PELLSTON, Mich. (Michigan Back Roads) – A few miles south of the Mackinac Bridge on I-75 is an exit to Route C-64. Take this two-lane road west towards Pellston to find a little-known trail system and a hidden area with natural springs in the Douglas Lake Nature Sanctuary.

Where is Douglas Lake?

Douglas Lake is a 3,300-acre lake about halfway to Pellston. Most of the southern shoreline is undeveloped. It is owned by the University of Michigan which operates a Biological Research Station there. As you drive west from the interstate highway, you will see a sign on the north side announcing the Biological Research Station. A bit further you will see split rail fences on the left. That is where you will find parking for the trails.

How’s the parking?

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The parking area is gravel and is marked by the split rail fences. At the back of the parking area is the entrance to the trail system with an excellent map posted. The map clearly depicts the various loops with approximate distances for each. While these trails are simple pathways and are mostly unimproved, they aren’t too challenging and are mostly under half a mile in length.

In addition, there are several shallow canyons/gorges along the trails. The most interesting one, the 100 Steps Gorge, is reached by stairs located at the front of the parking area. You don’t have to hike at all to get to the top of the stairs.

100 steps.

There are 100 steps that take you down into the gorge. Little known outside the immediate area and missed by most motorists, this is a great stop to see rare natural beauty.

It’s worth noting the name “100 Steps” is appropriate. The way down is very steep and there are 100 steps, but it is worth it. At the bottom is pristine forest and pure running streams. The streams are formed by springs that bubble right out of the hillside. There are short trails that follow the meandering streams. You can walk along upstream to find the spots where the springs emerge from the side of the bluff.

The cold water bubbling out of the ground and forming the streams produces an interesting phenomenon. There is a 15-degree temperature difference from the top of the steps to the bottom. Even in winter it is 15 degrees cooler at the bottom of the steps than it is at the top. In the summer this is a great spot to pause and cool off from the heat up above.