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The view includes both South Manitou and North Manitou islands.
Clay Cliffs Natural Area, Leland Township, Leelanau County
MI Travelogue by Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief
LELAND TOWNSHIP (Leelanau County) — Just under 3 miles north of Leland on M-22 (Manitou Highway) is Clay Cliffs Natural Area. The 104 acre preserve was established in 2013 by the Leelanau Conservancy; the land is owned by Leland Township.
There is a small parking lot just off of M-22. The area features a hiking trail that takes the visitor to a cliff 200 feet above Lake Michigan which has a perfect view of both North Manitou and South Manitou islands. The diverse hike includes a variety of forest and grassland. It’s a steady uphill climb from the parking lot to the Lake Michigan overview.
The land is open to hunting, by permit, from Oct. 1 through Jan. 1. The area is also open to birding, fishing, and snowshoeing.
The Leelanau Conservancy is a nonprofit organization was formed in 1988 to conserve the land, water, and scenic character of Leelanau County. Find more information here.
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