Clay Cliffs Natural Area offers majestic views of both Lake Leelanau and Lake Michigan and provides ample recreation opportunities.
This stunning natural area created in partnership with Leland Township protects 1,700 feet of shoreline on both Lake Leelanau and Lake Michigan. The sheer clay bluff hosts a rare and fragile ecosystem. Eagles that nest here swoop over the lake in search of prey. The steep, forested slopes are particularly beautiful in the slanting light of dusk, and especially when the trillium are in bloom. Clay Cliffs’ hardwood forest shelters one of Leelanau’s most prolific wildflower sites. An overlook at the bluff top shows off panoramic lake views while a meadow located midway along the trail features sparkling views of Lake Leelanau. “Clay Cliffs is a tremendous public natural resource with unparalleled conservation values and passive recreation opportunities,” says Matt Heiman, Conservancy Director of Land Programs.
Trail System
1.5 mile trail system on flat and hilly terrain. There is a viewing platform above the bluffs, with breathtaking views from 200 feet above Lake Michigan. On the trail to the bluff there are views of Lake Leelanau to the East.
Please remember the Clay Bluffs are fragile and off limits; please appreciate the view at a safe distance.
History
Clay Cliffs Natural Area, which was preserved in 2013, is officially owned by Leland Township. The majestic 104.5-acre parcel with 1,700 feet of frontage on both Lake Michigan and North Lake Leelanau is managed by the Leelanau Conservancy. The Conservancy assisted the Township in obtaining $2.9 million from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund. Conservancy donors provided 25 percent of the $6.2 million project while the sellers donated 25 percent in land value. The land was purchased from the Crary family, who wished to see it preserved forever. Click here to see four aerial maps of the property from 1938 to 2017.
Features
Raptor perch on the cliff, (eagles nest here) Lake Michigan shoreline birds
Fantastic array of spring wildflowers: Dutchman’s breeches, trillium, spring beauties. Perhaps one of the best wildflower sites in the county.
Plants at Clay Cliffs Natural Area
A Clay Cliffs FQA and Summary, or Floristic Quality Assessment, tells the story of the types and quality of flora at Clay Cliffs Natural Area.
