Adventures

  • Hiking the Little Garlic

    Hiking the Little Garlic

    Compared to its neighbors, Little Garlic Falls is an unimpressive, small waterfall that, by itself, isn’t worth the effort to reach. However, pair it with a hike along sandstone riverbeds and through pine tree forests and it becomes a waterfall worth visiting at least once.

  • The Stunning Silver Lake Basin & Bushwhacking to Wildcat Canyon

    The Stunning Silver Lake Basin & Bushwhacking to Wildcat Canyon

    I stood standing on the edge of the Silver Lake Basin, surveying the area. I was sure there would be a moose there. It was the perfect environment but unfortunately, the wrong time of day. Moose or no moose, the Silver Lake Basin is stunning. Silver Lake Basin We started…

  • Hiking the Trails of Chippewa Nature Center

    Hiking the Trails of Chippewa Nature Center

    With 1,500 acres of diverse habitat and 19 miles of trail, Midland’s Chippewa Nature Center is the perfect place to spend quality time in nature.

  • The Waterfalls of the Presque Isle River

    The Waterfalls of the Presque Isle River

    Streaming through the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is a beautiful and scenic river known as Presque Isle River. Enjoy hiking a 2.3-mile loop around this stunning river. Waterfalls, potholes, and Lake Superior await you.

  • The Peshekee River & Haypress Falls

    The Peshekee River & Haypress Falls

    We started off with low expectations, knowing that Haypress Falls was not a very impressive waterfall. For us, it was a side stop on the way to a much larger destination. Although our expectations of the falls was accurate, we did find something special that made the visit worth it.…

  • Discover History at Nonesuch Ruins

    Discover History at Nonesuch Ruins

    Visiting Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is a step back in history to a place where nature and humans co-existed. Buried among thousands of acres of old-growth forests and stunning vistas are abandoned mines, echoes from communities long gone. There is no place better within the park to experience the…

  • The Challenges of Running at Sleepy Hollow State Park

    The Challenges of Running at Sleepy Hollow State Park

    Sleepy Hollow State Park offers over 2,000 acres of forest, fields, and lake. Within that acreage, the park boasts 16 miles of hiking, running, and biking trail. The perfect location for a trail runner to get some decent mileage in.

  • A Brockway Mountain Experience

    A Brockway Mountain Experience

    Brockway Mountain is a stunning 9 1/2 mile scenic drive between Copper Harbor and Eagle Harbor in Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula. It offers breathtaking views of Lake Superior, thousands of acres of woodlands, and numerous inland lakes.

  • A Stroll to Laughing Whitefish Falls

    A Stroll to Laughing Whitefish Falls

    Imagine an easy stroll through a quiet forest, ending at one of Michigan’s tallest waterfalls; Laughing Whitefish Falls. Located in the Laughing Whitefish Falls Scenic Site, this waterfall is considered by many to be Michigan’s most spectacular waterfall.

  • A Quick Stop at Silver River Falls

    A Quick Stop at Silver River Falls

    Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula has some impressive waterfalls. While Silver River Falls may not be at the top of the list, it still makes for an interesting and scenic stop.

  • To the Top of the World!

    Hike to the Top of the World for rewarding views of Lake Superior, Marquette, Harlow Lake, and Little Presque Isle. Not as tall or well known as it’s neighbor Hogback Mountain, Top of the World offers a more secluded experience for hikers.

  • A 40 Foot Adventure

    A 40 Foot Adventure

    I read somewhere that 40 foot falls, also known as Cliff Falls, is Michigan’s most remote waterfall. While it is true that it is remote, it is also frequently visited. Nevertheless, it’s easy to see why this waterfall draws so much attention.

  • The Red Lights of Muskegon

    The Red Lights of Muskegon

    There’s something special about red lighthouses. Maybe it’s because there aren’t very many of them around. Maybe it’s because of their story. Regardless of the reason, the red Muskegon Lighthouses are some of my favorite lighthouses to visit.

  • A Surprising Waterfall: Schweitzer Falls

    A Surprising Waterfall: Schweitzer Falls

    Hidden in the quiet of Palmer, Michigan is a surprising waterfall. Schweitzer Falls is a roaring two-tiered, 20 foot-tall waterfall. It’s impressive width and heavy volume of water makes it a gem.

  • 100 Years of Michigan State Parks

    100 Years of Michigan State Parks

    On May 12th, one hundred years ago, the Michigan State Park Commission set out to create wonderful recreational spaces that visitors could enjoy and be closer to the beauty of Michigan.

  • Pictured Rocks most Iconic View: Miners Castle

    Pictured Rocks most Iconic View: Miners Castle

    One of the most iconic views of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Miners Castle offers visitors stunning views and a glimpse into the rich history of the area.

  • The Rugged Hike to Pinnacle Falls

    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

    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…

  • The Guiding Light of Frankfort

    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…

  • A Rewarding Hike to Bulldog Falls

    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…

  • Hiking to Horseshoe Harbor

    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…

  • Ocqueoc Falls: A  Lower Peninsula Surprise

    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…

  • Porcupine Mountains Summit Peak: Great Views and an Easy Hike

    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,…

  • Trail Running at Fenner Nature Center

    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…

  • Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore: Sable Falls

    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…