Creekshead Nature Preserve

closeup of a frog

A forested oasis with an easy loop trail and spectacular spring wildflower display.

6821 Curtis Road, Plymouth, MI
Get Directions

Note: This preserve is located just north Brookville Road in Salem Township, but it has a Plymouth address. There is no parking lot. Park along the road on the west side of Curtis Road at the trailhead.

Get to Know Creekshead Preserve

Creekshead Nature Preserve was created in 1995, when Michael H. and Meroe Allen Kaericher donated the 27-acre property to Legacy Land Conservancy. The preserve is located on the divide between the Huron and Rouge River watersheds. Both Johnson and Nelson Creeks, tributaries to the Huron River, begin in this wet forest, giving the preserve its name, Creekshead.

Historically, most of the land in this part of the state was cultivated or used as pasture, but historic aerial photos show that the woodland in and surrounding Creekshead has remained mostly untouched. This prolonged stability contributes to the exceptional floral diversity and demonstrates the richness of intact ecosystems.

Creekshead holds a beautiful, mature beech-maple forest, and its wet conditions make it an amphibian hot spot. Spectacular spring wildflower displays include spring beauty, wood anemone, and trillium, with scattered patches of Dutchman’s breeches, squirrel corn, and beech-drops.

Trail Map

Take a screenshot or download a printable PDF of the map before your hike.

Trail map for Creekshead Nature Preserve
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WILDFLOWER WALK

In late April and early May, enjoy a bountiful display of native wildflowers. A peaceful stroll will take you past carpets of spring beauty, trout lily, trillium, and other ephemeral blooms.

icon of a frog

AMPHIBIANS AFOOT

The vernal pools and seasonal flowing creeks make this preserve an ideal environment for amphibians. Brush up on your frog calls before heading out in the spring, and you’ll be able to identify several types of frogs calling for mates.

icon of an owl

WILDLIFE SPOTTING

Deer, woodpeckers, snakes, and even screech owls live in and pass through this preserve. Watch for signs of wildlife: tracks, feathers, scat, and subtle sounds will tip you off to the presence of the fascinating animals that call Creekshead home.

Taking Care

Enjoy your time at the Preserve, but please be mindful of the plant, animal, and natural communities thriving in and around the land we have protected. The Preserve is open to the public from dawn to dusk.

Contact us if you are interested in visiting with groups of 12 or more, need to report an issue, or have a question.

What Can You Do at Creekshead Preserve?

  • Hike
  • Bird Watch
  • Take Photos
  • Study Nature
  • Forage*
  • Walk Pets on Leash

*Foraging of common species of mushroom, fruits, berries, and nuts is allowed. Collecting protected species and commercially harvesting any species is not allowed. Learn more.

Help Protect the Preserve

  • No Bicycles
  • No Littering, or Dumping
  • No Smoking, Fires, or Fireworks
  • Do Not Go Off the Trail
  • No Camping
  • No Motorized or Off-Road Vehicles (Required mobility devices are allowed.)
  • No Construction of Forts, Benches, and Structures
  • No Pets Off Leash (Bag and remove all waste.)
  • Do Not Remove Native Plants, Animals, Rocks or Fallen Wood
  • No Hunting, Trapping or Firearm Use
  • No Placement of Memorials or Items from Outside the Preserve

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