Trail Overview
Lackey Trail South is an exciting and scenic bidirectional trail within the Traverse City Forest Management Unit. Located just south of highway M-72 between Williamsburg and Kalkaska, this trail is easily accessible. Starting from the southern end of Bowman Trail W, you'll start on a very thick section of brush. Although this tight section of brush and trees may deter some, there are typically a lot of beautiful wildflowers to be seen in the section as well. As you twist and turn and shake your way down the route, you'll eventually enter the thicker section of the forest with towering trees and lush vegetation edging the trail. Be sure to take it all in. Shortly after, you'll weave around, making turn after turn until about the 0.5-mile marker, where the trail straightens out a bit. Here you'll encounter mud holes and ruts without any bypasses. Please TREAD LIGHTLY so future generations can enjoy these public spaces. Like most of Michigan trails, conditions are dependent on the weather. Recent rainfall can cause unfavorable conditions on the trail, including downed trees, mud holes, and washouts. Come Prepared! Most of this trail is only wide enough for 1 vehicle, le with limited places to pass. Towards the end of the trail, you'll be greeted by a gorgeous section of pine trees where you'll find a left and a right trail up the short hill. The right is fairly flat with no obstacles. The left has a bunch of exposed tree roots on the soft, sandy dirt hill. This section is slightly steeper, but a different kind of challenge nonetheless. This is not a difficult trail at all, but the details contain a lot of fun and adventure. This trail also gives access to other great trails nearby. The northern end of the trail finishes in a bend of Lackey Road. Regardless of the conditions of this trail, it's a really fun route to check out! As always, again, PLEASE TREAD LIGHTLY and be respectful of our public lands so future generations can have access to these trails!
