Cedar Lake Dock view of Milky Way

This Milky Way view from the Cedar Lake dock was taken looking directly south from the dock on the trail at Cedar Run Creek Natural Area. To get there, you'll need a car and then you'll walk a short distance. By car, take Cedar Run Road west out of Traverse City for 9.3 miles. Turn left onto Cedar Lake Road. Look for the small brown boat launch sign (on the right side of the road but pointing left). Drive 0.8 miles south until you arrive at the marked trail head at the big right-angle curve in the road. The walking trail starts just beyond the wide gate blocking vehicle traffic. Hike in a few yards and then take a left on the trail. The trail splits about 1/10 of a miles in, but rejoins itself so you can take either fork. Just beyond an old trail information sign and amidst tall ferns, take another left on the trail to descend to the dock. The very bottom is washed out and root covered; watch your footing.

Late June into mid-July is when the core of the Milky Way best lines up at the Cedar Lake dock. I also recommend visiting this location in a time near new moon.

It's not dark enough for these sky conditions until late at night. If you're out too late though, the Milky Way will rotate out of this orientation. Try and aim to be at this spot between 12:00-2:00am.

Being right over a small body of water, this spot has many hungry mosquitoes. Be prepared and bring along bug spray!

This shot is a panorama stitch of 5 images shot in portrait orientation.

I recommend using a wide-angle lens, a wide aperture and a high ISO with a slow shutter to capture enough light, and be quick about moving your camera between shots to prevent too much star movement.

With this lens (24mm f/2.8) a 2500 iso for 25 sec was enough, but you can use a wider lens or wider aperture for similar results.

If the water is perfectly calm, try following the rule of thirds and highlight the reflection by making the lake take up the bottom 2/3rds of the image.

If you're already out shooting late-night sky shots, Taylor Park on N Long Lake Road is a good stop — albeit with more light pollution.