Michigan’s North County Pathway

[Stephen M]

Folks,

Has anyone done any trips on the North County Pathway in the north of Michigans lower Peninsual.

If so would like to hear what you think of the area.

Cheers,

[Ike Jutkowitz]

I've done a few sections- along the Manistee, near Baldwin/Pere Marquette, and by the Jordan River. Mostly just woods walking, without much in the way of views.

Nice to get out on for a day or two, but none would make my list of top Michigan hikes.

[Stephen M]

Cheers Ike,

A buddy recommended it for a trip next weekend, would a one or two nighter be better?

[Ike Jutkowitz]

Which section were you guys talking about and what distance?

The Jordan River Valley should be nice this time of year.

[Stephen M]

Supposed to be starting at Pidgeon river campground and heading south towards the black river, no idea yet on mileage.

[Ben Meek]

Stephen, are you talking about the High Country Pathway? Or NCT?

[Stephen M]

Hi Ben,

My buddy says its the pathway.

[Ken Larson]

This may be what you are looking for:

http://www.100megsfree3.com/wordsmith/backpacking/highcountrypathway.html

[Stephen M]

That great Ken, much appreciated.

[Ben Meek]

I did the Shingle Mill last year, which shares several miles with the HCP. Detailed maps are available in the Gaylord Visitor Center and the gas station in Vanderbilt. The HCP is, according to a friend, popular with mountain bikers – beyond that it is lightly use.

You'll see lots of signs of logging, and gorgeous sink hole lakes. The trail is very easy, but watch of for those footbridges if they're wet, they were incredibly slippery.

[Dean L]

Stephen-

It's deer archery season now till Nov.14, then regular gun season for two weeks after. I would be very leery of being in the woods there in gun season. Wear lots of orange. The Lovejoy Ranger Station is a good secure parking area, water, registration and information there. It's about of mile south of Pigeon River CG, which has a flowing artesian well, best water anywhere. I think the best hike-in views are actually on the Green Timbers Trail at the Honeymoon Cabin (a three sided shelter) which with a bit of hiking on two-tracks/forest roads, can be linked into the Shingle Mill/High Country system. Green Timbers by itself would fit a tight schedule overnighter. I know the area quite well, I can try to answer any questions you might have.

[Stephen M]

Hi Dean,

Many thanks for the reply.

We will be going before the 14th but will deifnitley wear bright clothes.
My buddy is from Saginaw Valley so he knows the area fairly well (lets hope so)

Much appreciated,

Stephen

[Tim Zen]

Stephen,

Someone posted a trip report on BPL for this hike. Good luck finding it.
(I won't comment on hiking during firearm season due to the new conduct rules.
Especially Section II, paragraph G, subsection iv.)

Tim

[Stephen M]

Cheers Tim,

It was probably Ike that posted it.

As for firearms, no comment ;-)

[Ken Larson]

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/xdpy/forum_thread/41912/index.html

[Stephen M]

Thanks again Ken,

[Stephen M]

Folks,

Had a great trip this weekend on the North Country Pathway, I was well impressed with it, we even got to see some white tailed deer.

Thanks all for the help,

Stephen

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