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This serene site is part of the Pere
Marquette State Forest. Motorized vehicles are prohibited,
making this area a great place to watch wildlife, hike,
bike, or cross country ski. It has five marl lakes surrounded
by rolling hills of oak-pine forest. The sediments at
the bottom of marl lakes contain a lot of calcium carbonate
deposited by glaciers. Several of the lakes are more
than 40 feet deep and managed for trout. An extensive
trail system allows visitors to explore the lakes and
surrounding area on foot, skis, bike, or horse. The
Cross Michigan Shore to Shore Riding and Hiking Trail
(Lake Huron to Lake Michigan) skirts along the south
end of the Quiet Area but is not on the hiking trails.
Guernsey Lake State Forest Campground is available for
hike-in campers.
Because motorized traffic is prohibited
on this site, there are ample opportunities for wildlife
watchers to enjoy uncrowded woodland trails and peaceful
lakeshores. Deer, turkeys, squirrels, woodland songbirds,
and many other kinds of wildlife are found at Sand
Lakes. Several of the lakes have been stocked with
test populations of hybrid trout; Lake #1 has rainbow
trout, Lake #2 has brook trout. Water clarity is high
in marl lakes and ideal for snorkeling and subsurface
wildlife watching in these unique aquatic systems.
Call the number below for a map of the area and details
on the hiking/skiing and camping, or special fishing
regulations that apply to these lakes.
Directions
Between Kalkaska and Traverse City south of M-72. From Williamsburg,
drive east on M-72 to Broomhead Road. Turn right (south) and
continue about 3.5 miles to the Sand Lakes parking area on the
left (east) side of the road.
Ownership: Michigan Department of Natural Resources,
Forest Management Division, Traverse City Management Unit, (231)
922-5280.
Trails – 11 miles, easy to moderate. Camping – hike-in campground (1/2 mile hike),
Guernsey Lake State Forest Campground, 36 rustic sites; no permit
required; boat launch for small boats on lake. Bicycling – hiking trails open to mountain
biking. Cross-country Skiing – on hiking trails, ungroomed
but well skied all winter. Fishing – Lake #1 and Lake #2, special regulations,
see Fishing Guide or contact MDNR for details. Hunting – open to public hunting.
>Watchable
Wildlife
Wildlife
Viewing 
