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A hiking trail that passes through maple,
yellow birch, and mixed conifer habitat takes hikers over boardwalks and
through wet areas, leading to an elevated observation platform that
provides a feeling of remoteness with outstanding opportunities for
viewing wildlife. The observation platform has a barrier-free ramp that
reaches to a mid-level, and offers a long scenic vista to sedge meadow
and open water habitat. The trail crosses Smith Creek, which flows
through a patterned fen to IndianLake. It overlooks
the sedge meadow and open water habitat of Smith’s Slough and IndianLake. This site has no modern
facilities, so come prepared. It is named after and has a memorial site
dedicated to a fallen Vietnam
veteran.
Songbirds are plentiful in the diverse
habitats along the trail and boardwalk sections adjacent to the parking area.
Spring and fall warbler migrations are especially good, due to the rich
insect life present in the wetland habitats. Walk slowly and quietly
along the trail for best results. Sometimes you can call warblers into
view by standing very still and making a soft "psshpsshpssh"
sound. There is a moderate to high probability of viewing bald eagles
from the observation platform. An active eagle nest near IndianLake improves viewing during
spring and early summer. The platform is also a great place to view and
photograph fall colors.
Portions of this area are open to
public hunting. Contact the Michigan Department of
Natural Resources for affected seasons and locations.
Directions
From US-2 in Manistique, drive north through town on M-94 about
5 miles to Dawson Road.
Turn left (west) and proceed 1.5 miles to an
access road that goes north to the site parking lot.
Ownership: Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Newberry
office, (906) 293-5131
Wildlife
Viewing 
