66 Luzerne Boardwalk 
wildlife viewing | directions and facility information
Photo: ©Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen
Luzerne Boardwalk winds through an old growth cedar swamp
along the bottomlands of the East Branch of Big Creek, just south of the village of Luzerne. With towering cedars
overhead and water underneath, the sturdy boardwalk (constructed and used
by horseback riders) offers a unique and beautiful hike. An extensive
network of hiking/horse trails extends beyond the one-half mile
boardwalk, but the boardwalk itself is not a loop trail. A tornado
crossed this area in 1997 and uprooted some large white pine and cedar
trees. These dead snags and downed timber attract woodpeckers and
chickadees and provide cover for a variety of wildlife species including
bears and bobcats.
 Wildlife
Viewing
Good birding can be found here during spring and fall
migration. In April and May, male American woodcock may be heard and seen
performing their mating ritual in the air and upland fields near the
parking area. Nesting birds heard and often seen during summer include
ovenbirds, cedar waxwings, winter wrens, and black-throated green
warblers. Flowers such as marsh marigold, sundew, turtlehead and
jewelweed can be spotted along the boardwalk. Native brook trout can be
viewed on occasion from a bridge that crosses over the creek, especially
in the fall when they are spawning. A moss-covered opening adjacent to
Big Creek one-quarter mile from the beginning of the boardwalk is a
special place, and is home to edge species such as indigo buntings and
song sparrows.
The two-track road and parking area are rough and narrow.
Campers and R.V.'s should avoid this site.
This area is open to public
hunting. Contact the Michigan Department of Natural
Resources for affected seasons and locations.
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