A Weekend Cabin Rental at Traverse City’s KOA
Despite toting the name KOA, the Traverse City’s KOA is a cozy little campground, nestled 15 minutes south of Traverse City.
Running the Blarney Stone
Who doesn’t want to help rescue cats, train dogs, and save parks all while enjoying the thrills of race? The Blarney Stone just that!
Banana Oat Energy Bars
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 …
The Rugged Hike to Pinnacle Falls
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.
Why We Love Dispersed Camping in Manistee National Forest
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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The Guiding Light of Frankfort
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…
A Winter Stay at Ludington State Park
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…
Running Trails at Woldumar Nature Center
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…
A Rewarding Hike to Bulldog Falls
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 …
Fuel Your Adventure: Epic Bars
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 …
Running the Trails at Burchfield, and Riverbend
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 …
Hiking to Horseshoe Harbor
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 …
Sparrow Rapids: A Forgotten Campground
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 …
Ocqueoc Falls: A Lower Peninsula Surprise
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 …
Porcupine Mountains Summit Peak: Great Views and an Easy Hike
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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Trail Running at Fenner Nature Center
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 …
A Great Stay at Cusino Lake State Forest Campground
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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Gear Review: Hennessy SnakeSkins
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: Sable Falls
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 …
Crossing the Snowy Range Scenic Byway
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 …
Camping & Touring Scout’s Rest Ranch
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 …
Camping at Marquette Tourist Campground
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 …
The Awe-Inspiring Grand Sable Dunes
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 …
Visiting General Sherman in Sequoia National Park
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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Egg and Sausage Breakfast Roll Up
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 …