Northern Michigan holds a unique allure for outdoor enthusiasts, its vast forests, shimmering lakes, and gentle trails offering a perfect escape into nature’s embrace. If you’re considering backpacking northern michigan, the North Country Trail provides an unforgettable experience, weaving through diverse landscapes rich in natural beauty and quiet solitude. It’s a chance to disconnect from the everyday and reconnect with the rhythm of the wilderness. Join us as we recount a four-day journey on a particularly scenic stretch, discovering why this region is a hidden gem for backpackers seeking peace and profound connection with the natural world. This adventure highlights the accessibility and beauty that makes backpacking northern michigan a rewarding endeavor for hikers of all levels.
The Call of the North Country Trail
The North Country Trail (NCT) is a monumental pathway, a 4,600-mile National Scenic Trail stretching across eight states, from New York to North Dakota. For those drawn to long-distance hiking, even experiencing a section of such a trail offers a sense of being part of something vast and enduring. Having previously tackled significant National Scenic Trails like the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and Continental Divide Trail, the allure of the NCT, especially in the less rugged terrain often found when backpacking northern michigan, was undeniable. The section we chose, extending roughly 50 miles from Kalkaska westward through Grand Traverse and Wexford counties, promised a different kind of challenge and beauty compared to the rocky paths of the East.
This specific stretch, managed and maintained by dedicated volunteers from the Grand Traverse Hiking Club, a local chapter of the NCT, is almost entirely off vehicular roads, offering true immersion in the Pere Marquette State Forest. It’s an ideal representation of the tranquil wilderness available for backpacking northern michigan, showcasing the dedication of local communities to preserving these natural spaces. If you’re looking for ideas on where to spend your time in the state, exploring sections of the NCT is certainly one of the premier where to go in michigan for a weekend options.
Trail Markers and Terrain: What to Expect
Navigating the NCT is straightforward thanks to the clear trail markers. Primarily, you’ll follow 2-by-6-inch blue painted blazes on trees. Additionally, brown Carsonite posts marked with the official trail emblem guide your way, often indicating allowable uses. Side trails are typically marked with white blazes. While experienced long-distance hikers might note the minimal elevation changes on this particular section – barely enough to get the heart rate up – this gentle topography is one of its greatest assets, especially for those new to backpacking northern michigan.
The lack of significant climbs and descents means less strain on the knees and ankles, making it perfect for novices still getting their “backpacking legs.” For seasoned hikers, it means more energy is available to truly appreciate the surroundings. The trail surface itself is predominantly soft, white sand, a stark and welcome contrast to the rocky, root-filled trails common in many other regions. This soft footing makes the miles fly by, allowing you to focus on the vibrant life pulsing around you. This gentle introduction is part of what makes backpacking northern michigan so accessible. If you’ve only considered hiking in the lower part of the state, discovering the different terrain makes backpacking lower michigan an intriguing comparison.
Days on the Trail: Landscapes and Encounters
Our four-day, three-night journey saw us cover 11 to 13 miles daily, a comfortable distance for soaking in the environment. Carrying everything needed for survival in our backpacks – tent, sleeping bags, food, stove, water filter – added to the sense of self-sufficiency and connection to the wild. This was our third trip to Northern Michigan, following cycling on the Leelanau Peninsula and paddling the Manistee River, underscoring the region’s diverse appeal for outdoor recreation, including superb opportunities for backpacking northern michigan.
The landscape is surprisingly varied. One moment you’re meandering through towering white pines, the sun filtering through the canopy, the air alive with the calls of ravens. The next, you’re enveloped by the cool, dense shade of hemlocks. The late-summer forest floor is a carpet of sweet ferns, punctuated by an astonishing variety of mushrooms – electric yellows, scarlet reds, creamy chocolates – a testament to the forest’s health and complexity. The sandy path is remarkably smooth, free from the ankle-twisting rocks that plague eastern trails. A constant, refreshing breeze invigorates every step, making the woods feel vibrant and animated.
A backpacker enjoys the soft, sandy path winding through the Northern Michigan pines.
We skirted ice-age remnants – lakes where cattails stood tall, evoking images of larger wildlife like moose, though none appeared. Our presence near one lake disturbed a pair of bald eagles, who ascended with breathtaking majesty, filling the sky. Ducks flushed from peaceful inlets. In contrast to these brief disruptions, our days were largely devoid of human encounters until we reached designated campsites. The solitude is profound and restorative, a core draw of backpacking northern michigan.
Our first night was spent at the Sand Lakes Quiet Area, a regulated 2,800-acre section of the state forest where motorized vehicles are prohibited, ensuring tranquility. Campsites are thoughtfully spaced, providing ample privacy. After setting up lightweight tents and cooking a delicious backpacking meal, the evening concluded with a concert of coyote serenades – nature’s lullaby. This immersion is why we came – to walk our cares away, and successfully leave the complexities of daily life behind. The sense of accomplishment after miles covered, coupled with the deep sleep earned, is a signature reward of backpacking northern michigan.
Day two brought us to more lakes, where strategically placed benches offered welcome opportunities to rest shoulders and admire the views. The sandy shores revealed the local wildlife via their tracks: deer hooves sinking deep, three-pronged turkey prints, and lines of raccoon handprints leading to and from the water’s edge. Finding a place to cool off is easy; we enjoyed a foot-soak in the frigid, cedar-lined Boardman River and a full dip in Dollar Lake, washing away trail dust and emerging feeling revitalized.
Tranquil waters alongside the trail offer peaceful views and reflection.
As the trail crossed several drainages towards Twenty Mile Creek, the landscape shifted dramatically. We entered the “Valley of the Giants,” a stretch of old-growth forest where massive oaks seemed to welcome us with outstretched limbs, creating a hushed, sacred atmosphere akin to a natural cathedral. Here stood ancient white pines, survivors of the extensive logging that reshaped Michigan in the 19th century. A sign on a gnarled pine offered “Advice from a Tree,” dispensing wisdom drawn from its long existence: “Stand Tall and proud, sink your roots deeply into the Earth… think long term, go out on a limb…”
The logging history is palpable here. These giants were spared the fate of countless others, felled to build Midwest prairie towns, supply European markets, and rebuild Chicago after the 1871 fire. The Boardman and Manistee Rivers were crucial transport routes, with logs easily floated downstream. Local ingenuity even led to techniques like icing roads in winter for sled transport and inventing “Big Wheels” to move logs over uneven ground in warmer months, ensuring the timber industry’s relentless pace. Exploring these areas while backpacking northern michigan offers a tangible link to the region’s past. This blend of natural beauty and historical context adds layers to the experience, making backpacking in michigan lower peninsula particularly rewarding.
Day three brought fascinating encounters with the trail’s non-human engineers: beavers. Their dam was a towering structure of branches and mud, creating a deep, glassy pond behind it, filled with the pale forms of drowned trees. Their trails, grooved deep from dragging materials, were better defined than the hiking path itself. Trees up to six inches in diameter were felled with precision, some sectioned into manageable lengths, little piles of wood chips nearby. Observing their industrious work was a highlight, a reminder of the vibrant wildness that coexists with human trails when backpacking northern michigan. We could have spent hours simply watching these incredible animals.
A clear stream with sandy banks flowing through the forest, a common sight when backpacking northern michigan
On our final day, the trail sometimes followed old two-tracks or logging roads, now reclaimed by nature. Mud-covered frogs camouflaged themselves in puddles, leaping away as we passed. White, spidery moss crunched underfoot like snow. Acorns littered the path, a promise of sustenance for wintering wildlife. These old paths, once used by oxen and sleds to skid logs out of the forest, now serve a quieter purpose for those backpacking northern michigan. We saw evidence of past innovation, walking paths where Cyrus Overpack’s “Big Wheels” might once have rolled.
The landscape continued its gentle transformation – skirting pine plantations with their surreal, uniform texture, passing through aspen forests carpeted with yellow leaves like gold coins, and crossing sunny meadows dotted with tree islands. Approaching Headquarters Lake, the trail felt newly laid, the forest floor spongy underfoot. Finally, we reached sandy bluffs overlooking the winding Manistee River. From “Ed’s Overlook,” we could see three serpentine curves of the river at once. A bench invited rest, accompanied by another sign: “Advice from a River,” suggesting we “Go with the flow, immerse yourself in nature, slow down and meander… the beauty is in the journey!” This wisdom felt particularly resonant as our journey neared its end, bringing us back to the same pull-out where we first encountered the NCT from the river the year before, a perfect full circle moment illustrating the interconnectedness of experiences when exploring best places to stay in michigan and its surrounding wilderness.
Planning Your Northern Michigan Backpacking Adventure
The 50-mile section of the North Country Trail we hiked near Kalkaska is highly recommended by local experts as a great introductory backpacking trip due to its gentle terrain and soft path. However, the possibilities for backpacking northern michigan extend far beyond this single stretch. The NCT website (a great external resource for maps and information – North Country Trail Association) offers numerous suggestions for day hikes, weekend trips, and longer excursions throughout the state.
Hikers observing beaver activity near a pond on the North Country Trail, a unique part of backpacking northern michigan
Best Season: While the trail is technically open year-round, backpacking northern michigan requires careful planning for winter conditions (November-April). Late summer and early fall are arguably the best times – summer heat has subsided, bugs are less prevalent, and fall colors can be spectacular. Be aware that hunters may be in the area from September 15 through December 31; wearing bright orange is advisable during hunting seasons.
Difficulty: Many sections of the NCT in the Lower Peninsula are rated easy to moderate, making backpacking northern michigan approachable for a wide range of hikers. However, the Upper Peninsula offers more rugged, challenging terrain for those seeking it. The consistent efforts of NCT volunteers keep the trails well-groomed and open, enhancing the hiking experience. Comparing terrain within the state reveals unique characteristics, such as the differences found on the best hikes in southeast michigan.
Permits and Regulations: While many areas within state forests allow dispersed camping following Leave No Trace principles, specific areas like the Sand Lakes Quiet Area have designated sites and regulations. Always check with the Michigan DNR or the local NCT chapter (like the Grand Traverse Hiking Club) for the most current information on permits, camping rules, and any trail closures before you go backpacking northern michigan.
Gear: Standard backpacking gear is essential. Given the prevalence of water sources (though always filter or treat!), carrying significant amounts of water is often unnecessary, but be prepared for sandy conditions and potential bugs depending on the season.
A well-maintained section of trail winding through an aspen forest, ideal for backpacking northern michigan
Conclusion
Our four-day immersion into the quiet beauty of Northern Michigan’s North Country Trail was a profound reminder of the power of nature to soothe and inspire. This section, with its gentle terrain, diverse forests, ancient trees, and fascinating wildlife encounters – from bald eagles to industrious beavers – offers a truly soulful backpacking northern michigan experience. It’s a testament to the philosophy “Build it and they will come,” as evidenced by our 12-hour drive from the East Coast just to walk these paths. We returned home feeling immeasurably richer for the experience. Whether you’re a seasoned thru-hiker or contemplating your first overnight trip, backpacking northern michigan on the North Country Trail offers accessible beauty, restorative solitude, and a deep connection to the natural and historical landscape of the Great Lakes region. Consider supporting the North Country Trail Association or local chapters like the Grand Traverse Hiking Club through volunteering or donations to help keep these incredible trails open for future adventurers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Backpacking Northern Michigan
Is backpacking northern michigan suitable for beginners?
Yes, many sections of trails, including parts of the North Country Trail in the Lower Peninsula, feature relatively flat and soft terrain, making backpacking northern michigan very suitable for beginners looking to gain experience. Planning shorter trips and being prepared with appropriate gear are key.
What is the best time of year for backpacking northern michigan?
Late summer and early fall (roughly September-October) are often considered ideal for backpacking northern michigan due to pleasant temperatures, fewer insects, and beautiful scenery. However, spring offers wildflowers, and winter backpacking is possible for experienced, well-equipped individuals. Be aware of hunting seasons in the fall.
Are there many challenging trails for backpacking northern michigan?
While the NCT in this particular area is gentle, backpacking northern michigan offers a range of difficulty levels. The region, particularly the Upper Peninsula, contains more rugged and challenging trails for experienced backpackers seeking elevation gain and technical terrain. Researching specific trail sections is recommended.
Do I need permits for backpacking northern michigan?
Permit requirements vary depending on where you plan to camp and which land management agency oversees the area. For instance, designated areas like the Sand Lakes Quiet Area may have specific rules or require reservations. Dispersed camping in state forests often follows general guidelines rather than requiring specific permits, but always check with the Michigan DNR or local authorities before planning your backpacking northern michigan trip.