Traverse City, Michigan

This is one of the cheapest ways to stay near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore overnight. You'll have access to the beach right near your campsite. It's remote enough to be quiet, and it's not a very long hike.There are only 6 campsites available, and they come on a first come, first serve ...

The Old Indian Trails, located near Empire, Michigan, offer a peaceful escape into the quieter southern end of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Made up of two interconnected loops — the Black Arrow Loop and the Green Arrow Loop — this trail system leads through maple-beech forests, low d...

Starting at the Red Bridge River Access Area just off North Coates Hwy (about 8 miles east of Brethren, Michigan) there is a small parking lot opposite of the trailhead where you can leave your car. The trail is part of the North Country Trail (NCT) so it is well marked with signs leading the way...

Day 1:  Arrive at Seaton Creek Campground and pay for parking for the number of nights you plan on hiking the loop. For this particular trip, I hiked the loop in 2.5 days and 2 nights.  Hike 1.4 miles from Seaton Creak Campground to a suspension footbridge on the banks of the Manistee River. At...

North Manitou Island Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Maple City, Michigan.

Located just south of Elberta along scenic M-22, the Green Point Dunes Nature Preserve offers a peaceful and uncrowded loop hike through a stunning mix of hardwood forest, towering sand dunes, and sweeping blufftop views of Lake Michigan. This hidden gem on the northwest Michigan coast is perfe...

Elberta Dunes South is a loop trail that takes you through a nice forest located near Elberta, Michigan.

Baldy Dune Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you through a nice forest located near Arcadia, Michigan.

Manistee River Trail South is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a river located near Harrietta, Michigan.

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. ...