Sand Lakes Quiet Area

This serene site is part of the Pere Marquette State Forest. Motorized vehicles are prohibited, making this area a great place to watch wildlife, hike, bike, or cross country ski. It has five marl lakes surrounded by rolling hills of oak-pine forest. The sediments at the bottom of marl lakes contain a lot of calcium carbonate deposited by glaciers. Several of the lakes are more than 40 feet deep and managed for trout. An extensive trail system allows visitors to explore the lakes and surrounding area on foot, skis, bike, or horse. The Cross Michigan Shore to Shore Riding and Hiking Trail (Lake Huron to Lake Michigan) skirts along the south end of the Quiet Area but is not on the hiking trails. Guernsey Lake State Forest Campground is available for hike-in campers.