done the Manistee River trail and MRT loop three times already, so looking to switch it up with something a bit less crowded. ideally want backcountry dispersed sites right along a river or lake where we can pump water easily. prefer dirt tread over sandy two-tracks. any hidden gem trail systems up near Jordan River or Huron National Forest that fly under the radar on a holiday weekend?

The fall colors are still out, although the rain today will likely put a lot more leaves on the ground. No bugs at all!

I hiked the full 10 mile loop at Chapel and it was gorgeous! My first time doing it in the fall.

But what is up with this toilet near the Mosquito group camp?? It's right on the trail in full view. And then there's another normal outhouse just a bit further along. What in the world?!

We are the only ones here in the entire
Park 😂🤷

I would like some help planning a pictured rocks trip. I only have 3 days, 2 nights to do it so I was planning on only doing around 20 miles. I would really like to see the chapel cliffs but other than that I have no preference. I just want to make sure there is parking at the start and end of the segment (or at least a shuttle service). Please help, thank you!

Going camping with a few buddies and will be along the shoreline of Lake Superior. Where are the best spots to fish at without having to go on a boat? We want to fish for trout and salmon and will be using spawn sacks as bait. Not an angler or fishing pro whatsoever! Just want to have a good time and maybe catch us some dinner ! Thanks in advance !

I’m a Charlevoix local, but I’ve always done Northern Michigan from a house, not a rig, and I’m mapping out a fall RV route through the northern Lower Peninsula and possibly the UP.

Curious what experienced RVers would do:

• Campgrounds you’d go back to in a heartbeat, and ones you’d skip
• Which spots actually fit a bigger rig (tight roads, short sites, low branches)
• State park vs. private: where is it worth paying more for hookups?
• Fall timing: when do places start closing for the season?
• Any hidden gem you’d hate to see get crowded

I’ll pull the answers together into a list and share it back here.

I love a physical challenge. My buddies and I are going to see how many times we can go up and down the hill in December. Has anyone done a winter climb at the Lake Michigan overlook? When in the season is shelf ice present and how is traction on the hill with snow?

And Northland Outfitters

My little buddy woke up this and wanted to go camping ⛺️ who am I to argue with him 🐾🤷

Did 17 miles in and 17 out from 123 to somewhere near Aux Chenes. Very well maintained well blazed tail. Water was super accessible however backcountry campsites were few and far between. The colors did not disappoint and the warmer weather led to lots of snake and toad sightings. This marks my 78 miles done on the NCT this year in different parts of Ohio and Michigan. Short of my goal of 100 but I always have next year.

Did an overnight on the loop. Weather was great and the colors were amazing.

But only the Huron part.

I’m set to backpack westbound Thursday to Sunday this week and weather is looking gnarly on Friday. Wondering if anyone is cancelling because of that. Spoke to the Munising falls visitor center and they didn’t seem too concerned

Anyone have a favorite spot to camp in southwest MI? I want to hike, have a fire, and be somewhere quiet. I was thinking of Nordhouse, but would love to find somewhere a little further south. Thanks for the thoughts!

Destination was originally Mouth of the Two Hearted River State Forest Campground but alas, when we arrived at 2:30pm on Friday every site was filled. We did manage to find a state forest campground off the Two Hearted River so a dream was still fulfilled. We couldn't have asked for a more idyllic weekend. Between the colors from all the fall foliage, to the weather, to the location, to the destinations. What a special time of year to be in so much bountiful seemingly endless beauty.

Up North in my happy place camping spot. Just some pics of the adventure.

Great for stargazing 🌌

Might go up soon, and I’d really like to rip an atv or quad through the dunes. But I don’t own one, is this even a thing?

Down here in metro Detroit they are mostly still green, I was thinking about going to nordhouse or manistee this weekend.