Activities
Amenities
Highlights
This nature area, located south of Dollar Bay along Upper Point Mills Road, is home to an extensive wetland ecosystem, numerous beaver dams, and upland forest habitats available for public enjoyment. Held for generations, the John Steve family once farmed a portion of the land here. Today it is largely untouched and left to return to its wild state. Thanks to the family’s generous donation, the nature area is now open to the public for non-motorized recreational use, including hiking, snowshoeing, backcountry skiing, and mountain biking along the rough woods roads found on the property.
Planning your visit
A trailhead can be found in an open meadow on the side of Upper Point Mills Road. Enter these coordinates into your GPS device for assistance on finding where to park: 47.110334, -88.458035. Please park along the shoulder of this quiet rural road, and do not drive into the clearing. All roads in this area are plowed year-round.
Hiking trails lead you through some of the varied landscapes found here. Be aware, during high water the beaver dams may be unsafe to cross.
Why this place is special
The nature area is dominated by wetlands that make up the headwaters of Lovell Creek. Topography is variable, with lobes of higher forested ground providing vistas of the lower lying lands along the creek. Fens, bogs, marshes, cedar swamps, and open beaver ponds offer a variety of habitats for dozens of wildlife species. The creek, ponds, and wetlands are surrounded by mixed forests including pockets of spruce and white pine that have not been logged in many decades. Keeping this area intact prevents fragmentation and protects the water quality of Lovell Creek and Torch Lake.
Maps & documents
The following documents provide additional details about this nature area.