Hartwick Pines Wildlife Management Area Adventures

Hartwick Pines Wildlife Management Area spans more than 10,000 acres in Crawford County, Michigan, featuring one of the last remaining old-growth red pine forests in the state. The area includes dense hardwood and conifer stands, wetlands, and open meadows that sustain a diverse range of species such as white-tailed deer, black bear, wild turkey, and numerous songbirds. Historically, this land was part of Michigan’s vast lumbering boom before being preserved and managed for wildlife and public use. Today, it is utilized primarily for hunting, trapping, and wildlife watching, along with hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling in winter months. The WMA has extensive trail systems that wind through forests and wetlands, offering visitors a chance to experience pristine natural habitats, including mature pine groves over 250 years old. It borders Hartwick Pines State Park, home to the Hartwick Pines Logging Museum, a landmark that commemorates Michigan's logging heritage. The area's diverse ecosystems support robust populations of game species, making it a prized location for hunters and wildlife photographers alike. The management area's combination of ecological significance, historical connection, and recreational diversity attracts outdoors enthusiasts year-round, especially those seeking to explore relatively undeveloped Michigan forest landscapes.