MI>?????>Spring Hang>TBD

[vampiresmiley]

MRT/NCT Loop - There are plenty of options for a hang, with multiple put in points and even a float option.

Pigeon River - Been a long time, not sure if the backcountry camping would accomodate a big group

Manitous - Might be a little early for the boat and WX

Hoist Lakes - Multiple put in points, there is prby enough camping room around Byron lake, not sure of the othes. LOTS OF TICKS!!!!!

Nordhouse - Equals AWESOME! Plenty of camping, only one real put in.

Another option would be Bowman Lake on the NCT west a Baldwin (Lake County), plenty of camping, multiple put in points.

Just my two cents......

I'm open to any of these, Hoist Lakes is a little closer for me. For any of those down state -- has anyone tried the Waterloo-Pickney Trail? I'd be interested in that one, as it's one I have never done.

[Stone]

I've seen conflicting measurements everywhere, but the actual rules can be found here per the forest service:

http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_...rdb5151641.pdf

"Camp on Durable Surfaces-
Campsites must be at least: 100 feet from the trail, 400 feet from Lake Michigan and 200 feet from Nordhouse Lake."

You'll find this in almost any wilderness, park, rec. area, etc. Although some people don't like it, it really protects natural resources and provides a more enjoyable experience for everyone else. i.e. you don't have to see some fat guy in his tighty whities in the morning camped 25' off the trail!

Although it's nice to get a view of the lake, I sometimes like to get on some high spots right in the middle of the area near the old rr grade. Deer everywhere!

For a Spring hang, Nordhouse or Hoist Lakes sound good to me. Never heard of Bowman Lake, so that would be nice to try

See there is the rub, "Use existing sites when possible". Almost all of the exisiting sites are right on the trail. Hell some have the trail right through the middle of them. This is the way that I see it, I'm a responsible camper, more responsible than most, and as a hammock camper the trace of my camping anywhere is minimized. So if I am within the 100' or even 25' of the trail, my impact in minimal to the enjoyment of others and the enviroment.
Have you ever been there in the height of summer, avoiding people in tighty whities is unavoidable.

[Boudah]

Executive decision time... I will be hiking the NCT/MRT loop (all 21-ish miles of it!) March 8 weekend.

Those who can make it; join me!

[OneClick]

Have you ever been there in the height of summer, avoiding people in tighty whities is unavoidable.

LOL no not in the summer...I don't do any backpacking then since I hate the heat. I did see quite the show while having my coffee on the beach last May when three girls decided to go skinny dipping at 8am!

[vampiresmiley]

Executive decision time... I will be hiking the NCT/MRT loop (all 21-ish miles of it!) March 8 weekend.

Those who can make it; join me!

I may be interested, though I was hoping that the winter weather might extend into the beginning of March, and I would be able to still find some snow if I traveled far enough north.

[Boudah]

That's my thinking as well, we got hosed on the winter hang....

[Stone]

Executive decision time... I will be hiking the NCT/MRT loop (all 21-ish miles of it!) March 8 weekend.

Those who can make it; join me!

I'm down. Of course.

[Kerrkid]

I'm in for that weekend for sure...

[Wolverine]

So...this is the end of the Spring Hang discussion? I wasn't aware of how this worked.

[Boudah]

You're more than welcome to generate as many MI spring hangs/hikes as needed.

Instead of the typical hum & haw for 13 additional pages; with no progress towards a decision... I just planed the trip I would like to hike. Anyone who wants to join me; can!

Manistee River Trail / NCT loop- March 8th - Long weekend.

Friday - Hike 9 miles from Upper River to Eddington Creek. (NCT side)

Saturday - 8 miles from Edd. Creek to stealth spot south of Cottage Rd.

Sunday - Hike out a few miles.

It will all be stealth/backcountry, no camp sites...