I'm planning an overnighter this spring/summer with my son up to the Manistee River Trail (http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/536117). I know there are bear in that area, though they are pretty scarce. What do those of you who hike/camp in northern Michigan do to prepare when hiking/camping? Bear bags, bear spray, something different?
I've been doing that loop for a couple years now in all 4 seasons and have yet to see any signs of bear. That being said, I still always hang my food as force of habit. It's a great 3 day loop. I'd recommend a night at Eddington Creek on the NCT side, then maybe #3 by the waterfall.
I kind of thought I was over thinking it. I grew up near there and every couple of years or so there would be a report of a black bear in Manistee, Brethren, or Onekama, but never ran across one in the woods.
That's a fun hike! I've never seen a bear here either. I think they're a little more common north and east of the area. I don't take anything; just keep food and smelly things hung up away from camp. Other than a few stories you'll see, they're pretty timid and afraid of people in this area.
That reminds me, here's my first encounter ever. Not a great video but you can see him in the center then running up the hill. I was at Hoist Lakes in NE Michigan, collecting water my first evening and looked up to see this guy doing the same. I also saw another one running just 50 yards or so in front of me the next day.
+1 on Eddington Creek to camp, plus the water there is cold and clear. There is also a nice camp sight if you head south down the MT side from the bridge. It is about a close to the river as you can be. We scored a couple trout here last fall, that made a yummy breakfast. No bears were seen.
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I've never had the fortune to see a bear in lower MI. Hike the MRT close to 2 dozen times with not incident or even any signs of bear in the area. No micro-bears.....thats a WHOLE different story....
Anything that is food related gets hung up in a bear bag 100yds or so from camp, never have had a problem yet with that protocol.
I had my first backpacking trip to this trail on Monday this week. Tuesday morning a black bear was approaching near my campsite. Luckily it decided to move away from camp. Definitely got me pumped up!
I've never seen one there, but I just got back from a trip to WV and saw lots of indicators: poop, tracks, torn up rotted stumps and digging. I make it a habit to always hang my food away from critters. I bet the colors are great right now on the MRT/NCT.
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