Pinckney Recreation Area
Encyclopedia
Pinckney State Recreation Area is a Michigan state recreation area in Dexter
, Sylvan
and Lyndon
Townships, Washtenaw County
and Putnam
and Unadilla
Townships, Livingston County
in the U.S. state
of Michigan
. The park is 11000 acres (4,451.5 ha) and sits at an elevation of 922 feet (281 m). The park is connected to the nearby Waterloo State Recreation Area
by the 35 miles (56.3 km) Waterloo–Pinckney Trail
. Pinckney State Recreation Area is open for year-round recreation including hiking
, fishing
, swimming, hunting
and a variety of winter sports.
. The village of Pinckney
is the largest settlement in the area, lying just to the east of the northeast corner of the park. Hell
lies within the park and is the center of recreation at Pinckney State Recreation Area.
Hell grew up around a sawmill
, gristmill
, distillery and tavern
. All three were operated by George Reeves. Reeves moved to the area in the 1830s from the Catskill Mountains
in New York
. He purchased a sawmill on what is now known as Hell Creek in 1841. Reeves' family sold the land to a group of investors from Detroit in 1924. The investors increased the size of the millpond by raising the level of the dam creating what is now Hiland Lake. The area soon became a summer resort area attracting visitors for swimming and fishing. Henry Ford
considered building some manufacturing facilities in the area but decided against it. Just west of the present Pinckney park, the federal government had developed the Waterloo recreational demonstration project
in the 1930s and the state acquired the lease of that area in 1943. The next year, the Michigan Legislature
appropriated monies for the purchasing of land in southeastern Michigan
and for the construction of state parks. The park grew through the 1940s and 1950s with money from a number of sources.
s, kettle lakes, and swampy lowlands. Much of the area is open grasslands of abandoned agricultural fields with some oak forests on hilly areas with shrub swamps remaining in lowlands. Over 20 lakes, the largest at about 200 acres (80.9 ha), are in the park. The area is in the Grand River
and Huron River
watersheds. The highest elevation is Stofer Hill at 1150 feet (350.5 m).
trees, like white oak, red oak, black oak and hickory
. The flatter terrain that was originally used as farmland was allowed to become overgrown with native plants like goldenrod
and black-eyed Susan
, but invasive plants like knapweed
, quack grass, timothy-grass
, and white sweet clover
have also taken hold. Other plants found in Pinckney, like the white lady's-slipper
and rosepink
, are classified as "Threatened" and are protected under Michigan law. Other species found in the park, like English sundew
, are classified as "Special Concern."
Mammals found in Pinckney are typical of the region and include white-tailed deer
, raccoon
s, and Virginia opossum
s. Typical avian species consist of various water birds such as blue-winged teal
s, snow
and Canada geese
, mallard and wood duck
s, egret
s, and great blue heron
s. Pinckney is also known by birders
as a habitat for sandhill crane
s.
s is provided along with modern restrooms. Other facilities at the campground include a boat launch, fishing and swimming areas and a playground. Blind Lake Rustic Campground has ten rustic campsites with vault toilets. This campgground is a hike-in camping area. Crooked Lake Campground is also a rustic campsite with 12 camping areas. Additionally, one yurt
and one cabin
are available to rent at the park.
Silver Lake is a center of park activities with swimming beach on the lake as well as access to a number of trails including the 17-mile (27 km) Potawatomi mountain bike trail. The 35 miles (56.3 km) Waterloo-Pinckney Hiking Trail
runs through the two parks (passing through Park Lyndon County Park between them). The park is also open to hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, picnicking and boating.
Dexter Township, Michigan
Dexter Township is a civil township of Washtenaw County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 5,248 at the 2000 census. The nearby village of Dexter is not connected with the township and is located to the southeast.-History:...
, Sylvan
Sylvan Township, Washtenaw County, Michigan
Sylvan Township is a civil township of Washtenaw County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 6,425 at the 2000 census. The 2008 population estimate is 3,394...
and Lyndon
Lyndon Township, Michigan
Lyndon Township is a civil township of Washtenaw County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 2,728 as of the 2000 census.-Geography:The township is located in the northwest corner of Washtenaw County....
Townships, Washtenaw County
Washtenaw County, Michigan
Washtenaw County is a county in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2010 census, the population was 344,791. Its county seat is Ann Arbor. The United States Office of Management and Budget defines the county as part of the Detroit–Warren–Flint Combined Statistical Area...
and Putnam
Putnam Township, Michigan
Putnam Township is a civil township of Livingston County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 7,500 at the 2000 census.-Communities:...
and Unadilla
Unadilla Township, Michigan
Unadilla Township is a civil township of the southwest corner of Livingston County, Michigan, United States. The population was 3,190 at the 2000 census.-Communities:There are no incorporated municipalities in the township...
Townships, Livingston County
Livingston County, Michigan
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 156,951 people, 55,384 households, and 43,531 families residing in the county. The population density was 276 people per square mile . There were 58,919 housing units at an average density of 104 per square mile...
in the U.S. state
U.S. state
A U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...
of Michigan
Michigan
Michigan is a U.S. state located in the Great Lakes Region of the United States of America. The name Michigan is the French form of the Ojibwa word mishigamaa, meaning "large water" or "large lake"....
. The park is 11000 acres (4,451.5 ha) and sits at an elevation of 922 feet (281 m). The park is connected to the nearby Waterloo State Recreation Area
Waterloo State Recreation Area
Waterloo State Recreation Area is the third-largest park in Michigan, encompassing over of forest, lakes and wetlands. Located in northeast Jackson County and parts of Washtenaw County, the park is the largest in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan and features 4 campgrounds, 11 lakes, a nature...
by the 35 miles (56.3 km) Waterloo–Pinckney Trail
Waterloo-Pinckney Trail
The Waterloo-Pinckney Trail is a 36-mile-long hiking trail which runs through Waterloo State Recreation Area and Pinckney Recreation Area in southeastern Michigan, USA. Part of the trail also passes through Park Lyndon County Park. The trail travels through glacial features such as eskers and...
. Pinckney State Recreation Area is open for year-round recreation including hiking
Hiking
Hiking is an outdoor activity which consists of walking in natural environments, often in mountainous or other scenic terrain. People often hike on hiking trails. It is such a popular activity that there are numerous hiking organizations worldwide. The health benefits of different types of hiking...
, fishing
Fishing
Fishing is the activity of trying to catch wild fish. Fish are normally caught in the wild. Techniques for catching fish include hand gathering, spearing, netting, angling and trapping....
, swimming, hunting
Hunting
Hunting is the practice of pursuing any living thing, usually wildlife, for food, recreation, or trade. In present-day use, the term refers to lawful hunting, as distinguished from poaching, which is the killing, trapping or capture of the hunted species contrary to applicable law...
and a variety of winter sports.
History
Pinckney State Recreation Area comprises several connected, but scattered parcels of land that surround private lands and land owned by the University of MichiganUniversity of Michigan
The University of Michigan is a public research university located in Ann Arbor, Michigan in the United States. It is the state's oldest university and the flagship campus of the University of Michigan...
. The village of Pinckney
Pinckney, Michigan
Pinckney is a village in Putnam Township, Livingston County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 2,141 at the 2000 census.Three miles west of Pinckney, on Patterson Lake Road, is the famous tourist destination of Hell, Michigan.-Geography:...
is the largest settlement in the area, lying just to the east of the northeast corner of the park. Hell
Hell, Michigan
Hell, or Hiland Lake, is an unincorporated community in Putnam Township of Livingston County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The community is near the border with Washtenaw County, about northwest of Ann Arbor. Hell is situated southwest of Pinckney via Patterson Lake Road...
lies within the park and is the center of recreation at Pinckney State Recreation Area.
Hell grew up around a sawmill
Sawmill
A sawmill is a facility where logs are cut into boards.-Sawmill process:A sawmill's basic operation is much like those of hundreds of years ago; a log enters on one end and dimensional lumber exits on the other end....
, gristmill
Gristmill
The terms gristmill or grist mill can refer either to a building in which grain is ground into flour, or to the grinding mechanism itself.- Early history :...
, distillery and tavern
Tavern
A tavern is a place of business where people gather to drink alcoholic beverages and be served food, and in some cases, where travelers receive lodging....
. All three were operated by George Reeves. Reeves moved to the area in the 1830s from the Catskill Mountains
Catskill Mountains
The Catskill Mountains, an area in New York State northwest of New York City and southwest of Albany, are a mature dissected plateau, an uplifted region that was subsequently eroded into sharp relief. They are an eastward continuation, and the highest representation, of the Allegheny Plateau...
in New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
. He purchased a sawmill on what is now known as Hell Creek in 1841. Reeves' family sold the land to a group of investors from Detroit in 1924. The investors increased the size of the millpond by raising the level of the dam creating what is now Hiland Lake. The area soon became a summer resort area attracting visitors for swimming and fishing. Henry Ford
Henry Ford
Henry Ford was an American industrialist, the founder of the Ford Motor Company, and sponsor of the development of the assembly line technique of mass production. His introduction of the Model T automobile revolutionized transportation and American industry...
considered building some manufacturing facilities in the area but decided against it. Just west of the present Pinckney park, the federal government had developed the Waterloo recreational demonstration project
Waterloo State Recreation Area
Waterloo State Recreation Area is the third-largest park in Michigan, encompassing over of forest, lakes and wetlands. Located in northeast Jackson County and parts of Washtenaw County, the park is the largest in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan and features 4 campgrounds, 11 lakes, a nature...
in the 1930s and the state acquired the lease of that area in 1943. The next year, the Michigan Legislature
Michigan Legislature
The Michigan Legislature is the legislative assembly of the U.S. state of Michigan. It is organized as a bicameral body consisting of the Senate, the upper house, and the House of Representatives, the lower house. Article IV of the state's Constitution, adopted in 1963, defines the role of the...
appropriated monies for the purchasing of land in southeastern Michigan
Southeast Michigan
Southeast Michigan, also called Southeastern Michigan, is a region in the Lower Peninsula of the U.S. state of Michigan that is home to a majority of the state's businesses and industries as well as slightly over half of the state's population, most of whom are concentrated in Metro...
and for the construction of state parks. The park grew through the 1940s and 1950s with money from a number of sources.
Geology
The area is covered with glacial moraineMoraine
A moraine is any glacially formed accumulation of unconsolidated glacial debris which can occur in currently glaciated and formerly glaciated regions, such as those areas acted upon by a past glacial maximum. This debris may have been plucked off a valley floor as a glacier advanced or it may have...
s, kettle lakes, and swampy lowlands. Much of the area is open grasslands of abandoned agricultural fields with some oak forests on hilly areas with shrub swamps remaining in lowlands. Over 20 lakes, the largest at about 200 acres (80.9 ha), are in the park. The area is in the Grand River
Grand River (Michigan)
The Grand River is the longest river in the U.S. state of Michigan. It runs through the cities of Jackson, Eaton Rapids, Lansing, Grand Rapids, and Grand Haven.-Description:...
and Huron River
Huron River (Michigan)
The Huron River is a river in southeastern Michigan, rising out of the Huron Swamp in Indian Springs Metropark in northern Oakland County and flowing into Lake Erie on the boundary between Wayne County and Monroe County...
watersheds. The highest elevation is Stofer Hill at 1150 feet (350.5 m).
Ecology
Most of the forested areas in Pinckney are on land too steep or deemed otherwise unsuitable for agriculture. The stands that remain are smaller than 100 acres (40.5 ha) and consist of deciduousDeciduous
Deciduous means "falling off at maturity" or "tending to fall off", and is typically used in reference to trees or shrubs that lose their leaves seasonally, and to the shedding of other plant structures such as petals after flowering or fruit when ripe...
trees, like white oak, red oak, black oak and hickory
Hickory
Trees in the genus Carya are commonly known as hickory, derived from the Powhatan language of Virginia. The genus includes 17–19 species of deciduous trees with pinnately compound leaves and big nuts...
. The flatter terrain that was originally used as farmland was allowed to become overgrown with native plants like goldenrod
Goldenrod
Solidago, commonly called goldenrods, is a genus of about 100 species of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae. Most are herbaceous perennial species found in the meadows and pastures, along roads, ditches and waste areas in North America. There are also a few species native to Mexico, South...
and black-eyed Susan
Rudbeckia hirta
Rudbeckia hirta, the Black-eyed Susan, with the other common names of: Brown-eyed Susan, Brown Betty, Brown Daisy , Gloriosa Daisy, Golden Jerusalem, Poorland Daisy, Yellow Daisy, and Yellow Ox-eye Daisy. It is a flowering plant in the family Asteraceae...
, but invasive plants like knapweed
Centaurea
Centaurea is a genus of between 350 and 600 species of herbaceous thistle-like flowering plants in the family Asteraceae. Members of the genus are found only north of the equator, mostly in the Eastern Hemisphere; the Middle East and surrounding regions are particularly species-rich...
, quack grass, timothy-grass
Timothy-grass
Timothy-grass , is an abundant perennial grass native to most of Europe except for the Mediterranean region. It grows to 50–150 cm tall, with leaves up to 45 cm long and 1 cm broad. The flowerhead is 7–15 cm long and 8–10 mm broad, with densely packed spikelets...
, and white sweet clover
Melilotus albus
Melilotus albus , is a legume sometimes grown for forage. White sweet clover is a major source of nectar for an apiary...
have also taken hold. Other plants found in Pinckney, like the white lady's-slipper
Cypripedium candidum
Cypripedium candidum, also known as Small White Lady's Slipper or White Lady's Slipper, is a rare orchid of the Cypripedium genus. It is found in wet prairies and fens, in rich, highly calcareous soils, sedge meadow edges, calcareous roadside and railway ditches. Cypripedium candidum grows to a...
and rosepink
Sabatia angularis
Sabatia angularis is a plant native to the United States.-External links:**...
, are classified as "Threatened" and are protected under Michigan law. Other species found in the park, like English sundew
Drosera anglica
Drosera anglica, commonly known as the English sundew or Great sundew, is a carnivorous plant species belonging to the sundew genus. It is a temperate species with a generally circumboreal range, although it does occur as far south as Japan, southern Europe, and the island of Kauai in Hawaii, where...
, are classified as "Special Concern."
Mammals found in Pinckney are typical of the region and include white-tailed deer
White-tailed Deer
The white-tailed deer , also known as the Virginia deer or simply as the whitetail, is a medium-sized deer native to the United States , Canada, Mexico, Central America, and South America as far south as Peru...
, raccoon
Raccoon
Procyon is a genus of nocturnal mammals, comprising three species commonly known as raccoons, in the family Procyonidae. The most familiar species, the common raccoon , is often known simply as "the" raccoon, as the two other raccoon species in the genus are native only to the tropics and are...
s, and Virginia opossum
Virginia Opossum
The Virginia opossum , commonly known as the North American opossum or tlacuache in Mexico, is the only marsupial found in North America north of Mexico. A solitary and nocturnal animal about the size of a domestic cat, and thus the largest opossum, it is a successful opportunist...
s. Typical avian species consist of various water birds such as blue-winged teal
Blue-winged Teal
The Blue-winged Teal is a small dabbling duck from North America.-Description:The Blue-winged Teal is long, with a wingspan of , and a weight of . The adult male has a greyish blue head with a white facial crescent, a light brown body with a white patch near the rear and a black tail. The adult...
s, snow
Snow Goose
The Snow Goose , also known as the Blue Goose, is a North American species of goose. Its name derives from the typically white plumage. The genus of this bird is disputed...
and Canada geese
Canada Goose
The Canada Goose is a wild goose belonging to the genus Branta, which is native to arctic and temperate regions of North America, having a black head and neck, white patches on the face, and a brownish-gray body....
, mallard and wood duck
Wood Duck
The Wood Duck or Carolina Duck is a species of duck found in North America. It is one of the most colourful of North American waterfowl.-Description:...
s, egret
Egret
An egret is any of several herons, most of which are white or buff, and several of which develop fine plumes during the breeding season. Many egrets are members of the genera Egretta or Ardea which contain other species named as herons rather than egrets...
s, and great blue heron
Great Blue Heron
The Great Blue Heron is a large wading bird in the heron family Ardeidae, common near the shores of open water and in wetlands over most of North and Central America as well as the West Indies and the Galápagos Islands. It is a rare vagrant to Europe, with records from Spain, the Azores and England...
s. Pinckney is also known by birders
Birdwatching
Birdwatching or birding is the observation of birds as a recreational activity. It can be done with the naked eye, through a visual enhancement device like binoculars and telescopes, or by listening for bird sounds. Birding often involves a significant auditory component, as many bird species are...
as a habitat for sandhill crane
Sandhill Crane
The Sandhill Crane is a large crane of North America and extreme northeastern Siberia. The common name of this bird references habitat like that at the Platte River, on the edge of Nebraska's Sandhills in the American Midwest...
s.
Recreation
Pinckney State Recreation Area is home to several campgrounds and many miles of hiking trails. Bruin Lake Modern Campground has 186 modern campsites. Electric service for recreational vehicleRecreational vehicle
Recreational vehicle or RV is, in North America, the usual term for a Motor vehicle or trailer equipped with living space and amenities found in a home.-Features:...
s is provided along with modern restrooms. Other facilities at the campground include a boat launch, fishing and swimming areas and a playground. Blind Lake Rustic Campground has ten rustic campsites with vault toilets. This campgground is a hike-in camping area. Crooked Lake Campground is also a rustic campsite with 12 camping areas. Additionally, one yurt
Yurt
A yurt is a portable, bent wood-framed dwelling structure traditionally used by Turkic nomads in the steppes of Central Asia. The structure comprises a crown or compression wheel usually steam bent, supported by roof ribs which are bent down at the end where they meet the lattice wall...
and one cabin
Log cabin
A log cabin is a house built from logs. It is a fairly simple type of log house. A distinction should be drawn between the traditional meanings of "log cabin" and "log house." Historically most "Log cabins" were a simple one- or 1½-story structures, somewhat impermanent, and less finished or less...
are available to rent at the park.
Silver Lake is a center of park activities with swimming beach on the lake as well as access to a number of trails including the 17-mile (27 km) Potawatomi mountain bike trail. The 35 miles (56.3 km) Waterloo-Pinckney Hiking Trail
Waterloo-Pinckney Trail
The Waterloo-Pinckney Trail is a 36-mile-long hiking trail which runs through Waterloo State Recreation Area and Pinckney Recreation Area in southeastern Michigan, USA. Part of the trail also passes through Park Lyndon County Park. The trail travels through glacial features such as eskers and...
runs through the two parks (passing through Park Lyndon County Park between them). The park is also open to hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, picnicking and boating.
Trails
- Crooked Lake Trail is a 5 miles (8 km) long trail that is open to hikingHikingHiking is an outdoor activity which consists of walking in natural environments, often in mountainous or other scenic terrain. People often hike on hiking trails. It is such a popular activity that there are numerous hiking organizations worldwide. The health benefits of different types of hiking...
, mountain bikingMountain bikingMountain biking is a sport which consists of riding bicycles off-road, often over rough terrain, using specially adapted mountain bikes. Mountain bikes share similarities with other bikes, but incorporate features designed to enhance durability and performance in rough terrain.Mountain biking can...
and cross-country skiingCross-country skiingCross-country skiing is a winter sport in which participants propel themselves across snow-covered terrain using skis and poles...
. - Equestrian Trail is an 8 miles (12.9 km) equestrianEquestrianismEquestrianism more often known as riding, horseback riding or horse riding refers to the skill of riding, driving, or vaulting with horses...
trail. Horses are available at Hell Creek Corral, a private business near the park. - Losee Lake Trail is a 3.3 miles (5.3 km) hiking-only trail.
- Potawatomi Trail is a 17 miles (27.4 km) trail that is open to hiking, cross-country skiing and mountain biking and provides access to the two rustic camping areas and the yurt at Glenbrook.
- Silver Lake Trail is a 2 miles (3.2 km) long trail that is open to hiking, mountain biking and cross-country skiing.
- Waterloo–Pinckney TrailWaterloo-Pinckney TrailThe Waterloo-Pinckney Trail is a 36-mile-long hiking trail which runs through Waterloo State Recreation Area and Pinckney Recreation Area in southeastern Michigan, USA. Part of the trail also passes through Park Lyndon County Park. The trail travels through glacial features such as eskers and...
is a 35 miles (56.3 km) hikingHikingHiking is an outdoor activity which consists of walking in natural environments, often in mountainous or other scenic terrain. People often hike on hiking trails. It is such a popular activity that there are numerous hiking organizations worldwide. The health benefits of different types of hiking...
trail which runs through Waterloo Recreation Area and Pinckney Recreation Area. The trail passes through glacial features such as eskerEskerAn esker is a long winding ridge of stratified sand and gravel, examples of which occur in glaciated and formerly glaciated regions of Europe and North America...
s and kettle lakes and through swampSwampA swamp is a wetland with some flooding of large areas of land by shallow bodies of water. A swamp generally has a large number of hammocks, or dry-land protrusions, covered by aquatic vegetation, or vegetation that tolerates periodical inundation. The two main types of swamp are "true" or swamp...
s and open meadows remaining from fallow farms. Forest types include oak and pine. The trail was first developed in the 1960s and the last link across the county park was completed in 1986.
Lakes
Pickney Recreation Area hosts several lakes open for recreation.- Silver Lake is not too far from the headquarters and is open to swimming, fishing, and boating.
- Crooked Lake has a boat launch and is adjacent a rustic campground. It is not open to swimming.
- Halfmoon Lake has a large swimming area, as well as a boat launch.
- Pickerel Lake offers a boat launch, but is also considered an unofficial nude beach/swimming area.
External links
- Pinckney State Recreation Area Michigan Department of Natural ResourcesMichigan Department of Natural ResourcesThe Michigan Department of Natural Resources is the agency of the state of Michigan charged with maintaining natural resources such as state parks, state forests, and recreation areas. It is governed by a director appointed by the Governor and accepted by the Natural Resources Commission...
- Pinckney State Recreation Area Protected Planet (World Database on Protected Areas)