Michigan

This is a challenging 7 mile loop that rewards hikers with some of the best sights in Lower Michigan. The trailhead begins at the Silver Lake State Park Pedestrian Dune Access. Your difficult hike starts with a steep flight of steps from the parking lot. After the steps, keep climbing until you r...

While it is only accessible by boat or plane, Isle Royale National Park is well worth the added travel arrangements. We took the Ranger III Ferry out of Houghton, MI, but there are a few other options depending on where you depart from (www.nps.gov). Upon arrival at Rock Harbor, the first day is ...

The trailhead begins at the Gilette Visitor Center inside PJ Hoffmaster Park. Behind the visitor center, you will see the gigantic sand dune which you will be climbing. Unfortunately, the park rangers do not want you climbing this dune's backside from the parking lot. Instead, get on the foreste...

Start at the Hamlin Beach House and make your way down the dirt path until you hit marker #12. Take a right and the trail will become a boardwalk for roughly 3/4 of a mile until you hit marker #10. Continue on from there for another 3/4 of a mile until you hit the trail shelter where you can rela...

The upper peninsula of Michigan is connected to the mainland by the Mackinac Bridge. This bridge is quite impressive from a distance and it makes a great object for photography at any time of the day. If you want to get up close to the bridge, try visiting one of the parks located on the north or...

Drive to the Wetmore Landing Parking Lot, right off County Road 550 North of Marquette. Park then walk out to the beach- there's 2 routes you can take.  The North Country Trail runs East to West along the coast here, you can hop on that and go right from the parking lot (East) and follow the tra...

Start at the Alligator Hill trail head and make your way up the hill for roughly .1 of a mile until you hit a marker. Turn left at the sign and keep on the trail for another 1.3 miles. You will hit a scenic lookout called Islands Lookout which you can stop and get pictures at. From there you will...

The main trailhead parking for the north unit is found on the west side of Harmon Rd, just south of Predmore Rd. The north unit consists of a west loop of this parking area (Blue and White trails) and an east loop (Orange trail). While both loops are rugged and scenic, the best loop is following ...

Gabbro Falls is on the Black River and is as impressive waterfall.  This wild waterfall does not have any fences or barriers, so view with caution from above. Getting there, take Black Jack Road north. This road will take a sharp left turn and will go by the ski hill. Before you get to the ski hi...

Located just south of Charlevoix is Fisherman's Island State Park. The park offers miles of biking/hiking trails, and campsites directly on the beach of Lake Michigan.  Although located just outside of town, there is no service in this area, leaving you completely cut off from the outside world. ...

Potawatomi and Gorge falls are two of the most scenic waterfalls on the black river. These two waterfalls are an easy stop for anyone and both waterfalls are accessible for wheelchairs.  The Black River Scenic Byway starts north of US 2 near Bessemer. There are signs on the highway.  The falls ar...

Hiking in the porcupine mountains could be a day trip or a week trip. From a short rim hike overlooking Lake of the Clouds to a three day back country camping excursion, there are endless amounts of options for planning a getaway to the Porcupine Mountains.  Located in the far northwest of Michig...

Park at the High Rollway Observation Deck in Kingsley. There's actually two parking lots that you will come to on a dirt road. I suggest parking at the eastern most lot (drive straight instead of making a final right turn). There are two primary wooden platform lookouts near the parking lots. Be ...

When you want to pack the backpack for a short day hike in the Pictured Rocks, look no further than hiking to Mosquito Falls!  Start at the Chapel Basin parking lot at the far northwest corner (if you see signs for Chapel Rock, you picked the wrong trail!), and you will be gifted with a great hi...

Located off of H-58, Sable Falls can be found about a mile north of the eastern terminus of Pictured Rocks and the Grand Sable Visitors Center. There is a large parking lot area for the falls, along with an entrance onto the North Country Trail, which runs along the falls. The hike is short, with...

The trip begins at the parking lot or trailhead 3 miles inland from Chapel Rock. The first three miles of the trail are pretty much flat and is a very easy hike. At the two-mile mark, you will see scenic overviews of Chapel Lake and Chapel Falls providing great photo opportunities. About 1/4 mile...