Marsh Lake Pathway & Big Knob beach. On state forest land, a 1.5 mile path to lakeside sand dunes continues to interdunal ponds. Good birding in 3 seasons. ...
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Scott Point. The closest point in the region to Lower Michigan, this is a good spot to see the Squaw Island lighthouse and Beaver Island ...
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Scott Point is the closest mainland point on either peninsula to the Beaver Archipelago, which is clearly visible on the horizon. Squaw Island and its lighthouse are barely 10 miles offshore, and Beaver Island is another six. This area is part of the Lake Superior State Forest. The wide, sandy beach descends so gradually into the water that adults can wade out for a hundred feet without getting their knees wet. Shore birds are abundant in this idyllic and remote place. Wetlands behind the beach dunes provide more good habitat for birds. In a cedar grove at the road's end is a picnic area with grills, run by Newton Township.
The DNR has acquired the shore and land going east of Scott Point to the Lake Superior State Forest Big Knob Campground (see Camping). That means virtually all of the Lake Michigan shore from Port Inland to Big Knob is public land. It's a beautiful beach, tucked away, not affected by auto traffic, and it seems to go on and on forever. Walk it for miles, and you'll feel you're in another world. From U.S. 2 at Gould City, go south about 10 miles on Gould City Rd. Park is at road's end. (906) 293-5131. Free. Handicap accessible: vault toilet. Dogs permitted on 6-foot leash.
