Clay Cliffs Natural Area Hiking Guide
Clay Cliffs is a small Leelanau Conservancy preserve on M-22 north of Leland, squeezed between Lake Michigan and Lake Leelanau. A loop of about a mile and a half leads through hardwood forest and a meadow to a viewing platform 200 feet above Lake Michigan, with the Manitou Islands offshore. It sits outside the national lakeshore, so there is no pass to buy.
The Trail System
The conservancy describes a 1.5-mile trail system on flat and hilly terrain, rated moderate with some hills; mapping apps record the loop at about 1.4 miles with roughly 150 feet of gain. It is essentially a loop with a crossover spur. Partway along, an open meadow looks east over Lake Leelanau, and the trail then reaches the platform at the top of the bluff on the Lake Michigan side. Most people finish in under an hour.
The Platform and the Bluffs
The observation deck, built with the trail in 2014 and 2015, sits at the edge of the clay bluffs about 200 feet above Lake Michigan, with views toward North and South Manitou islands. The bluffs themselves are fragile and off limits. The conservancy asks visitors to appreciate the view from a safe distance rather than venturing onto the clay.
Wildflowers and Wildlife
The Leelanau Conservancy calls the preserve one of Leelanau's most prolific wildflower sites, with spring bloomers such as Dutchman's breeches and trillium under the hardwoods. The property includes eagle nesting areas and raptor perches. The site also protects about 1,700 feet of shoreline on both Lake Leelanau and Lake Michigan, across 104.5 acres.
Parking and Access
The small parking area sits beside M-22 roughly two and a half miles north of Leland, at 4755 North Manitou Trail, with an information kiosk at the trailhead. There is no drinking water and no toilet, and there is no fee. Leashed dogs are welcome. The conservancy lists snowshoeing as well as hiking, so the loop works in winter too.
Hunting Season
Clay Cliffs allows hunting, with hunters registering through the conservancy. If you visit in fall, especially during Michigan's November firearm deer season, wear blaze orange or another bright colour and keep dogs close on leash. The preserve was protected in 2013 and is owned by Leland Township, with the Leelanau Conservancy managing it.
Hiking tips for Clay Cliffs Natural Area
- Use the restroom in Leland first; the trailhead has no toilets or water.
- Stay on the platform and trail; the clay bluffs are fragile and off limits.
- Stop in the meadow for the Lake Leelanau view before heading to the overlook.
- Wear bright colours in fall, since hunting is permitted on the preserve.
- Come in spring for trillium and other wildflowers under the hardwoods.
Nearby trails to explore
- Pyramid Point Trail
- Kettles Trail
- Alligator Hill Trail
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Clay Cliffs is a free, quick lakeside loop that pairs well with an afternoon in Leland. Use TrailMates to find Traverse City hikers heading to Clay Cliffs. Download the TrailMates app to connect.