Summary
It is considered one of the largest state parks in the Lower Peninsula and is known for its old-growth forests, hiking trails, and a museum dedicated to the history of the lumber industry.
One of the main reasons to visit Hartwick Pines State Park is to experience the beauty of its old-growth forest. The park has over 49 acres of towering pine trees that are up to 400 years old. Visitors can hike the various trails that wind through the forest, including the Aspen Trail, Old Growth Trail, and the Chapel Trail.
Another popular attraction is the Michigan Forest Visitor Center, which houses a museum dedicated to the history of the lumber industry in Michigan. Visitors can learn about the early settlers, logging practices, and the role of forests in the state's economy.
Hartwick Pines State Park also offers several recreational activities, including fishing, camping, picnicking, and cross-country skiing. The park has two campgrounds and over 100 campsites available for visitors.
Interesting facts about the area include that the park was established in 1927 and is named after Edward E. Hartwick, who donated the land to the state. The park also contains the largest known virgin stand of eastern white pine trees in Michigan.
The best time of year to visit Hartwick Pines State Park is during the fall when the leaves change colors and the weather is mild. However, the park is open year-round and offers a variety of activities for visitors in every season.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
AuSable River State Forest Campground and Canoe Camp
Burton's Landing State Forest Campground
Keystone Landing State Forest Campground
Lake Margrethe State Forest Campground
Upper Manistee River State Forest Campground
Jones Lake State Forest Campground