Hartwick Pines State Park, located in Grayling, is named for its 49 acres of majestic, old-growth pine forest - some of the last remaining in the state. One of the largest state parks in the Lower Peninsula, Hartwick Pines features rolling hills overlooking the valley of the East Branch of the AuSable River, a handful of spring-fed lakes and unique timber lands.
The 9,335-acre park is home to a modern campground, two undeveloped boating access sites, a rustic cabin, picnic areas and 21 miles of trails, including the accessible, 1.25-mile, paved Old Growth Forest Trail. The park is a destination for hiking, paddling, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hunting, fishing and birding.
Embark on a journey through time at Hartwick Pines State Park. The Hartwick Pines Visitor Center immerses you in the story of one of Michigan's last stands of old-growth pine forest, while the Hartwick Pines Logging Museum - about a quarter-mile walk - brings the state's 19th-century logging era to life.
Thanks to the Friends of Hartwick Pines State Park for supporting the park.
There are two accessible fishing piers located on Glory and Bright lakes.
The picnic area is in the day-use area and includes picnic tables and charcoal grills that are available first come, first served.
There is a picnic shelter located in the day-use area that includes picnic tables, charcoal grills, electrical service (reservations only) and modern toilets. Shelter reservations can be made 12 months in advance at MiDNRReservations.com.
The park's track chair expands access beyond traditional wheelchairs. The chair is available for visitors to borrow at no cost.
The Hartwick Pines Visitor Center serves as a popular conduit to one of Michigan’s last stands of majestic, old-growth pine forest. Visitors will find educational exhibits, maps, park information and helpful park staff.
From the park entrance, visitors can access the Grayling Bicycle Turnpike, a 10-mile, paved, nonmotorized trail suitable for bicycles. The scenic, 10-foot-wide multiuse trail winds parallel to the road, connecting Hartwick Pines State Park to downtown Grayling and continuing to Hanson Hills Recreation Area.
There are undeveloped, gravel boat boating access sites (no skid piers) on Glory and Bright lakes. These lakes are open to nonmotorized boats only.
The Friends of Hartwick Pines sells gifts and novelties from the Hartwick Pines Visitor Center.
There are free, self-pay EV fast-charging stations in the park.
Glory and Bright lakes, Au Sable River and other smaller inland lakes (Karen and Hartwick lakes) are well-known for trout, bass and bluegill.
The park is home to the Hartwick Pines Logging Museum, located along the paved Old Growth Forest Trail, a quarter-mile walk from the Hartwick Pines Visitor Center. The Michigan History Center provides live demonstrations and self-guided exhibits that depict the state’s 19th-century logging era.
Hunting is allowed in the state park; however, you should call this park directly to inquire about any special rules, concerns or considerations.
Metal detecting is allowed in certain park areas. Please consult the park map for designated locations and review applicable regulations. Only registered campers can metal detect in campgrounds.
Seasonal naturalists offer nature-based programming at the park during the summer and/or fall. Check the park's explorer program calendar for dates, locations and topics.
There is bird viewing area located next to the Hartwick Pines Visitor Center that offers views of a beautiful wetland that is home to birds and other wildlife.
Kayaks are available for rent at the park’s contact station from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
A small playground featuring slides, bars, a swing set and other play equipment is in the day-use area.
The park’s sanitation station is in the modern campground. There is potable water available and two lanes.
A portion of the park is open to snowmobiling on open land. Snowmobiles are prohibited on park trails and in campground areas.
The park features several small bodies of water, including two spring-fed lakes – Glory and Bright lakes – open to nonmotorized watercraft.
With access to nearly 10,000 acres of forested land, the modern campground offers a variety open-air, pull-through and wooded sites. There is easy trail access to Bright and Glory lakes and a spur trail to the park's mountain biking trails. All sites are equipped with 20/30 amp electrical service. For those seeking additional power, sites #65-100 provide full hookups with 50-amp service.
Four accessible sites are available (sites 52, 54, 86 and 87).
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Adjacent to Bright Lake, this secluded, one-room rustic cabin sleeps up to seven people. There is no electricity in the cabin, but propane heating is available. The cabin is furnished with a table and benches and three bunk beds, one of which has a full-size bed on the bottom. A hand pump for water, vault toilet, picnic table, charcoal grill and fire ring are located outside the cabin.
Visitors must bring their own bedding and cooking supplies.
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This rustic group campground is available for groups of up to 100 people. There are two sites that can accommodate up to 50 campers. Each site provides a picnic table, fire pit and easy access to hand pump for water. To reserve the group camp area, please call 989-348-7068.
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