Exploring Estivant Pines Nature Area, Copper Harbor, MI

Estivant Pines Nature Area in Copper Harbor, Michigan, is an enchanting haven for nature enthusiasts. As you step into this pristine forest, a sense of tranquility will overwhelm you. Towering red and white pines stretch towards the sky, creating a breathtaking canopy overhead. The forest floor is a tapestry of vibrant wildflowers and ferns, inviting you to explore its hidden treasures. The well-maintained trails made for a gentle and easy hike for the whole family. Estivant Pines Nature Area is undoubtedly a gem that should not be missed when visiting Copper Harbor, Michigan.

This nature sanctuary is the largest tract of old-growth Eastern White Pines preserved and one of the last strands remaining in Michigan, giving you a glimpse as to what Copper Harbor looked like in its past. The sanctuary contains hundreds of 300-500 year old white pines measuring from 3 to 5 feet in diameter. To get there, just follow US-41 to Copper Harbor, turning right on Second Street. Follow Second Street for 1.2 miles then bear left onto Clark Mine road. Travel 1.2 miles and turn right on Burma Road. There you will start to see signs that say E. Pines. Travel another .65 miles to the trail head and parking area. You can find parking to the left of the “Estivant Pines” sign, and additional parking on the right hand side of Burma Road before reaching the sign.

The trail system consists of 2 loops; the Memorial and the Cathedral. Pictured in this article is the Memorial loop. Each trail is about a mile in length, and the terrain is easy to moderate, making it a perfect family-friendly hike. The trails are mostly wide, with some being narrow in certain stretches. Boardwalks or planks are placed in muddier areas along the main-center trail.

When we headed east from the center trail, the pathway becomes a slow climbing grade. The path climbs and dips and you see a few of these old giants remaining, but many on this path had fallen or were already dead. We went in early spring, before any undergrowth had begun to green. This made for a perfect view of the pines, bug-free hiking, and cooler weather. Of course, we made many stops to play. The large trunks made for great play restaurants and the massive rocks made for cute storefronts, and soon we were back on the center path.

After spending time in Japan, we ended our hike by thanking these ancient giants and wishing them farewell. We were all eager to head into Copper Harbor for some food after our hike.