Visiting Erick’s Falls

Erick’s Falls is not the prettiest or most impressive waterfall in the Huron Mountains. In fact, with concrete bridge looming upriver from it, it could be considered almost ugly. Even still, with how easy it is to access and the surrounding area, it is worth visiting at least once.

Finding the Cut

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is rich with hidden histories. Concepts and ideas thwarted by the wilderness. Communities fading away, returning to what once existed before them. The Iron Range and Huron Bay Railroad is one such history. Today echos remain of what once almost existed.

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

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 on this adventure in search …

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 ghosts of the past than Nonesuch Mine.

Camp Beside the Manistique River at Northland Outfitters

Located in the small town of Germfask, the Northland Outfitters Campground & Canoe/Kayak Livery offers guests scenic views of the Manistique River. With campsites and cabins, it has a little bit of everything for everyone. Conveniently located off of M-77, we stopped here as an overnight stay between home and the Porcupine Mountains. What We …

A Weekend Stay at Rippling River Resort

Marquette, Michigan is a unique place. An outdoor enthusiasts playground with the amenities for those who love the city. Miles of biking and hiking trails mixed with local breweries and unique restaurants. Where it lacked, however, was in campground options. Up until a year ago, if you wanted to camp near the city, your choice was limited.

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.

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 …

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 …

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 …