William B. Derby, Jr. Nature Preserve

All dogs must be on a leash!

And please clean up after your pooches while using the trails. Learn More

Size

207 acres

Frontage

More than a mile along Lake Huron.

Land Description

Located just a short distance from downtown Cedarville, this preserve is the most popular community preserve in the Les Cheneaux region. Cedar trees dominate the land, and the hummocky topography is interspersed with numerous huge, moss-covered boulders. Because they consist primarily of limestone/dolomite, the rocks are porous, and many have nurse trees growing from them. It is a magical place for a hike.

Trail Description

A 1.5-mile trail loop. Public parking is available for the preserve, thanks to the Les Cheneaux Club and Les Cheneaux Community Foundation.

History

This preserve was named after the landowner who sold it at a significant bargain sale. The trails loop around and one section follows “The Snows Channel,” an excellent place to bird and a stopover point for kayakers who want to come ashore and have lunch on the preserve. The Derby Preserve is a designated stop along the North Huron Birding Trail.

Directions

ADDRESS: 1308 West Club Road, Cedarville, MI 49719
From M-134, head south on Four Mile Road to Club Road. Take a right on Club Road and travel half a mile. Look for signs on the right, and the parking area is a little further up on the left, toward the golf club entrance. You will have to hike back to the preserve trail entrance less than 100 yards.

Printable Trail Map

Check out the plants and animals found at this preserve using the iNaturalist guide below. Help us document more with iNaturalist.org and eBird.org.

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