Page 4 of 5 FirstFirst ... 2345 LastLast
Results 31 to 40 of 42
  1. #31
    Senior Member Big Flounder's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2014
    Location
    Stuck in the Hoosier State
    Hammock
    SLD Trail Lair/WB XLC
    Tarp
    SLD Trail Haven
    Insulation
    HG, WB and WL
    Suspension
    Whoopie Slings
    Posts
    594
    Images
    5
    Glad you brought this one back up Dave, otherwise I would have never seen it. Great report. Would love to make that trip some day!
    -Jameson
    Proud Member of the North Country Trail Association-Hiawatha Shore to Shore Chapter
    http://www.northcountrytrail.org/

  2. #32
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Aug 2012
    Location
    michigan
    Posts
    3,145
    I just wanted to update this thread for 2017 regarding the new PIRO registration system:

    "Recreation.gov Coming Soon! Due to high demand and to provide better customer service, effective March 28, 2017, backcountry camping permits will be available only through recreation.gov. We will not be taking reservations or doing the permit lottery in January."

    With the "old" method, you either faxed/mailed in your backcountry campsite registration request with your alternate choices and included a $15 payment to reserve. Once you got to the Visitors Center, you would show your reservation, pay your $5 per person overnight fee and be on your way. The other option, which is what I usually did, was just call prior to coming up, get an idea from the Ranger on backcountry reservations, then just show up at the VC and lay out my route, depending on what was available at the time. I'd save the $15 registration fee and just pay the $5 backcountry fee.

    If you go to the Recreation.gov website now, you can search "Pictured Rocks" for backcountry permits and you'll see the sites listed. It won't let you reserve yet, but as of March 28th, 2017, it will be live. All your fees are paid when you reserve, so you'll have the $15 registration plus $5/night backcountry per person fee. Note, you only reserve the backcountry campground....sites are still first come, first serve.

    My own opinion is that this new system is kind of a bummer. I'm sure it was needed, based on the increase of visitors now, but I liked the spontaneity of just being able to roll into the VC and work out the details when I got there. I don't know if they'll be computers in the VC to make a reservation or what the Ranger's role will be other than running the gift shop and answering questions. I wonder how they'll handle the person who just shows up and wants to get a permit? Do they send them to the local library to register and print their permit?

    I'm glad I went when I did, because PIRO is now way down on my list of places where I'd like to make a repeat visit. Lots of other places to go with alot less hassle....

    For reference: This is the 2016 update on PIRO (post 23):
    Quote Originally Posted by michigandave View Post
    I thought I'd just update this report from 2015 and provide the following information from the National Park Service regarding hammocks. I just checked they PIRO-NPS site and there is a new 2016 Backcountry Camping permit application. Here is the link: https://www.nps.gov/piro/planyourvis...ation-2016.pdf

    What caught my eye is the section regarding equipment and it's the first time I've seen hammocks listed. The 15' foot rule is not new. It states:

    "EQUIPMENT - Tent or Shelter Quantity (Including hammock)
    Notes: Maximum of 2 tents per site (excluding group sites).
    1 Hammock = 1 tent. Tents & hammocks must be kept within 15
    feet of campsite post. Most sites will not accommodate hammocks. "

    Very interesting indeed....I agree, there are a number of sites that won't work for hammocks within the 15 foot legal rule, but there are still a number of sites that will work and it's a grey area that both ends of the hammock need to be within the 15 feet. If anyone is planning to go to PIRO, there's a number of trip reports on the forum and there's one in particular that lists the Campground and site # that are good hang spots.

    Too bad the NPS can't designate some sites as "hammock compatible" and waive the 15 foot rule to make things legal. I don't know what the cost of the fines are, but it would be a bummer to have that hanging over you on a trip.
    Last edited by michigandave; 03-21-2017 at 08:56.

  3. #33
    Senior Member OneClick's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2012
    Location
    IN
    Hammock
    DIY 10.5' HyperD 1.6
    Tarp
    Warbonnet, SLD
    Insulation
    Hammock Gear
    Suspension
    WB Straps+Buckles
    Posts
    13,158
    Images
    20
    Thanks for the update Dave. I agree with the less hassle part. I rarely do permits, paperwork, fees, reservations, etc. A self-pay at the parking lot is fine, but that's it. It's not laziness, I'd just rather do my own thing on the fly.

  4. #34
    Senior Member johnspenn's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2016
    Location
    Marietta, GA
    Hammock
    DIY TCF Sage Green
    Tarp
    Noah's Tarp 12x12
    Insulation
    MAMW TQ, UGQ UQ
    Suspension
    webbing/whoopies
    Posts
    3,203
    Images
    1
    Ha, I didn't realize this was an older report until I started parsing through the responses. The mention of Memorial Day did throw me off lol.

    Even so, looks like you had a great time, and enjoyed a really beautiful trip. Enjoyed the report!

  5. #35
    New Member
    Join Date
    Aug 2012
    Location
    Wyoming
    Hammock
    Hammock Gear
    Tarp
    Hammock Gear Journ
    Insulation
    Hammock Gear
    Posts
    43
    I used to live in the area, and would backpack there on weekends, as well as doing the length of the trail periodically. The new system sounds awful for weekend folks. In this case, change is sad.

    Thanks for posting all the pictures. It was such a great reminder of those trails and campsites. You asked about the little cabin... one of the rangers at Grad Marais told me that it had been the cabin of a man who was superintendent of schools at Grand Marais, "about 500 years ago." That was what Brody (the ranger) said. He might have been exaggerating a bit. :-) I believe that more recently, it has been used to house at least one artist-in-residence.

    Thanks for the trip down memory lane.

    Pringles

  6. #36
    Senior Member BeechGirl's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2015
    Location
    Wisconsin
    Hammock
    WBBB
    Tarp
    Superfly
    Insulation
    HG WB
    Posts
    338
    Images
    2
    Great trip report! Thanks for all the details. I really want to do a trip up there in the next few years. Beautiful pictures too.

  7. #37
    Senior Member GrizzlyAdams's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Location
    Illinois
    Hammock
    GrizzBridge Ariel
    Tarp
    HG Cuben Winter
    Insulation
    DIY UQ
    Posts
    4,777
    Images
    564
    missed this the first time, happy to see it come up again. I did the reverse direction about 5 years ago, think I stayed at your last camp my first night. Really enjoyed the hike and the views. Sorry that the administrative part has become even more tiresome. I recall having to stretch the interpretation of the 'within 15 ft of site sign rule' one night, having just one end of the hammock that close.

    thanks for the reminder
    Grizz
    (alias ProfessorHammock on youtube)

  8. #38
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Aug 2012
    Location
    michigan
    Posts
    3,145
    Quote Originally Posted by markr6 View Post
    Thanks for the update Dave. I agree with the less hassle part. I rarely do permits, paperwork, fees, reservations, etc. A self-pay at the parking lot is fine, but that's it. It's not laziness, I'd just rather do my own thing on the fly.
    I agree. Being spontaneous has its benefits.

    Quote Originally Posted by johnspenn View Post
    Ha, I didn't realize this was an older report until I started parsing through the responses. The mention of Memorial Day did throw me off lol. Even so, looks like you had a great time, and enjoyed a really beautiful trip. Enjoyed the report!
    I go through old reports all the time to give me some ideas of where else I'd like to go someday. Glad you liked my traditional long-winded report.


    Quote Originally Posted by ATPringles View Post
    You asked about the little cabin... one of the rangers at Grad Marais told me that it had been the cabin of a man who was superintendent of schools at Grand Marais, "about 500 years ago." That was what Brody (the ranger) said. He might have been exaggerating a bit. :-) I believe that more recently, it has been used to house at least one artist-in-residence. Thanks for the trip down memory lane. Pringles
    I can imagine what it was like to hike through that back in the day, even prior to it becoming a National Lakeshore. Thanks for the info on the cabin...it is a pretty spot!

    Quote Originally Posted by BeechGirl View Post
    Great trip report! Thanks for all the details. I really want to do a trip up there in the next few years. Beautiful pictures too.
    Glad you liked it. One thing about PIRO: there's not a lack of photo opportunities!

    Quote Originally Posted by GrizzlyAdams View Post
    missed this the first time, happy to see it come up again. I did the reverse direction about 5 years ago, think I stayed at your last camp my first night. Really enjoyed the hike and the views. Sorry that the administrative part has become even more tiresome. I recall having to stretch the interpretation of the 'within 15 ft of site sign rule' one night, having just one end of the hammock that close. thanks for the reminder
    That 15 foot rule still irritates me. I can't imagine finding a campsite at PIRO and having 3-4 "legal" hangers on one site, but I seem to recall a trip report from a few years back to the contrary.

  9. #39
    Member
    Join Date
    Dec 2011
    Location
    Wheeler,MI
    Hammock
    WBBB
    Tarp
    edge
    Insulation
    DIY down -40 to 40
    Posts
    88
    When I was up there the first weekend in march camping and got my permit and talked with the ranger. I was told they were going to have a laptop on the counter with a printer on the counter in the visitor center in munising. We will see if that has happened. That way you could walk into the visitor center and get a permit and go hike. Have never done a one way hike. Like to park at the falls spend 3 nights hit town spend the night resupply and head back. Hiked it twice and kayaked it twice last year. Nice hearing from you dave

    Dogger

  10. #40
    New Member Futhark's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2014
    Location
    Central New York
    Hammock
    11ft HyperD 1.6 hk2001 DIY
    Tarp
    DIY Hex
    Insulation
    DOWN!
    Suspension
    RBTR Straps/Buckle
    Posts
    15
    Images
    5
    This couldn't have popped up at a better time for me. I'm from the EUP and finally convinced my hubby to come hike some of the NCT while our daughter stays with her Grandparents. He's never seen where I'm from without snow.

    I'm itching to get out there! I'm thinking we may follow your plan fairly close, with the exception of time of year and days. Well be there in late June and do it, hopefully, mid week.

    Thank you again for the insights and updates! It is immensely helpful!
    Last edited by Futhark; 04-25-2017 at 16:57.

  • + New Posts
  • Page 4 of 5 FirstFirst ... 2345 LastLast

    Similar Threads

    1. Pictured rocks
      By Christo456 in forum Midwest
      Replies: 5
      Last Post: 01-18-2015, 20:50
    2. Pictured rocks
      By Cool breeze in forum Midwest
      Replies: 18
      Last Post: 01-08-2015, 16:58
    3. Michigan Pictured Rocks Trip oct 18,19 and 20th
      By Doubletime in forum Trip Reports
      Replies: 11
      Last Post: 10-30-2014, 20:26
    4. Pictured Rocks Info
      By lpranal in forum Hangouts, Campouts, and Trip Planning
      Replies: 9
      Last Post: 05-31-2013, 12:18

    Tags for this Thread

    Bookmarks

    Posting Permissions

    • You may not post new threads
    • You may not post replies
    • You may not post attachments
    • You may not edit your posts
    •