Yankee Springs Recreation Area

Yankee Springs recreation Area was once the hunting grounds of the Algonquin Indians and the famous Chieftain, Chief Noonday. The site of Yankee Springs was established in 1835 and the village was made famous by Yankee Bill Lewis who owned and operated a hotel along the stagecoach run from Kalamazoo to Grand Rapids.

Recreation - The rugged terrain and marshes, the lakes and streams and the unique beauty of the park's 5000 acres lend itself to many forms of recreation. A modern campground with a sandy beach and boat launch is situated on the shores of beautiful Gun Lake, while rustic camping and youth/group organizational camping are located at Deep Lake. An equestrian campground is also provided. There are 9 lakes located within the park boundaries providing excellent fishing and water sports of all kinds. The area also boasts 12 miles of Mountain Bike trails, 10 miles of Equestrian trails as well as 30 miles of foot trails that include sections of the North Country Trail. A short walk from the modern campground is the day use area with beaches, shelters and an additional boat launch.

Trails

Hall Trail Loop - 2 Mile Loop - Beginning across from the entrance of the Long Lake Outdoor Center, follows the shoreline of Hall Lake, and continues to a spur trail leading to scenic Graves Hill and the Devil's Soup Bowl. It then winds back to the starting point.

Chief Noonday Trail - 4 miles round trip linear trail - This trail was names after a famous Ottawa Indian Chief who resided in the area. The trail begins just off M-179 and connects with the Long Lake Trail.

Deep Lake Trail - 4 mile loop - This trail starts across from the campground office winding around the bog area at the South end of Deep Lake, proceeds across open fields and old farm homesteads, and leading to a spur to the Devil's Soup Bowl and Graves Hill. It then returns to the Deep Lake Campground. Portions of this trail are shared with the Mountain Bike Trail.

Long Lake Trail - 5 miles round trip - This trail adjoins the Sassafras Nature trail and has a starting point from Briggs Road just north of the area headquarters. The trail enters a boardwalk crossing to a beautiful bog area, continues down an old wagon road and leads to Graves Hill. From this point, the trail leads to the Devil's Soup Bowl where it connects with the Chief Noonday Trail. The Noonday Trail leads to signs and markers for a return to the Long Lake Trail.

Sassafras Self-Guides Interpretive Trail - 1 mile loop - Starting near the Gun Lake Campground Office, this Flat wooded trail loops back to the starting point. Signs along the way provide information on the parks many habitats.

Mountain Bike Trail - 12 mile loop - The trail markers are bicycle silhouettes. This trail starts out flat for a warm-up and then leads you through the most rugged hills in the area; returning through some tough sand pockets and a creek crossing. Bike helmets are recommended. Detail maps are available upon request. Portions of this trail are shared with the Deep Lake Trail.

Gun Lake Trail - 1/2 mile linear trail - This barrier free trail connects the Gun Lake Campground with the Day Use area and travels across two boardwalks leading to the fishing pier on Gun Lake.

Equestrian Trail - 10 miles total - 2 loops - Trails begin and end at the Horsemen's Campground. The six mile loop connects to an additional four miles over rugged terrain. There is also a connector to additional trails in the Barry State Game Area.