Look to the sky to glimpse the majesty of a soaring bald eagle. Surround yourself with the rustling of crisp autumn leaves. Feel a smooth Petoskey stone in your palm. This is ecotourism in the vast natural spaces surrounding East Jordan and it's a sure way to relax, relieve stress, get a bit of exercise and most of all - have fun!

Ecotourism takes nature tourism to an even quieter level - where responsible travel to unspoiled natural areas is met with a mindset for "treading lightly."

East Jordan is a gateway to such cherished areas. The Jordan River and its protected Jordan Valley, Lake Charlevoix, streams, hills, forests, swamps, preserves and miles of trails, all beckon nature lovers to slip on their hiking boots or water shoes, hang binoculars around their neck, and grab a walking stick or a paddle for a face-to-face encounter with the subtleties of nature.

WILDLIFE WATCHING

Even before heading into the wilderness, in downtown East Jordan you may witness the bald eagle hunting or the osprey catching fish where the Jordan River meets Lake Charlevoix's South Arm.

Heading into the valley on foot, birdwatchers along the Jordan River Pathway are in for a treat as well with its near-perfect setting for viewing birds, offering almost all of the various habitats including bogs, meadowlands, hillsides, forests and more.

"One of the largest concentrations of varieties of songbirds in all of the Midwest is in the Jordan Valley," said Sacred Sparks birding tour guide Jerry Aydlott.

From the elusive sandhill crane which lives in multiple locations in the valley, including close to downtown East Jordan, to the bald eagle which nests in the valley, there are ample opportunities to view an array of birds in their natural setting including during the spring and fall migrations.

But don't forget to look down as you wander the valley's vast acreage. Wild flowers abound come spring and summer.

The Jordan Valley is home to a variety of native species with much of the Jordan River becoming increasingly populated by beavers - their ponds home to turtles, great blue herons and a variety of other waterfowl.

WATER

Sliding a paddle into the cool Jordan River waters from a canoe, kayak, raft or tube is a refreshing treat in the warm months, allowing a different view of wildlife than can be observed from land.

Winter months are fast becoming a popular time for folks, bundled in waterproof gear, to float down the river as well. Snow seems to calm the riverbanks and surrounding landscape while dormant trees and foliage allow deeper views into the secrets of the surrounding woodlands.

Contact the Chamber (231-536-7351) for guides and outfitters.

TAKING OR MAKING TRAILS

Warmer months summon hikers to an 18-mile loop upstream in the Jordan River Valley which winds through some of the most diverse terrain in northern Michigan. Called the Jordan River Pathway (click here for map & description), the trail begins at the base of Dead Man's Hill.

Backpacking the entire pathway is a two-day hike. The Pinney Bridge Campground is where you should plan on spending the night. Hiking the pathway is an experience you won't soon forget, as you encounter towering pines, majestic hardwoods, pristine wetlands, cascades along the river, and the simple peace of the wilderness.

For those with only one day to spend, a shorter three-mile loop is available.

You can also take a short drive into the Jordan River on one of the gravel county roads, get out of your vehicle, and take a short hike to the river. Find a fallen tree to perch upon and sit for a half hour. Go home refreshed.

Come winter, strap on snowshoes and delve into areas not accessible during the growing season. Snowdrifts aren't hindrances but challenges when the only sounds you hear are the crunch of snow, the trickle of the river, and your own breath, refueling your lungs and soul.

THINK IT, DO IT

Star gazing, rock hunting, leaf identification - if it has to do with the quieter side of nature, and it's your passion or simply a curiosity - you'll find recompense for it in East Jordan. Don't wait another season. Come now to this getaway, this isn't so far away.

GET THE DETAILS

Maps of the Jordan River Pathway and information on guides and outfitters can be found at the East Jordan Chamber of Commerce office at 118 N. Lake Street, or call 231-536-7351.

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