I like the idea of a backpacking trip for the spring hang....
I like the idea of a backpacking trip for the spring hang....
MRT, Nord House, North Manitou, LOL Pigeon River, AuSable river has nice trails on it, Hoist lake just to name a few im sure there or more but again its a group thing.
MRT/NCT Loop - There are plenty of options for a hang, with multiple put in points and even a float option.
Pigeon River - Been a long time, not sure if the backcountry camping would accomodate a big group
Manitous - Might be a little early for the boat and WX
Hoist Lakes - Multiple put in points, there is prby enough camping room around Byron lake, not sure of the othes. LOTS OF TICKS!!!!!
Nordhouse - Equals AWESOME! Plenty of camping, only one real put in.
Another option would be Bowman Lake on the NCT west a Baldwin (Lake County), plenty of camping, multiple put in points.
Just my two cents......
Nordhouse is good, but I hate hate hate the sand! All though it probably won't be as bad with a hammock. I love the manitous, but it doesn't look like the ferry starts until may, I am all about going in may by the way sounds warmer than any other month, but know that is not a factor for the rest of you. MRT is always a good place. I have never been to Hoist lakes, or pigeon river. I am honestly game for any thing. We should narrow it down and do a vote:-)
Shake shake shake! I never camp on the sand because of this. Plus, most of the people doing that are breaking the rules as they are well within 250' of the trails or 400' of the water. Oh well, I prefer privacy and playing by the rules anyway.
I just got back from there...cold and windy! Had to hunker down east of the dunes in the pines. Great spots to hang!
p.s. Hoist Lakes is one heck of a place to save for a Fall Hang: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...1&l=aaceae761f
Last edited by OneClick; 01-21-2013 at 16:54.
Nice photos, Markr6! I'm favoring the MRT/NCT or Bowman Lake area so far.
Actually at Nordhouse there is no 250'-400' rule. The only rule is to not camp on the vegitation on the dunes. Not to mention that most of the best spots are already over 500' from the water.
We usually camp in the lee of a fore dune and back dune, so we stay out of the wind. Pretty choice spot.
I've seen conflicting measurements everywhere, but the actual rules can be found here per the forest service:
http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_...rdb5151641.pdf
"Camp on Durable Surfaces-
Campsites must be at least: 100 feet from the trail, 400 feet from Lake Michigan and 200 feet from Nordhouse Lake."
You'll find this in almost any wilderness, park, rec. area, etc. Although some people don't like it, it really protects natural resources and provides a more enjoyable experience for everyone else. i.e. you don't have to see some fat guy in his tighty whities in the morning camped 25' off the trail!
Although it's nice to get a view of the lake, I sometimes like to get on some high spots right in the middle of the area near the old rr grade. Deer everywhere!
For a Spring hang, Nordhouse or Hoist Lakes sound good to me. Never heard of Bowman Lake, so that would be nice to try
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