Fochtman Nature Preserve
All dogs must be on a leash!
And please clean up after your pooches while using the trails. Learn More
Size
243 acres
Frontage
More than ¼ mile along Round Lake and the preserve is bisected by more than a mile of the North-Western State Trail.
Land Description
A mix of wetlands, uplands, and shoreline, this property offers a natural buffer in a positively developing region.
Trail Description
An old two-track road enters the property from the east along the US-31 parking area. The paved North Western State Trail is an excellent way to see the preserve. Check out the Round Lake overlook platform from the southern parking area.
History
The Fochtman Preserve was purchased at a significant bargain sale from the Fochtman family in 2001. The land was one of the enormous blocks of undeveloped land remaining between Petoskey and Harbor Springs. Its purchase was made possible with funds raised for the Conservancy’s Harbor Springs Greenbelt Program.
Directions (Hiawatha Trail Parking)
From downtown Petoskey, drive north 2.6 miles on US-31 to M-119. Turn left on M-119 and go 0.8 miles, and turn right on Hiawatha Trail. Travel approximately 1.2 miles and park on the left at the pull-off next to the historical marker and lake overlook platform.
Directions (US-31 / Conway Parking)
ADDRESS: 2789 N. US-31 Hwy, Petoskey From Petoskey, drive north on US-31 approximately 5.8 miles. A small rustic parking area is available on the left, across from US-31 and Graham Road.
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.
