Sand Lakes Quiet Area

Sand Lakes Quiet Area

Just a short drive from the largest urban area in northwest Michigan is the Sand Lakes Quiet Area, a series of five small lakes surrounded by oak- and pine-covered hills. This 2,800-acre area lacks the stunning scenery of nearby Sleeping Bear Dunes, but is quiet thanks to a ban on motorized activity. Within the area there are 12 lakes and ponds, accessed by a system of maintained paths and old fire roads, which are unmarked and slowly disappear into the undergrowth. The five sand lakes are marl lakes, bodies of water created by glaciers whose sediment at the bottom contains a high proportion of calcium carbonate, which is why some of them are unusually greenish in color. Several lakes exceed 40 feet in depth, and Sand Lake No. 1 holds Rainbow Trout, while Sand Lake No. 2 holds Brook Trout. The maintained trails in the area form a 6-mile loop with eight trailheads accessible from four different roads and the Guernsey Lakes State Forest Campground. The tranquil setting is also perfect for wildlife watching.