Kernan Memorial Nature Sanctuary: Where Tranquility and Adventure meet

Kernan Memorial Nature Sanctuary is 45 acres of woods, wetlands, mudflats, and shoreline along the eastern coast of the Michigan thumb. The sanctuary is a little hidden gem not far off the beaten path, but it feels like a secret garden leading to a private beach.

Where to find Kernan Memorial Nature Sanctuary

The nature sanctuary is just north of Port Hope on Pochert Road. Pochert is a small dead-end side road with no signage about the sanctuary. Just turn east and drive til the road ends. The road ends in a Y, each arm providing a parking spot. The arm to the left is where you find the trailhead and a sign with valuable hiking tips.

Walking the Trail

After you read the sign, head over the little footbridge to a half-mile trail that skirts the coastline of Whiskey Harbor and leads to a hidden beach on the shores of Lake Huron. As you walk the trail, look for the blue markers that will guide you along the correct path. They can be hard to spot since some are covered by foliage and others are on trees that have fallen to the side of the trail. Please note three particular obstacles before you venture into the woods:

• A small stream crosses the trail, and a line of rocks in the water is your “bridge.” When we walked the trail, the rocks were mostly submerged underwater.
• One section of the path is actually two large fallen trees. Step up onto the trees and walk the length of the trunks as your trail.
• Some parts of the trail are wet and muddy. Wear appropriate footgear. Muck boots might be a good option, especially in wetter seasons.

Surprise at the Point

If you walk out to the point of Whiskey Harbor, you may find a TeePee shape made of driftwood limbs. It was there when we visited, and it was a welcome sight, indicating that we shared the path and sanctuary with others who enjoy what the natural world has to offer.

Out and Back Trail

Be aware that the trail ends at the beach, and you must return the way you came in. While the beach was under ice and snow when we were there, it did not give the impression of a swimming beach. We will visit again in a different season to get better observations.

Bugs?

Take your time on your walk and enjoy the plants, trees, and birds. We spotted a Woodcock while we were there. It was still wintry for our walk, so there were no bugs. However, I imagine the mosquitos and flies could be problems at other times of the year, so bring protection. One of our favorites is a mosquito headnet that you wear over a hat with a brim.

Enjoy the Wonder of Kernan Memorial Sanctuary

The solitude and beauty of Kernan Memorial Nature Sanctuary are worth a stop on your travels. You will enjoy it more if you are prepared. The sanctuary is a place to soak in untouched land with wonder and awe, to fill your heart with fresh air and the beauty of the natural world, to take a break from the world of work and manmade marvels in order to marvel at the works of nature.

We hope you visit and enjoy your time at the Kernan Memorial Nature Sanctuary and support the efforts of the Michigan Nature Association, which manages the sanctuary.

Hungry?

If you are looking for a place to stop and eat before or after your trip, we suggest Buck’s Port Hope Diner just south of the sanctuary in Port Hope or Days on the Lake a bit to the north in Grindstone City.

If you are interested in adding this to an itinerary for a tip of the thumb adventure, check out our post here.