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 ...

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...

If you find yourself cruising M22 between Crystal Lake and Lake Michigan, be sure to check out this beautiful lighthouse. Turn off of M22 on to Point Betsie Rd. and follow the curving road all the way to Lake Michigan. There isn't a designated parking lot for the lighthouse, but you can park anyw...

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. ...

The trailhead for the snowshoe trail is located across the street from the Boyne Cross Country Ski center parking lot.  The trail starts out by winding through the woods sandwiched between the Boyne Mountain Resort maintenance facility and a road, so you’ll hear traffic and equipment noise for th...