Backpacking Lower Peninsula

Got some trip suggestions at another National Park, or know of a great place in the middle of no where? Share them here, plan your trips, and hook up with other individuals on the forum.

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HoosierHiker1202
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Backpacking Lower Peninsula

Post by HoosierHiker1202 »

Hey all, with travel plans completely messed up this summer, can someone recommend a 2-3 day backpacking trip somewhere in the lower peninsula? Looking to keep the daily mileage between just 5-10 miles as one of our group members is a little less experienced. Thanks.
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Re: Backpacking Lower Peninsula

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Re: Backpacking Lower Peninsula

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Re: Backpacking Lower Peninsula

Post by torpified »

there's the Potowatomi trail in SE MI -- a little over 17 miles, with two campsites and a yurt en route. I haven't backpacked it myself, but the backpackers I've encountered have seemed well pleased. If you go, bring head nets!

https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/parksandtr ... &type=SPTR
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Re: Backpacking Lower Peninsula

Post by TopCarrot »

Warren dunes has a couple dozen miles of trails and two camp sites. Weko is just up the beach and could do that hike too.
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Re: Backpacking Lower Peninsula

Post by thesneakymonkey »

hoist lake/byron lake https://youtu.be/fN9m9xqZovw

poto trail in pinkney https://youtu.be/fAryP7nNK8c

negwegon (a few less miles, still fyn, beginner friendly): https://youtu.be/Gdv8LiNCXbM

sleepy hollow has some walk in sites (they should be open now that state parks opened monday): https://youtu.be/m43drSPOAkU

NCT (just about anywhere is great for dispersed camping, but bowman lake is fun): https://youtu.be/ABvjcC0k1xU
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Re: Backpacking Lower Peninsula

Post by odd man out »

Nordhouse Dunes is the only Wilderness area in the LP. The Lake Michigan Rec Area on the north side is a great NF Campground and good access point.
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Re: Backpacking Lower Peninsula

Post by Grizzly22 »

Manistee River Trail Loop is another great option. At a 25 mile loop, its the perfect 2-3 day hiking adventure. The only fees are parking and dispersed camping is allowed. One side is the MRT and the other side is the NCT. I hope this helps with your planning as an additional option.
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Re: Backpacking Lower Peninsula

Post by odd man out »

Manistee River Loop is more like 20 miles and pretty easy. I did most of it in one day. For a longer trip, I would suggest the North Country Trail in the Maniatee NF. From North if Newaygo to the Manistee River Loop is mostly off road and in the NF
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