Sharon Hills Nature Preserve
Hills and valleys with an extensive trail system open for hiking, cross-country skiing, and horseback riding.
Sharon Hollow Road (between Walker and Washburn Roads)
Get Directions
Note: Look for the signs on the east side of the road and park in the grassy parking area just off Sharon Hollow Road.
Get to Know Sharon Hills Preserve
Located on the western edge of the rolling Sharon Short Hills, the Sharon Hills Nature Preserve was shaped by glacial activity thousands of years ago, during the last major
period of glaciation.
The hills, made up of sandy and rocky glacial debris, are an end moraine in the Jackson
interlobate region. Prior to colonization, the site likely supported oak savanna habitat and
wetlands. In the late 1920s, it was logged and was the site of a sand pit. There is also evidence of a former homestead. Because of poor, easily eroding soils, it was used for many years as grazing land for livestock. Most recently it was used and owned by University of Michigan professors David and Ellie Shappirio, John Allen, Edith Maynard, and Sally Allen for entomology. The group donated the land to Legacy Land Conservancy in 2000, upon the completion of their insect research.
This 67-acre preserve now contains a range of habitats including remnant prairie, meadows, wetlands, and oak-hickory forest. It provides a refuge for many of the upland game bird species that call Michigan home, including the wild turkey, ruffed grouse, and ring-necked pheasant.
Trail Map
Take a screenshot or download a printable PDF of the map before your hike.
SOUNDS OF SANDHILL CRANES
The wetlands are popular resting areas for sandhill cranes. Their distinctive calls can be heard throughout the preserve when they visit during the spring and early summer
HOT COMPOST SITE
We are composting invasive plants in the foundation of an old cistern. With heat from the sun and a little time, the seeds will lose their ability to grow, and the plant material will become nutrient-rich compost.
FIRE TO FLOURISH
Prescribed fire is an important part of invasive species management and habitat restoration. Many plant communities were historically managed by Indigenous peoples to increase wildlife habitat and allow fire-adapted plants to flourish. At the meadow overlook, look for the impacts of fire, like burn scars on trees, charred logs in the underbrush, and young oak trees starting to flourish.
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 Sharon Hill Preserve?
- Hike
- Bird Watch
- Take Photos
- Study Nature
- Forage*
- Walk Pets on Leash
- Equestrian Use
- Cross-Country Ski
*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, No Dumping
- No Smoking, Fires or Fireworks
- Do Not Go Off the Trail
- 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