primarily forested land, featuring one of the largest stands of old-growth red pine in the Great Lakes region. The park’s centerpiece is the old-growth forest, which survived the extensive logging that once dominated Michigan’s landscape in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The forest’s towering pines, some over 300 years old, provide a rare opportunity to see a pre-settlement forest ecosystem. Ecologically, the park is characterized by a mix of red pine, white pine, and northern hardwoods supporting diverse wildlife, including white-tailed deer, black bears, and numerous bird species. Historically, the park preserves Michigan’s logging heritage through the on-site Logging Museum, the historic Forest Ranger Headquarters, and a working sawmill demonstration offering insights into the region’s timber industry past. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy over 20 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, cross-country skiing, and mountain biking, along with fishing and paddling on the adjacent Cut River. The park also has developed campgrounds and picnic areas, making it a popular destination for families and nature lovers. Winter transforms Hartwick Pines into a cross-country skiing destination, with groomed trails weaving through snowy forest landscapes. Visitors are drawn to the tranquil environment, educational exhibits, and the chance to see rare ancient pine trees and old-growth forest ecosystems rarely found elsewhere in the region.
