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  1. #1
    New Member OatsMcGoats's Avatar
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    Lower Michigan Trails

    Michigan comrades, what are your favorite trails for backpacking trips in the Lower Peninsula? We all know of the standard trails (Manistee River Trail, North Manitou Island), but what about those hidden gems that you and only a few others know of. Please include a quick summary of the trail conditions, wildlife, length, local coordinates or address to aid those looking to go there, and any links to additional information that you’ve found useful. I want this to become a quick go-to page for Michiganders looking for a new place to explore. Both weekend and extended trip suggestions are welcome.

  2. #2
    Senior Member Redoleary's Avatar
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    One of my favorite places for a quick get away is Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness over between Ludington and Manistee.
    Good luck,
    RED

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    canoebie's Avatar
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    The NCT has lots of options throughout the state.
    “Isn't it enough to see that a garden is beautiful without having to believe that there are fairies at the bottom of it too?”
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    Senior Member gargoyle's Avatar
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    Try the Gun Lake-Yankee Springs Area, oats. Lots of trails and woods.
    Part of the NCT runs thru there. Backwoods camping allowed with permit.

    Nordhouse Dunes in Ludington is another good spot.
    Pinckney Rec. Area, near Ann Arbor has hosted a few hangs.
    Ambulo tua ambulo.

  5. #5
    Member shogun_8574's Avatar
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    I've been wanting to do the Pigeon River trails for a while. Maybe need to hit them soon! Hint,Hint
    "Workin' on mysteries without any clues" - Bob Seger

  6. #6
    Senior Member sr1355's Avatar
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    Nice avatar Shogun... was that from Porkies...
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  7. #7
    Senior Member Stone's Avatar
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    Jordan River Trail near Alba is great! About 20 or so miles, lots of hills (some lung busters), only 1 campground on the trail (or you could go stealth and outlaw camp)
    http://www.fishweb.com/maps/antrim/h...ver/index.html


    Hoist Lakes on the east side is another great one! Again about 20 miles or so of trails, lots of loop options, trail varries from flat to very hilly, Some nice lakes. Watch out for ticks.
    http://halbertri.tripod.com/hoist.html


    Reid Lake (near Hoist Lakes), was good as I remember, been years since I've been there.
    http://7days6nights.blogspot.com/200...avel-area.html

    High Country Pathway (Shingle Mill) Located in the middle of the state near many towns. Many options for shorter linear, and some short loops. 80 miles main loop trail.
    http://www.100megsfree3.com/wordsmit...rypathway.html

    The NCT in Lake County, has some great linear hikes. I really like Timber Creek on US 10 to 56th south of Baldwin. Bowman lake area is fantastic!

    +1 for Nordhouse Dunes
    Last edited by Stone; 09-29-2011 at 11:14.
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    Senior Member bloomgorge's Avatar
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    a couple of us are thinking about going to pinckney rec next friday for an overnight. its more of a biking trail but you can hike it and stay at blind lake. its my 'if i need to get out for a night' trail
    http://smartoutdoors.webs.com/ elephant trunks, tarp keys and crosses

  9. #9
    Senior Member Rolloff's Avatar
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    Pigeon River Trails?

    I grew up on the Pigeon River in northern Indiana. Is this the same Pigeon? It runs into MI, and eventually the St.Joe.

    I have family buried alongside the Scott Mill Race. Need to find an excuse to go visit.
    Signature suspended

  10. #10
    Senior Member Stone's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Rolloff View Post
    Pigeon River Trails?

    I grew up on the Pigeon River in northern Indiana. Is this the same Pigeon? It runs into MI, and eventually the St.Joe.

    I have family buried alongside the Scott Mill Race. Need to find an excuse to go visit.
    No, differnt bird all together.
    Its a proven fact that 78.4% of all statstics are made up on the spot.

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