Tree Walk: Learn to ID more than a dozen trees on this path at a Lake Michigan state park

HAMLIN TOWNSHIP, MI – Sugar maple. Red maple. Silver maple. What’s the difference?

Those three maple species are part of the “tree identification pathway” at Ludington State Park , near Ludington. This paved, one-mile trail offers a way to learn – or relearn – about some of Michigan’s native trees while walking beneath their leafy canopy and immersing yourself in the quiet beauty of nature.

While tree ID information has dotted the path for years, staff recently installed new, colorful signage with photos, fun facts and tips for identifying species that you can see and touch along the way.

The trail runs parallel to the park’s main road, and is often used by campers as a means to reach the popular Lake Michigan beach or Hamlin Lake Day-Use Area.

R ELATED: Trees glow, water sparkle