Upper Peninsula
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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.
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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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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…
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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…
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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…
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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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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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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…
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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…
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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…