Silver Lake / Pinckney State Recreation Area

Pinckney Recreation Area is a paradise for backpackers, mountain bikers, anglers and other recreation enthusiasts. It is known for its extensive trail system and chain of excellent fishing lakes. 

Over forty miles of multi-use trails and remote campsites provide a superb backcountry experience.  The park’s 11,000+ acres and 20 lakes offers a wide variety of activities in its three major use areas: Silver Lake Day Use area, Bruin Lake Modern Campground and the Halfmoon Day Use facility. 

The landscape, a terminal moraine area, was formed during the last glaciation period.  In the 1800s, locals built a sawmill, gristmill, distillery and tavern along Hell Creek. Soon after, a summer resort opened. 

After the resort failed, the state appropriated funds during the 1940s and ’50s to acquire the land to build a state park.  Silver Lake day-use area serves as the park’s center of activities. In addition to a picnic area, it has a large swimming beach with changing rooms and showers. 

Also available are rental facilities for kayaks, canoes, SUPS, and rowboats. Visitors also can enjoy a playground, sand volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, and a fishing pier, as well as access to a number of trails.