Plan Your Visit
While your experience on a Legacy Land Conservancy preserve is one of a kind, we all need to keep in mind certain things when visiting.
Here’s what to know before heading out.
Safety First
- Hike during daylight hours. The preserves are only open from dawn until dusk, so time your hike accordingly.
- Bring a buddy or let someone know your plans.
- Bring water. Even when it’s cold, you need plenty of water!
- Bring bug spray. Ticks are now very common for most of the year. Expect to see them from March through November—or beyond, if it’s been a warm winter.
- Carry a fully charged cell phone. While cell phone service may be spotty in rural areas, having a cell phone allows for GPS tracking and emergency calls.
Ticks and other harmful insects that can cause disease are on the rise in Michigan. Take precautions and learn to protect yourself on the trail.
Tucking your pants into your socks can help protect your legs from ticks.
Stay on the Path
Keep an eye out for blue trail markers painted on trees, indicating the direction of the trail. The different symbols detail where you are—and where you’ll go next.
Help Protect the Preserves
Enjoy your time on our preserves, but please be mindful of the plant, animal, and natural communities thriving in and around the land we have protected.
- Our preserves have different rules. Before you go, make sure you understand the rules by visiting your destination's preserve page.
- Large groups may be associated with greater impacts to the preserves, and parking is limited at most sites. If you plan to visit a Legacy preserve with a group of 12 or more, please contact us in advance of your visit.
- Learn more about hunting and foraging on our preserves.
Hiking Tips
Warm Weather
- Wear light-colored clothing and long pants tucked into your socks.
- Choose closed-toed shoes for protection.
- Bring a sun hat and apply sunscreen.
- Use insect and tick repellent—especially on pants and socks.
Cold Weather
- Wear insulated boots, gloves with removable liners, and a warm hat.
- Wear insulated coveralls or rain pants to block wind and snow.
- Add a neck gaiter or scarf to keep warm air in.
- Bring sunglasses or snow goggles to protect your eyes from glare.
- Pack a handkerchief and lip balm.
After Your Hike
- Check yourself, your clothes, and your pets for ticks before getting into the car. If you do find a tick, contact your medical provider.
- Change clothes and shower when you get home, especially if you’re sensitive to poison ivy or chiggers.
- Wash all hiking clothes before wearing them again.
Harmful Insects and Poisonous Plants
Facts sheets from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and Michigan State University