400 acres of land located in northern Grand Traverse County, along 2586 feet of pristine shoreline on East Grand Traverse Bay.
Maple Bay Natural Area is a 450 acre property that straddles both sides of North US-31. This property is known for its beautiful sunflowers planted on both sides of the highway by local farmers on leased land as well as wonderful hiking trails leading to a popular beach. To access the beach visitors will travel past Maple Bay Farm (including a farm house, root cellar, sugar shack and pole barn building) on the west side of North US31 to a parking area on top of a bluff where forests meet agricultural fields. The trail descends the bluff steeply to its foot where many dune zones, including dune swale complexes, can be seen. These areas are sensitive and home to several endangered plant species. Trail length is approximately 2 miles round trip and can be extended with a walk on the beach.
