Fife River Loop Hang Michigan in my new Chameleon Hammock

[dabrains]

https://caltopo.com/m/U165

Just got back from the Fife River Loop. This is a 21 mile loop that was formed after a re-route of the North Country Trail through a more "scenic" section of forest by the local trail club. The intent was to preserve the old leg of the NCT and form a loop which has been reblazed with orange paint on the trail.

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I had a couple of days to get the hike done so I headed up to Spring Lake State Forest Campground on HWY 131 about 18 miles south of Kalkaska, Michigan where I could park my car over night at the trail head. After about 20 humid minutes of hiking I arrived at the M 186 trailhead of the Fife Lake Loop. I turned south and headed for some hardened, dispersed campsites about 8.5 mile where the NCT is rejoined.

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There are 3 campsites clustered together and are considered "hike-in" sites so they do not require the $13 overnight fee in the campgrounds but are less rustic than stealth camping. I chose one that had a fantastic overlook of the Manistee River and a rail bridge and set my Chameleon hammock right on the edge where I could listen to the river lull me to sleep. Unfortunately, even at .8 miles away, someone in the Old 131 Campground could not live without electricity so what I did fall asleep to was the sound of a generator... geez!

My Warbonnet Superfly and Jacks R Better Greylock 3 quilt served me well. There was a small threat of rain and the temps only dipped into the 50's.

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Slept great and headed on the return loop back to the car. At the campsite I took advantage of the facilities and filled up my water bottles. I was treated to more super views of the Manistee River before turning North East along the Fife Creek. There I hiked through tall pines and small lakes in buggy but scenic surroundings.

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What did I learn... Michigan has great hiking and is developing some awesome over night loops. Bug nets! The Chameleon is a good hammock, well thought out and light, plus easy to set up. People might go into the forest but can't live without electricity.

Hope you enjoy this little trail report!

[michigandave]

Nice report. I did that loop a couple years ago and tied it in to a NCT section from M115. I recognize a lot of those pictures! Great scenery along the river.

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[OneClick]

Looks like a great trip! I understand the generator thing...I'm a staunch generator-hater! If I can't run it on propane/batteries/solar it doesn't belong in the woods. Even all that can be too much. Simple is better.

[Indy138]

Ive done that loop a few times. Pretty nice hike. I have winter camped by the site at the rail bridge.

[dither]

Thanks for sharing! Another one I will add to my "trips to do" I havent gotten out since spring and really starting to get the itch. However, I really hate the bugs.

[OneClick]

Thanks for sharing! Another one I will add to my "trips to do" I havent gotten out since spring and really starting to get the itch. However, I really hate the bugs.

70 days until fall