Michigan Winter Hang Jan. 10, 11 , 12 Huron Nat. Forest

**riverjoe** · 10-18-2013, 21:54

Ok the sight is set . Six brave souls committed . Should be plenty of snow and cold to test your mettle . Beautiful Byron Lake primary sight . We have a number of backup sights within 10 or 15 miles should we not be able to get down the road . This is between Mio and Oscoda along the beautiful Ausauble river . East of Grayling . Good Ice fishing for those that don't want to pack food .
Small hike of 1.5 miles to sight but plenty of hiking trails in this 20,000 acre area .

Rangerjoes campsight this fall on Byron lake .

Looks like a max of 6 miles of unplowed road (F 32)to the Byron lake side of the trail , then about 1.5 to 2 mile hike to the sight . Also about a half mile hike to Blockhouse creek and a little further to the Au Sauble river . Looks great to me .

We will shuttle people from the BP on the corner of 72 and 65 if necessary for 2WD vehicles .

Video of the trail made by a fellow I know . He's really getting good at these vids .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1W-i53to9GY

Topo of the area .

**MichiganHiker** · 10-21-2013, 11:02

If you wouldnt mind another soul heading out with you, I may be able to make it. I have been all through the area, it is called the Hoist Lake Foot Travel Area. I did a piece on it a while back and have a map available for it.
Hoist Lake

Here is the link to the forest service site also

**Boudah** · 10-21-2013, 11:28

Put me down as a maybe.

**riverjoe** · 10-21-2013, 16:40

Welcome aboard fellow hikers . Michigan Hiker , have you been there in the winter and if so did you try going in the west side off the Ausauble road ?

**MichiganHiker** · 11-04-2013, 12:35

Originally Posted by riverjoe

Welcome aboard fellow hikers . Michigan Hiker , have you been there in the winter and if so did you try going in the west side off the Ausauble road ?

I have only been there when there is no snow. Coming in on the M65 side would add considerably to the hike, snowshoe or ski in. I will try to check with the forest service to see if Ausable Road is plowed. I know that in the past they have plowed some of the parking areas.

**michigandave** · 11-04-2013, 12:58

Originally Posted by MichiganHiker

I have only been there when there is no snow. Coming in on the M65 side would add considerably to the hike, snowshoe or ski in. I will try to check with the forest service to see if Ausable Road is plowed. I know that in the past they have plowed some of the parking areas.

I agree. Just did the hike in from M65 to Byon Lake this past weekend. Took about 3 1/2 hours because we were taking our time. A 6 mile hike in with gear in the winter could be kind of brutal. If Ausable is open and passable, go with that. But, who know's with our Michigan winters...last year at the same time of year there was little or no snow on the ground.

**OneClick** · 11-04-2013, 13:21

Originally Posted by michigandave

But, who know's with our Michigan winters...last year at the same time of year there was little or no snow on the ground.

That was pretty depressing

Crossing my fingers for a HUGE snow a few days before this trip!

**riverjoe** · 11-04-2013, 16:30

Originally Posted by michigandave

I agree. Just did the hike in from M65 to Byon Lake this past weekend. Took about 3 1/2 hours because we were taking our time. A 6 mile hike in with gear in the winter could be kind of brutal. If Ausable is open and passable, go with that. But, who know's with our Michigan winters...last year at the same time of year there was little or no snow on the ground.

Did you get some more pics of Byron lake and environs . Is there much deadfall wood around ?

**michigandave** · 11-05-2013, 13:38

Originally Posted by riverjoe

Did you get some more pics of Byron lake and environs . Is there much deadfall wood around ?

We didn't have any problem finding plenty of wood in the general vicinity of our campsite. Our site was the established one on the top of the hill on the north side of Byron Lake. It had a fire ring with cooking grate and benches. This picture shows our site, but in the background closer to the lake is another rustic site that we looked at as an option. If it was windy, we probably would have gone for it, but having the bench was a bonus. IMHO, these would both be great sites for the winter hang with lots of hanging options and room for 2 fires. Lake access is easy but the shore area is shallow.

Here's a few images from this past weekend.

**OneClick** · 10-22-2013, 09:38

I was there last year, amazing fall colors! Missed it this year unfortunately, so maybe I'll see what it's like in the winter.

I believe they plow the lot to the east off State Road (M65), or maybe both lots, but can take a few days after a big snow. Either way, it's just a very short access road so if at least one person breaks a trail with 4x4, others may be able to follow.

Put me down for a maybe!

Sharing some fall photos: