MI> Spring Hang > NCT Nichols Lake / Baldwin MI, May 17 or May 31 ??

[BackpackerGuy]

Time for a MI Spring Hang!

Here's my thoughts:

Hike the NCT from Nichols Lake near Brohman, MI, heading NORTH to Highbanks Lake.


The trip is just under 7 miles one way, and is described as one of the most beautiful stretches of the trail in the Lower Peninsula.


IMPORTANT NOTE: THIS IS AN OVERNIGHT BACKPACKING TRIP.


There are a number of very scenic lakes along the way which makes for nice spots for rest breaks.


Start at Nichols Lake trailhead at 10:00am on Saturday.
Have a nice lunch by a lake on the trail.
Arrive at Highbanks Lake by 3:00pm-ish.


Highbanks Lake is the intended destination.
It is a USDA Campground, and has primitive campsites.
Potable water and pit toilets may be available in the campground.


After breakfast Sunday morning, do the return trip back to the trailhead.


Trailhead Directions:
M-37 through Newaygo 20 miles NORTH to 11 Mile Rd.
WEST on 11 Mile Rd 4 miles to Nichols Lake USFS Campground

NOW, THE QUESTION:
I'm thinking of 2 possible weekends.
May 17 - 18, or May 31 / June 1

Which weekend offers the most possibilities for ya'll?

[chickenbig]

Sounds like fun. I could make either weekend work.

Chickenbig

[Poppins]

Wish I could go

[BackpackerGuy]

If folks don't wanna hike the 7 miles, there are a couple of great hang spots right by a couple lakes we could end up at, which would maybe be only 2-3 miles instead of 7 miles.

[diablo45]

I would be good with either.

Sam

[OneClick]

If folks don't wanna hike the 7 miles, there are a couple of great hang spots right by a couple lakes we could end up at, which would maybe be only 2-3 miles instead of 7 miles.

Being in the Manistee Nat Forest, I believe we could camp about anywhere off the trail unless posted, right? But I'm down for the 7 miles. No matter where we end up, sounds like a good time!

May 17-18 is best, but don't read much into my vote...it's a busy time of the year and I have no idea what will be going on around home.

[Johnny Mustache]

Howdy folks - 1st post after long-time lurking as a guest. I can't make either date, but I'm interested in participating when I can.

[youbet]

I would love to make but will have to play it by ear. We just had our first baby and getting out into the woods kinda tough. I haven,t been to a hang yet life always seem to get in the way.

[BackpackerGuy]

Yup, we can camp anywhere off the trail.
Depends on what the group consensus is.
I'm game for anything, suggestions welcomed!!

Being in the Manistee Nat Forest, I believe we could camp about anywhere off the trail unless posted, right? But I'm down for the 7 miles. No matter where we end up, sounds like a good time!

May 17-18 is best, but don't read much into my vote...it's a busy time of the year and I have no idea what will be going on around home.

[OneClick]

I would love to make but will have to play it by ear. We just had our first baby and getting out into the woods kinda tough. I haven,t been to a hang yet life always seem to get in the way.

We have one on the way this July, so I'm sure I'll be in that same boat for awhile! Thats OK, I'm not a summer backpacker anyway.