North Manitou Island

**markhait** · 06-12-2018, 09:23

Planning a backpacking trip in September to North Manitou Island. Anyone been there before that I can get some ideas from?
I assume that there are plenty of places to hang from. The weather seems pretty wild and unpredictable too. I'm not too
crazy about the ferry cancelling go to or coming back, but if the weather is bad they'd have no choice.

**OneClick** · 06-12-2018, 09:51

Here's a good old thread. 3club has some good info, doing a long 2 week trip at one point.

Planing a trip to North Manitou island

**markhait** · 06-12-2018, 10:01

Thanks for the info! We're really pumped about this trip. I just booked our ferry tickets too.

**michigandave** · 06-12-2018, 10:24

You'll have a great time up there. A couple words of advice: watch out for poison ivy! My solution was to change from my hiking cloths immediately to my camp cloths when I got situated. Also, ask the Ranger about reports of swimmers itch this year in Lake Manitou. I got it, plus poison ivy on my first trip there back in 2011 as a ground dweller. If you're an early riser, get out on the trail to avoid the heat and get your choice of the best hanging spots...I always saw people with a dazed look on their face wandering around at 7 PM looking for a place to camp. I'm not sure if my established camp site at Crescent Dock is still legal or in use, but it was prime hanging and just off the beach.

Link to my 2013 trip report (note-have to be logged into HF to see the photos):
https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...ugust-3-6-2013

**robertjackson** · 06-12-2018, 10:29

I am planning the same trip first of Aug. I have several friends that have done it and many were hangers as well.
They all loved the trip and recommended it to me and the group we are taking.

Enjoy.

**markhait** · 06-12-2018, 11:10

Yes, that would be my luck too...poison ivy! Hopefully the rangers will mention about the swimmers itch. I had it once, but didn't "discover" it until around midnight!
I'll take your advise and stop plenty early too to make sure we get a good site. Thanks!

**markhait** · 06-12-2018, 11:12

Book your tickets soon. I called this morning and 15 were already booked for our weekend in September. I would assume that Aug. would be real busy for them because of summer recess.

**robertjackson** · 06-12-2018, 11:20

Originally Posted by markhait

Book your tickets soon. I called this morning and 15 were already booked for our weekend in September. I would assume that Aug. would be real busy for them because of summer recess.

THX This helps me to make a decision this week and lock our group in.