North Manitou Island of Michigan Planning for May

**Trout** · 01-25-2011, 01:57

I'm looking at setting up a backpacking trip for Michigan's North Manitou Island in the month of May. May 1st the Ferry begins taking hikers on Friday and Returns on Sunday. Later the boat transit adds a couple of more days. I'm looking at going earlier in the season before the Boy Scouts their summer trips and flys take over. Also, the chipmunks will be less aggressive... I'm hoping. I'm not set on any specific trails or plans, except to maximize the enjoyability factors (whatever they might be).

The cost of the Ferry runs $32 round trip and leaves around 9 AM (unless it changes). There is a short instructional the Rangers give you before they let hikers loose on the island. I'm not opposed to carpooling to the Ferry either.

The link below has a good map.

http://www.michigantrails.us/leelana...ou-island.html

**packeagle** · 01-25-2011, 03:52

I did that with my scout troop last summer and it was enjoyed by all. It was their first backpack and LNT outing. Sounds like a cool hang!

**BreckDown** · 01-25-2011, 06:03

I'm interested in going, Trout. I think we talked about this at last years HH. As for carpooling, I'd be coming out of NWI and running the lake coast all the way up. I'm not sure if you are on that route or not.

**bloomgorge** · 01-25-2011, 11:30

+1

i'd be down with this.

**Bush** · 01-25-2011, 11:51

I'm interested as well, haven't been there yet, keep us posted...Bush

**gargoyle** · 01-25-2011, 12:32

Map and some pics link

I've done South Manitou a few times. I'll keep an eye on this.

**animalcontrol** · 01-25-2011, 12:48

Originally Posted by gargoyle

Map and some pics link

I've done South Manitou a few times. I'll keep an eye on this.

What did you think of hanging there?? I've never been (?) but others have said hanging was a PIA!

Thoughts?

**gargoyle** · 01-25-2011, 14:10

As said I've been on S. Manitou (pre hammock days), and the tree count was abundant.
I know Oms was up on the North island last year and hung without trouble.
Maybe he'll chime in. Barefoot child has been up there a few times as well.
They would know better than I...

Some spots on the islands are dunes and scrub brush so it'll be a matter of picking the right spots for a group.
For a large group, reservations might need to be done?

PS, the water is cold!!

No matter what time of year.

**Trout** · 01-25-2011, 16:46

Besides the village, there aren't any reservations - just wide open wilderness on an island with a some trails. The out of the way location will probably limit many from being interested - I particularly enjoy the rarity of the locale and the new experience of getting on a ferry to go backpacking.

Breck - your correct we talked about it. I've been wanting to do N. Manitou and Isle Royale for two years. Last year I went back for the second degree and my available time for backpacking shrunk! So, I'm scheduling it, rather than thinking about it. Dolly Sods and Red River Gorge were so memorable... I'm now constantly thinking about the next new place. Although, I'm thinking a return to Dolly Sods and the RR Gorge are going to be in my plans this year too.