Sylvania Wilderness

Most of Michigan's pristine forestland has been logged off, but here you'll find stands of the rare and treasured trees that once blanketed the state. In 1885 a man named A. D. Johnston purchased 80 acres of this country with the intention of cutting the wood for lumber. After laying eyes on his new property he fell in love with the land and decided to preserve it. Johnston encouraged friends to buy and save neighboring forestland, and together they formed the Sylvania Club. The U.S. Forest Service eventually gained ownership, and what remains today is an incomparable north country Wilderness: rolling hills covered in virgin trees dating back as much as 400 years — ancient white pines, red pines, hemlocks, yellow birches, basswoods and sugar maples. Balanced on the divide between the drainages of Lake Superior and the Mississippi River, Sylvania contains 35 deep lakes, almost all of them landlocked and filled by springs and precipitation. Many of these fabulous lakes are edged with white sand. Deer, bears, raccoons, skunks, otters, beavers, fishers, porcupines, coyotes, foxes and squirrels thrive in the forest along with a variety of woodland and water-related birds. Special fishing regulations protect this unusual lake habitat: only artificial lures may be used, and all bass, some of which reach impressive proportions, must be released. Unlike most designated Wildernesses, fragile Sylvania has 50 established campsites in 29 locations bordering lakes, and they must be reserved in advance. Every campsite has a wilderness latrine, tent pads, and a fire ring with grills, and a well-maintained trail system that wanders through the giant trees provides access. On the northern border, Sylvania Recreation Area offers a major trailhead, 48 drive-in campsites, potable water, showers and flush toilets, along with an information center where visitors must register and become familiar with Leave No Trace Wilderness ethics. Come here for some of the loveliest day hiking in the Midwest. It's an ideal spot to canoe camp, swim and fish in summer, or ski in winter.