SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. (Great Lakes News) – The Fiborn Karst Preserve, a few miles west of Trout Lake, covers nearly 500 acres.

The area served as the site of a limestone quarry that operated in the early 1900s supplying Algoma Steel of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.  The abandoned quarry is a popular destination for hikers and history buffs.  In the middle of the quarry are the ruins of the railroad house and the ore car loader.  Both structures are interesting to visit, and both are now festooned with graffiti and chalk art.

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This is a karst formation which means that there are sinkholes, springs and caves formed by running water.  The streams and swamps drain into the Hendrie River, dissolving the limestone as the water flows. Another unique feature of this area is the Hendrie River Water Cave.  It is the longest known cave in Michigan and has a stream running through it.  The cave is narrow, difficult, and considered dangerous.  Entry is restricted requiring a guide and a permit.  Other caves exist in the area.  All are wet and unsuitable for amateur explorations.

Fortunately, other features of the preserve can be enjoyed safely in all seasons thanks to the trails that are maintained there.  The trailhead is found at the information kiosk where a simple map brochure is available.  The Sinkhole Trail is a short loop that passes by shallow sinkholes and takes visitors to a creek that disappears below ground.

The Ann Patrie Memorial Trail is longer.  The one-and-a-half-mile trail skirts the edge of the quarry through second-growth forest, sinkholes and crevasses. It eventually offers entry into the far end of the quarry.