This site is a large, forested, federally-owned natural area that is part of a much larger swampland complex, and it is only a 20-minute drive from downtown Cadillac. The area has a tremendous diversity of habitat types, from old-growth hemlock and white pine to lowland hardwoods to shrubby marshland, plus a 50-acre wildlife impoundment. Although the area has no developed or marked hiking trails, there are a number of small, closed-to-vehicle two-track roads that will take you through a variety of habitats if you are willing to do some hiking and exploring. Come prepared, as wildlife viewing in the interior can be a remote and sometimes wet experience. In season, mosquitoes and deer flies can be pesky. A county road and federal forest road cuts through the area north-south and can be a great route to go birding and wildlife viewing. However, parking is along the shoulder of this roadway, so be careful where you pull off, making sure there is good sight clearance for approaching vehicles. This site has no facilities or improvements but is adjacent to the Hemlock National Forest Campground, and also close to Mitchell State Park, a year-round facility.

Driving slowly along the main road through the area, you will have an opportunity to see or hear many of the forest songbird species that breed in this natural area and in much of northern lower Michigan. A little hike and you can hear the more secretive species like Northern Waterthrushes, Alder Flycatchers, Golden-winged Warblers, and Red-shouldered Hawks. This is one of the more southerly breeding sites in Michigan to regularly see and hear the White-throated Sparrow. This is also a great place to see Black Bear.

August is the best time to see Black Bears when they come to this swampland to feed on the ripe, starchy nutlets of skunk cabbage that grow here in large patches. Look for bear tracks, droppings, and scratch marks on trees throughout the area. The waterfowl management area and wetland impoundment at Brandybrook offer the opportunity to see active beaver lodges and muskrat houses, plus observe waterfowl during spring and fall migration. An Osprey platform has been erected in the middle of the wetland and has been used by Osprey that fish here and on nearby Lake Mitchell. Bald Eagles nest in the vicinity and are most active in May and June when feeding their young.