If you’re paying attention to the labels, finding a healthy snack bar can be a bit of challenge. The cheap proteins and additives can make them unappealing. However, it’s difficult to create a bar at home that lasts an entire week of hiking or camping. The struggle is real. While this may not be a …
There is nothing easy about Pinnacle Falls. Just getting to the parking area can be a challenge. Winding dirt roads with few to no signs marking the way. But for those with the spirit of adventure, Pinnacle Falls is well worth the trek.
The isolation of dispersed camping is the perfect cure to the hustle of every day. It’s remote, quiet, and provides campers with the opportunity to reconnect with nature. From his previous years of backpacking, Steve was already hooked on dispersed camping but I had not experienced it until 2010. I immediately fell in love and …
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There is nothing fancy about the Frankfort Light. It is a simple, pyramidal tower built in 1912. At 67 feet, its neither the tallest nor shortest lighthouse on the Great Lakes. There is nothing fancy about the town it resides in or the harbor it watches over. Yet for some reason, this lighthouse has captured…
Ludington State Park is a located north of the city of Ludington, Michigan. It contains 5,300 acres of diverse habitat, including hardwood forests, marshlands, and nearly 7 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. Lake Michigan & Dunes The drive into the park twists through ever changing sand dunes with hints of Lake Michigan peaking through. It’s stunning…
Mid-Michigan is not known for challenging terrain. Finding some trails to really push yourself as a runner or hiker can be difficult, but there is one hidden gem; Woldumar Nature Center. Woldumar Nature Center is located in Lansing, Michigan. It is a nonprofit organization, founded in 1963, with a mission to educate…
The Yellow Dog River is well known for it’s impressive Yellow Dog Falls. However, it is deep within the boundaries of the McCormick Wilderness Area that the river truly shines. Bulldog Falls is one of the many waterfalls along Yellow Dog River and one of the most impressive. With several drops, a rapid staircase, and …
When searching for a good protein bar, the first thing I do is check the ingredients. I was surprised at how many of the brands out there use soy protein as their primary protein source. Luckily for me, I discovered EPIC. Soy free, Gluten Free, Non-GMO, quality ingredients. The really unique thing about EPIC is …
Easy to Moderate The Burchfield Park Trail stretches across three Ingham County Parks; Burchfield Park, Riverbend Natural Area, and McNamara Canoe Landing. With 16 miles of trails, there is something to offer everyone, no matter where you are in your training. The trail system begins in the Burchfield Park and travels to McNamara Landing before …
Nestled at the tip of Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula is the small town of Copper Harbor. Copper Harbor is well known for its stunning vistas, beautiful hiking trails, and wild terrain. Horseshoe Harbor is all of these things accessed by one short hike. The Mary Mcdonald Preserve was originally established in 1982 and since then has grown …
Snug within the Ottawa National Forest, Sparrow Rapids Campground offers the perfect getaway for any outdoor enthusiast. Surrounded by roaring waters, rolling hills, and abundant wildlife, this campground is one of the best we have visited. There are no fees to camp at Sparrow Rapids. Considered a “limited service” campground, all visitors must pack-out all …
Tucked away in farm country is a small but elegant waterfall known as Ocqueoc Falls. The falls are located 11 miles west of Roger City on the Ocqueoc River. It a provides the perfect place for an afternoon of hiking, swimming, and relaxation. Because of ease of access, it’s likely you won’t have the falls …
When visiting the Porcupine Mountains highest point, Summit Peak, prepare yourself for beautiful vistas. At nearly 2,000 feet above sea level, on clear days, hikers can see the Apostle Islands to the northwest and Isle Royale to the northeast. It is well worth the easy, short hike. During our visit, the heat index reached the …
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Easy Fenner Nature Center is a unique location within the city of Lansing that provides people with the opportunity to experience nature. This environmental education center contains 134 acres of publicly accessible green space. This includes roughly 4 miles of trails that wind through maple groves and prairie lands. Wildlife is abundant at Fenner. On my …
Scattered south of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula are a handful of state forest campgrounds. Like most of these campgrounds, Cusino offers some peaceful views, recreational opportunities, and solitude. Cusino Lake State Forest Campground has 6 sites that are all first-come, first-serve. The sites are available for tents and small trailers. Amenities include vault …
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I wasn’t looking for a new storage system when I came across Hennessy’s SnakeSkins. But after seeing them demonstrated, I wanted them. I have been using them for a full season now and am very happy with my decision to make them a part of my hammocking experience. The Specs Packed Weight: 2.3 oz Packed Size: …
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is known for its stunning rock formations, massive cliffs, and elegant waterfalls. It is an outdoor adventurers dream paradise. Nature’s finest. Sable Falls is no exception. Located on the east side of the park near Grand Marais, Sable Falls drops over 75 feet over sandstone formations on its way to Lake …
We added the Snowy Range Scenic Byway to our itinerary to help break up the long drive from Michigan to California. Wyoming has quickly become one of our favorite states to visit, even if we are just passing through. There are many opportunities to explore and beauty can be found everywhere. The Snowy Range Scenic Byway …
In 1878 William Cody bought 4,000 acres near North Platte, Nebraska. He built ranch buildings, including a house and a barn. He raised cattle and purebred stallions. He lived here from 1886 to 1913 and called this place Scout’s Rest Ranch. Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park The state of Nebraska bought the famous showman’s …
Finding a place to camp near Marquette can be quite a challenge. There aren’t very many options if you want to be close to the city. There is, however, the Marquette Tourist Campground. This campground is located in a nicely wooded park on the Dead River. It has 110 camping sites, with 100 sites providing …
From the sandy beaches on the Great Lakes to the massive dunes that tower above them, Michigan has some incredibly beautiful sandscapes. When you mention these sandy terrains to someone from Michigan, it’s likely that they think of the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes or Silver Lake Sand Dunes. But the one that stands out most …
Located in Sequoia National Park is the world’s largest tree. Standing 275 feet tall and over 36 feet in diameter at the base, General Sherman is one impressive sight to see. Sequoia National Park is also known as a land of giants. And it’s easy to see why. With an entire park designed around the …
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Who am I kidding? These aren’t just for breakfast. A quick and easy meal, packed full of protein. What You’ll Need Serving size: 5 6″ flour tortillas Fully cooked sausage links 3 large eggs 3/4 cup shredded cheese What You’ll Do Heat the sausage over medium-high heat. Cook, turning occasionally until warmed through. Remove the sausages …
It’s hard to pick just one campground that’s a favorite, especially in the U.P. But if there is one place that I keep coming back to, it’s Big Eric’s Bridge State Forest Campground. This rustic campground is located on the Huron River about 30 minutes from downtown L’Anse. It’s a small campground with only 20 …
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Michigan has few roadside waterfalls that compare with the beauty of Jacob’s Falls. Located about 3 miles east of Eagle River in Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula, Jacob’s Falls provides something for everyone. From tt’s roadside convenience of it’s final drop to the more adventurous upper drops, this waterfall allows people of all experience levels the chance to …