Shorewood Nature Preserve in Shorewood

This is truly a hidden gem, right on Lake Michigan below the bluff lined with houses along Lake Drive. There is a fairly large sign at the trail head (see the first photo below), but it’s easy to miss because it’s crowded into a narrow space between two houses. Past the sign the trail drops dramatically into a ravine between the houses. Once you reach the bottom the preserve spreads out on both sides. There is a short (approximately half-mile) loop trail through the woods. A narrow beach is accessible by climbing down the eroded shore bluff in several places. It is a hot spot for birders, especially during migration season, with 193 species sightings listed on ebird.org.

 

Gallery (click to enlarge)