The May Woods Nature Trails are a relatively small and not widely known hiking area across the street from Headlands Dark Sky Park and adjacent to the Mackinaw Heritage Village.
While it may be a mostly flat walk in the 100 acres of woods, it does offer some variety and notable features and is a great alternative to the routine and popular hike destinations.
Description from the sign:
“May Woods is a 100-acre forest that was donated to the Mackinaw Area Historical Society in 2014 by Virginia May. It contains a high native biodiversity. The main trail runs north and south the full extent of the property. On the west side of this trail is a steep escarpment that drops to road level. Two unique habitats of this property on that lower level and are most easily visited from Headlands Rd. and not from the trail system”
Winter is also an excellent time to visit May Woods, especially if you like to snowshoe or hike through fresh white powder. While Mackinaw City sees a fair share of tourism in the warm weather, in the winter there are not very many people out hiking and exploring. Being out in the woods and trekking down an undisturbed trail has a certain rugged explorer feel to it.
While you’re there, be sure to check out historic Heritage Village. The village contains many historic buildings and gives insights to the history of Mackinaw.
May Woods is on Wilderness Park Dr, just south of W Central Ave. about 2 miles West of Mackinaw City, in the tip of the Michigan mitten.
