Boulders at SunriseWoollam nature preserve Some of the nicest hikes I've had in Lower Michigan are because of the Little Traverse Conservancy which has been around since 1972. From the people that donate the land to the folks that help build trails and bridges. I had made it my mission to visit all of them, but since we have moved to Texas my plan is on hold for now. They have a great app for your phone to help locate them. It's under the LTC conservency. Some our very small and others have beautiful trails with lakes and streams to explore. Most of them don't get many visitors like normal parks so I love visiting them for photography and just a little peace and quiet. The latest addition to the areas is the Woollam Family nature Preserve it's located about 8 miles south of Cross Village on M-119. There is a half mile hike back to the beach, and it's worth it. You start out through mature Beech covered dunes. Then arrive at a wide open area where there's a dried up lake bed and another small set of dunes that leads you down to the unspoiled beach. The photos I took there in the early morning when we were home are some of favorite I've taken in a while. From Petoskey you head down the always pretty M-119 ,and it is on the left side of the road with a small parking lot. The trail is straight ahead. I wanted to share one the great places that this conservancy has been able to set a side for people who truly love nature or some solitude on the beach. I also saw an eagle as I crested the hill to get to the lake. Which is never a bad thing. I hope this makes you want to get out an explore and find your favorite LTC area. The photos I took our available on my website under the Woollam preserve folder. First ever blog away!