Well, seeing how I'm the first one home. I'll get this started....
Where?
When?
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Well, seeing how I'm the first one home. I'll get this started....
Where?
When?
MRT/NCT loop?
My gear is still wet from the winter hang!.... that just got over 3 hours ago.
Is April too late for a spring hang?
Because it's the first place that comes to mind I'm gonna throw out Grayling.
There's a place called, well on the map its called, Au Sable State Forest Headquarters. Its pretty secluded rustic campground pit toilets and no electric IIRC. Paddled to it last summer but obviously you can drive to it. In July my wife and I were the only ones there. I'd have to believe the same would hold true in April or anytime in the spring.
I'm not married to the idea so feel free to dismiss it almost immediately. :D
Here's the coordinates: Latitude: 44.6653385905892
Longitude: -84.6553430573021
UTM: 16N 685865 4948452
Glad to see this thread started. It's never too soon to plan another hang. Another place to toss out is Green Timbers Rec Area in the Pigeon River State Forest east of Vanderbilt. I've never been there but there's a couple of free use 3 sided cabins with fireplaces. http://www.pigeonrivercountryforest....eentimbers.htm
If this idea sticks, I'll have to join in simply to get a "Spikeburger" on the way up!! Best burger I've ever had. I usually visit the area at least twice a year.
www.spikes-grayling.com
I'm also looking forward to hanging again! I'm open to other ideas, but will throw Hoist Lakes in.
I wouldn't be surprized if we got more snow in the Spring hang than we did in our "Winter" hang.
I was thinking of maybe a backpacking trip for a change? lol
Any chance of doing something closer to SE Michigan? The 250+ mile drive for some of us is challenging.
Just thought I would throw this out to everyone. Campsite 041c is an island campsite in Cooke Pond of the Au Sable River. It is located about 200 yards north of Lumberman's Monument. I've camped on this island before, it is somewhat remote and still easily accessible.
One of many options for access includes renting canoes from one of the many local liveries. I believe there is weekend parking available at the Monument. We could potentially shuttle people w/equipment between Lumberman's Monument and the Island. Plenty of things to do, canoeing, hiking, fishing, just hanging out on the island. Plenty of firewood can be found on the island, but we could also bring a few pieces ourself.
Lumberman's Monument is located about 1/2 hour west of Oscoda. Distance from the Metro Detroit area is roughly 175 miles give or take. Just an idea.
Forgot to add photo of Island off of Lumberman's Monument:
I've attached a PDF that is a map for the Au Sable River High Banks Trail System. This should give a reference point to where things are located. Hopefully everyone should be able to see this.
I'm looking to backpack the mrt loop this spring. 23 mile loop, dogs welcome, off trail camping, river suspension bridge, plentiful parking. I like the mrt idea! Not opposed to nct.
Hammock forum float trip? Do I remember right that a local member of the forums is a guide on the Manistee River? Just a thought.
I like the idea of a backpacking trip for the spring hang....
MRT, Nord House, North Manitou, LOL Pigeon River, AuSable river has nice trails on it, Hoist lake just to name a few im sure there or more but again its a group thing.
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......
Nordhouse is good, but I hate hate hate the sand! All though it probably won't be as bad with a hammock. I love the manitous, but it doesn't look like the ferry starts until may, I am all about going in may by the way sounds warmer than any other month, but know that is not a factor for the rest of you. MRT is always a good place. I have never been to Hoist lakes, or pigeon river. I am honestly game for any thing. We should narrow it down and do a vote:-)
Shake shake shake! I never camp on the sand because of this. Plus, most of the people doing that are breaking the rules as they are well within 250' of the trails or 400' of the water. Oh well, I prefer privacy and playing by the rules anyway.
I just got back from there...cold and windy! Had to hunker down east of the dunes in the pines. Great spots to hang!
p.s. Hoist Lakes is one heck of a place to save for a Fall Hang: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...1&l=aaceae761f
Nice photos, Markr6! I'm favoring the MRT/NCT or Bowman Lake area so far.
Actually at Nordhouse there is no 250'-400' rule. The only rule is to not camp on the vegitation on the dunes. Not to mention that most of the best spots are already over 500' from the water.
We usually camp in the lee of a fore dune and back dune, so we stay out of the wind. Pretty choice spot.
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. :lol:
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!
That's my thinking as well, we got hosed on the winter hang....
I'm in for that weekend for sure...
So...this is the end of the Spring Hang discussion? I wasn't aware of how this worked.
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...
http://i337.photobucket.com/albums/n...ps1dd9bede.jpg
Sounds like a nice plan; I ran it from the Marilla TH going south last spring and had a great time. I don't have any more vacation but maybe I can figure something out.
Yes, I totally get the whole hemming and hawing perspective. I haven't seen a lot of people weighing in on this post. Just trying to get the lay of the land so to speak.
Just another comment on Nordhouse just in case anyone is put off by the "backpacking" part. Although I backpack exclusively, you can still have a good time just hiking in 2 miles, setting up camp and hanging out by the lake with opportunities to day hike. When leaving this past weekend I saw a group of 4 guys unloading a car packed full of duffel bags and grocery sacks! Hey, whatever works for ya!
I tend to save my Nordhouse adventures for the summer when the lake is a tolerable temp. I'm there at least 3-4 times per summer/fall.... but i wont object to a spring trip.
. always a fun time.
Just double checked the calendar -- looks like the weekend of of the Manistee River Trail / NCT loop is out for me :( I've got a daddy daughter dance with my youngest that weekend that requires my participation.
Oops, just triple checked calendar, I was looking at Feb... I am free on the weekend of March 8th, so I may be back in. :D
I'm definitely in support of another group hang event later in the spring, perhaps with the option of less planned hiking as the MRT/NCT trip in March to expand participation.
Michael
I like April better than March, it sounds warmer.... I know many of you like snow, but if it snows I am out.... Its not a matter of winter gear for me.... Its a matter if being cold the whole time. I don't winter hike. I hate being cold. That is one of the many reasons I missed the winter hang. So I would love it if you all want to go in April.