Estivant Pines 50th Anniversary: Open for traffic after improvement project
Explore the stunning and remote Estivant Pines Sanctuary in the Keweenaw. Photo courtesy of Visit Keweenaw.
The Estivant Pines Nature Sanctuary trail is open now with an upgraded experience for adventurers – in time for its 50th anniversary. The trail was closed briefly while Rock Solid Trail Contracting made improvements with the Michigan Nature Association.
“When boardwalks age, they create a lot of upkeep work and in the process become unsafe as they degrade and become slippery when wet,” said Nancy Leonard, Michigan Nature Association conservation coordinator. “Visitation to the Estivant Pines includes folks of all ages and of varying hiking abilities. Slippery boardwalks and steep grades [were] a hinderance to some. Looking forward to the 50th anniversary of the Pines, we realized that it was time to address these issues and to make an upgrade [to] the core trail.”
Leonard explains Rock Solid Trail Contracting is an industry leader for trail work of this scale. Michigan Nature Association (MNA) was excited to enter an agreement with Rock Solid on the project. Leonard says building better on the Pines will bring a greater accessibility level for hikers and one that requires less maintenance over time.
“This year’s project centers upon the core trail,” said Leonard. “The two loops, Memorial and Cathedral, will remain the same. Boardwalks are being removed and raised gravel tread will be laid in place. Culverts will be added to channel the water from natural seeps and away from the trail. A section of the lower trail that includes a steep grade will be replaced by a new trail bed nearby that will lessen the grade. An accessible side spur will lead to an area of meditation beneath a grand old pine.”
The improved trail is open to traffic now. A celebration of the pines is planned for this summer. Make sure to check out the best hikes like Estivant Pines when you’re in the Keweenaw.
