Michigan

Only accessible by a kayaking adventure, Turnip Rock is a one-of-a-kind natural wonder.Although it is close to shore, all land surrounding it is privately owned and therefore not accessible by foot. Kayak rentals can be found in downtown Port Austin.Most of the trek is over shallow water. Upon arriving to the location, you can beach your kayak on the nearby shore and walk to the base of the roc...

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. The hike begins through trees and some rolling hills and you are soon rewarded with incredible vie...

There are two approaches to conquering the Dune Climb at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. You can run to the top (the preferred method for those under the age of 10). Or, you can slowly trek up the side of this seemingly vertical wall of sand, breathing and sweating heavily, cursing each loose patch that knocks you back three feet for every one advanced. Once you reach the top, stop for...

The Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area is located south of Manistee along an extremely isolated shoreline. Most hikers prefer to camp two nights along the shores of Lake Michigan, but some choose to call the dunes home for weeks at a time. This is an area of backwoods camping, where sites can be established either in the woods or on sand dunes. It is also known for its hammock camping, which allow...

The time of the year is one of the most important factors of this trip. DO NOT under any circumstances plan this trip for a time during mid June - mid August. The black flies at this time of the year are more than a nuisance. They are seemingly resistant to even 100% DEET, and can bite through clothing. They WILL ruin your mood during the trip. There are also plenty of mosquitos at this time, b...

Isle Royale National Park consists of Isle Royale, a fifty mile long and nine mile wide island in Lake Superior, and about 45 smaller islands around (and within) it. Remote and undeveloped, the shores can be visited by watercraft, but the only way to see the interior is to walk across it. Because the island has only one large predator population (wolves) and one large prey population (moose), i...

A simple hike from the trailhead will take you through the woods and to the viewing deck of Miners Falls. There are well marked signs to the trailhead from the main road, which is extremely helpful with the lack of cell phone service in the area. The hike is 1.2 miles round trip and requires no hard terrain challenges to the viewing deck. However, what makes these falls unique is following a t...

Big Sable Point Lighthouse is perhaps one of the most scenic locations in Michigan. A 3.6 mile round trip hike along the Lake Michigan shoreline will bring you to the destination, which is nestled among sprawling sand dunes. Each evening, it offers a stunning sunset along the sandy beaches.A short distance from the lighthouse, back-country camping is offered. Those who are looking to obtain a p...

South Manitou Island is situated off of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Lake Michigan. The island is only accessible by a two-hour ferry ride, which leaves once a day from Leeland.Upon arriving at the island boat dock, you'll soon realize this isn't an ordinary experience. South Manitou is designed for back-country camping and does not allow vehicles or motorized transportation on...