Hartwick Pines State Park - Camping, Mountain Biking and Old Growth Forest

Hartwick Pines State Park

Hartwick Pines Sate Park - August 14 - 15, 2014

This year on our way to camping up in the U.P. we decided to make a one night stop at Hartwick Pines State Park. We left after work Thursday night and had about a 3 hour drive up to Grayling, Michigan. We pulled into our site with plenty of time to get a fire going before dark. Unfortunately they did not have firewood for sale at the park. In recent years the DNR has made a big deal about not moving firewood to help stop the spread of invasive pests and diseases that harm trees. You would think that with this being one of the few sites with old growth trees in the State they would have this covered. We didn't really want to drive into town to find some wood so I grabbed my bow saw and found some dead trees to cut up. We had a nice little fire and then went in for an early bed time. We planned to spend the morning at Hartwick Pines and then head up over the bridge for the week.

About Hartwick Pines State Park: The park protects 9,672 acres which makes it the third largest park in Michigan's Lower Peninsula. The main attraction of this park is a 49 acre grove and old growth red and white pines. The trees are over 300 years old and reach heights up to 150 feet tall. The park also has a 100 site modern campground. There are over 14 miles of hiking trails through rolling forest. About 9 miles of the trails are wide 2-tracks that are also open for mountain biking. The Old Growth Visitor Center and Logging Museum have interactive displays that give you a look back to this time in Michigan history.

campfire site 85 at hartwick pines state park

We spent the night in site 85. This is a nice big pull through site near the bathhouse. It is a middle site, but it had trees on both sides which gave a little privacy. All of the sites have paved pads and most had nice grass. Several of the center sites also have sewer hookups.

Reid wanted to follow the squirrels into the culvert under the road.

Looking up the road from our campsite. About 2/3 of the campground is in a fairly open area. The north end has more trees and most of the nicer sites are in this area.

In the morning I grabbed a quick breakfast I went out to ride the Hartwick Pines mountain bike trails. I wanted to try and keep my legs in shape for all the riding that I planned to do up in Marquette later in the trip.

Unfortunately I had my GoPro camera aimed to low when recording this ride, but hopefully it at least gives an idea of what to expect of the trails here. It is mostly rolling 2-track with several sandy washed out climbs and descents. I started at the campground and took the outside loop for a 9 miles ride that was more of a workout than I expected.

The Hartwick Pines State Park trail map.

If the map does not show above click here >>

While I was off biking the kids checked out the playground at the campground.

overview of hartwick pines campround playground

The full view of the playground.

The kids had fun, but I think the girls are starting out grow this.

After packing up camp we spent the rest of the morning at the Michigan Forest Visitor Center. This is also the start of the Old Growth Forest Trail and the location of the Logging Museum.

Our first stop was the visitor center.

Reid spinning the big circular saw blade.

Next we walked around to the back of the visitor center to the start of the Old Growth Forest Trail.

The Old Growth Forest Trail is a 1.25 mile paved loop. We walked the trail counterclockwise. When going in this direction the first half of the hike goes through the remaining 49 acres of old growth pines. This area gives you a rare look a what Michigan would have looked like if all the trees were not cut for lumber in the late 1800's.

It is estimated that the Red and White Pines in this grove are over 300 years old.

The remains of the "Mighty Monarch" tree. This was once the tallest tree at Hartwick Pines at 155 feet. A wind storm in 1992 broke off the top 35 feet causing the tree to die 4 years later. Today there is not much left of this famous tree that at one time measured 12 feet around at the base. I read that there is another tree nearby that is 158 feet tall, but the park decided to not single out another tree as the Monarch.

Continuing on down the path.

It is hard to try and capture these huge trees with the camera.

The skin of a 300 year old giant.

the chapel in the woods at hartwick pines

The Chapel in the Woods. We are not sure why this place is here.

tree huggers at hartwick pines state park

One more big tree right next to the path.

After about a mile walk you come to the Logging Museum. The museum is housed in 2 log structures that were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1934 and 1935.

The first building has a typical lumber jack camp with a mess hall and bunk house.

The second building has a black smith shop and several artifacts and tools used by the loggers. There are also several interesting photos from this time.

Reid really like the hands on exhibits showing how all the logs were moved to the sawmills.

There are also several interesting outdoor displays showing the equipment that was used. After checking out the outdoor displays we had about a 0.25 mile walk back to the visitor center. If you are passing through the Grayling area we would recommend stopping and at least spending a couple hours at Hartwick Pines State Park. The big trees are awesome and the historical displays are interesting and very well done.

It was already afternoon by the time we got back to the parking area. We decided to get on the road and make sandwiches in the van while driving up over the bridge and on to Fayette State Park. Follow the link below to see more from this vacation.

Our Next Stop at Fayette State Park >>

<< Back to Our Home Page

Our Favorites From This Trip:

Bow Saw

Hartwick Pines did not have firewood sales so I grabbed my bow saw and had enough wood cut for a small fire in a few minutes.

I picked up a bow saw to keep in the camper a few years ago and it has paid for itself several times over since then. With bundles of firewood selling for $5 or more you can save a lot of money by at least cutting some wood yourself.

A 20 or 24 inch bow saw is inexpensive, lightweight and easy to pack. You will be surprised how quick you can rip through logs as big as 6 inches or more with one these.

Click here to find Bow Saws on Amazon >>

Also see our Michigan Adventure Guidebook Page >>

Advertising Disclosure: We may receive a commission if you click a link on our site and purchase one of the products or services that we recommend.

What your own website? We Recommend:

^ Go To Top ^

Shop Campmor for Your Quickest Link to the Outdoors