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  1. #1
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    MI/Waterloo-Pinckney Thru Hike July 5-7-14, Solo 42.2 miles (pic heavy)

    I’ve always wanted to do this trail, since it’s in the DuFresne book “Backpacking in Michigan” as one of the top 10 trails in the state. I’ve taken multiple trips on the Pinckney side but was always curious about the Waterloo section. On my last Pinckney trip, I did a quick detour on a mile or so on the Waterloo trail and thought about doing the entire 36 mile point to point trail. I should say that my actual mileage was 40.2, due to campground/water stops, plus the occasional backtracking to find out where I lost the trail. Most descriptions of the trip break it into a 3-4 day hike with various mileages. I didn’t have the time for 4 days and didn’t mind some big mileage days as part of the trip. It’s what I expected and I felt ready for the challenge. I’d done 4 days on the AT in the Smokies the month before, so I figured it should be nice easy trip.

    Waterloo-Pinckney is a point to point hike and the only trail in southern Michigan where you can get out for multiple days. The Waterloo Trail also is shared with horses in some of the sections (more about this later). I needed transportation and enlisted the help of my father-in-law to follow me down from Clarkston to Pinckney Rec Area, where I got my permit and dropped off my car. We then drove another 35 minutes to the Big Portage Lake trailhead for the start of my hike.



    Day 1 (7-5-14): Big Portage Lake to Sugerloaf Campground 15.8 miles, 6 hours of hiking
    I left from the trailhead at 9:15 AM, mid 70’s, humid and entered the woods. Typical Michigan trail…well marked (so far) , nice trees and decent walking surface.



    It was really just a nice walk in the woods, until about 20 minutes in, the mosquitos & deer flies hit. Time to deet up and hopefully keep them at bay. This would not be the case and for the next 3 days they were relentless. I swallowed more than a few. Bugs are a part of backpacking, so you just deal with it the best you can. After 5.5 miles, it was really starting to warm up and was now in the low 80’s. I knew that there was no close water stops the first day, so I had packed my 64oz platy, a 32 oz bag, and my 22 oz clipped to my shoulder strap. It was heavy, but I knew with the projected temps, that I would need every ounce of it. My first pack off break was at Sackrider Hill with the giant Cross, around 11:15. No views this time of year because of the foliage, but it did provide a nice spot to take a break on the wooden platform.



    Getting back on the trail, after looking for it from the nearby parking lot, I was off again through the woods and sometime brushy areas where it looked like no one had been through for a while. One thing about the trail conditions: there were sections through chest high grasses/brush that almost looked like game trails, then it would open up into the established trail. One or two road crossings later, things started getting confusing, because part of the Waterloo trail is shared with horses. Bridle paths also bisect the trail and in some areas, the “Waterloo-Pinckney” trail signs are few and far between. I also had a couple road crossings where you’d expect the trail to be right across the road, but would end up searching in both directions to find out where it re-entered.



    Around mile 8, I hit the area known as Baldwin Flooding around Baldwin Road. This was pretty evident because I followed the trail into a wetland, where it quickly disappeared under a foot a water. I attempted to follow up by staying up on the side, but it got too bad and I had to backtrack to dry land. I could hear cars, so I bushwacked through the undergrowth, popped out on the edge of a farmers field and followed it to the back of a private residence, then got back on the roadway. I met a couple out for a walk and they said I’m not the only one whose run into that. We walked and talked a bit then they directed me back to the trailhead. Waterloo-Pinckney Recreation areas were put together in the 1930’s and 40’s from existing woodlands and abandoned farms, so there are still lots of open areas the trail passes through. Once again, these proved somewhat difficult to follow, because the path was just an opening through the tall grass. Once you got used to it, you could find your way.



    Mile 11 at 2:00 PM, put me at the new rustic backcountry sites called the “Pines”. It had an outhouse, but the closest water was at the horse stables, a mile off trail. I was still good on water and was glad I didn’t need to add more mileage to the day. I had already been walking 4 hours and could tell I was running out of steam. Bugs were bad, it was getting hot, and searching for the trail had been draining. My legs also got shredded by the thorns from some of the narrower trail sections. I was in the heart of the bridle trails and it was getting somewhat frustrating figuring out where to go. A couple times I had to pull up google earth on my phone to make sure I was on track. Another thing with the bridle trails: some areas would have nice wide, hardpacked trails and others would narrow down to 3-4 feet and look like someone had gone through with sand to coat the trails. Later on, I asked a Ranger about that and he said it’s caused by the horses breaking up the trail surface. To me, it felt like walking on the beach.

    I knew I was getting close to ending my day and just worked through it. Finally, I reached the road crossing directing me to my campground choices for the night: the rustic Horsemans Campground or modern Sugarloaf Lake, which had 2 first come first served backpacker sites away from the campers and RVs. Half a mile up the road was the Horsemans…I checked it out, heard & smelled the horses, got bit by more mosquitos and then decided to try my luck at Sugarloaf. Another half a mile north (already 1 mile from trailhead), then a half mile walk down the access road (1.5 miles total) to the Ranger Station. They pointed out the site back in the woods and I checked it out. It was perfect so I went back to register. So, $17 later I got the privilege of using 2 trees and a picnic table (had a fire ring, but it was 80 degrees out). Was this worth it? Let’s see: good trees, nice view of the woods, beach, flush toilets, good water and a shower…It was a no brainer, I wasn’t going back and the shower cinched the deal. After 15.8 miles and 6 hours of hiking in the heat & humidity, it was 4 PM and I was ready to end my day.



    I set up my new SLD Trail Lair hammock and the rest of my camp, then went to enjoy a shower. I think that is what saved me and I felt like a new man after getting cleaned up. I guess my hammock & I were a bit of an attraction to the ground dwellers with their RV’s, pop-up campers, portable fridge, satellite dish, chained up dogs, dogs in crates, and everything else that goes with the modern campground “experience” . A father and his two daughters wandered down the path in to my camp to check out the hammock and try to get a handle on why someone would walk so far with a pack just to sleep outside like that….Some people aren’t meant for the trail. He even wanted a picture of his 2 daughters with me, who he referred to as the “hiker”. I obliged but noticed after they left, that my drying out underwear and socks were in the background of the shot. Later on, some drunk guy stumbled through my site looking for a place to relieve himself. You meet all types out there. Being 4th of July weekend, I was expecting crowds and the campground was full.



    I relaxed with a cup of decaf pomegranate tea while my dinner of Mary Janes Farm Chili (I added fritos, hot sauce and cheese sticks too) rehydrated. What a great meal and I’d buy this one again. Dessert was a cherry pie (box keeps it from getting crushed). After cleaning up, I enjoyed an adult beverage (propel lemonade and vodka), then put my food and gear away for the night.
    I spent my evening just relaxing in the hammock with a book and enjoying a night out in the woods. Quiet time kicked in a 10, but there was a great fireworks show on the lake that I could catch glimpses of from the end of my hammock. Temps dropped into the mid 60’s that night. A perfect end to a challenging day.

    Day 2 (7-6-14): Sugarloaf Lake to Blind Lake, 18 miles, 7 hours hiking
    I woke up around 5:00 AM to the birds chirping, and dozed back to sleep until 6. I got up, got organized and started breaking down camp while my coffee water heated. I had a quick breakfast of oatmeal, nescafe instant cappuccino and my new favorite: carnation chocolate protein shake with powdered milk (220 calories). I premix this in a baggie, then add water and shake. I kept my goal of getting out of the campground at 7, then road walking 1.5 miles back to the trailhead to start my day. Back on the trail, I was in an area that is part of a nature preserve, so it was well marked and no horses were allowed. Trail conditions were great and temps were in the mid 60’s. Every once in a while you’d brush up against the foliage and get a nice cool down from the dew. It was one of those mornings where everything was perfect…I felt refreshed and the bugs weren’t too bad yet . I kept my water weight down, because I knew I’d stop at the Waterloo Ranger Station on McClure Road to refill.



    It was easy going, with some ups and downs and nothing that wasn’t expected. A few miles later, I made my stop by 8:30, drank the rest of my water, refilled (tap is on the back of the Ranger Station), and got ready for my next leg to the Gerald E. Eddy Discovery Center. After leaving the station, the well marked trail led me through more woods, with the occasional lake view. A sign announced I was entering the Discovery Center property and signs along the trail would point out things of interest. This was one of the nicest sections of trail that I’d walk this day. At the 21.9 mile mark (6 miles from Sugarloaf) I came out at the parking lot in search of the sign to where to go next. Just then, a Ranger pulled into the lot and he didn’t know where it was either (turns out he was fairly new to the park), so he joined me as we walked around looking for the trailhead. I told him of my experience so far and he was aware of some of the issues. I went over my map with him and he said that they were going to get out and improve the trail signage. I’ve met many Rangers, but I think this guy was the nicest one and took pride in improving the park experience for everyone.



    At around 9:30 or so, I took my pack off break, had some snacks, got water from the cold fountain and studied my map for the next leg. This next section I was expecting the trail to be alot like yesterday. No horses, but since I was getting out of the “day hiker” zone from here to my stop at Green Lake CG (eastern edge of Waterloo Rec), I knew that it doesn’t get much use.
    I was right…same kind of stuff, heavy brush, fields, mosquitos and increasing temps w/ higher humidy. One section of the trail passed through an area near a prison.



    Nice signage, there was no way to leave the trail because it was so thick.



    Eventually I came out to the road crossing announcing Green Lake CG. Once again, a ½ mile detour for a well deserved break and a refill. It was now 11:45 and I had done 11.5 miles, after being on the trail for almost 4 hours. At an average pace of 2.6 miles an hour, I felt I was doing well, but I knew from the map that the next section was going to be long push. I also was starting to slow down a bit, so I took a 45 minute break and aired out my feet. At 12:30 I headed out again, topped off with water and set sights on my next destination: Blind Lake rustic CG, 6.5 miles away. Within about 15 minutes, I crossed over M-52, leaving Waterloo to my west and entered Pinckney Recreation Area.



    I felt almost at home here, because I’ve done the Pinckney loop before, but not this connector segment. Nothing really new for scenery, just disappearing trails through the brush, views of the woods and some sections that felt I was on an actual trail. One segment where you cross North Territorial puts you into another local park, so on the south side you end up in a parking lot, then go across the street to the north unit. I had a copy of the DuFresne Michigan guide, so that led me in the right direction to find the trailhead tucked down a hill behind a picnic pavilion. It was probably around 1:30 or so and I really started to feel the fatigue set in, plus the some warm spots on my feet became hot, and I fell into the “it’s not much farther” mode and kept going. A couple more road crossing’s and I would be close. Finally, I came out at a familiar spot that I had hiked to a while back when I did my loop hike.




    Seeing this provided a big morale boost and I pushed on through the overgrown farm fields and woods. One section of the trail is low lying and surrounded with brush. Perfect environment for more mosquitos, as I picked up my pace to get to my campsite. Finally, I came out at the connector to Blind Lake and I was home free.



    Blind Lake Rustic is a walk-in only campground (water pump, pit toilet, no fires allowed), with 10 sites that need to be reserved through the Ranger office or online. Note, you’ll pay $20 for online, $12 if you just show up. If you watch the reservations online, you can tell how busy it could be. From what I could tell, I would have the whole campground to myself. The best spot to hang is site #9, and it’s where I always go. It’s got a couple good sets of trees and this time I set up in the cedars with a view of Blind Lake. I arrived at 3:40 PM and did close to 18 miles that day. I’ve never done that kind of mileage, so for me, it was a record. I’d been on the trail since 7 and I was beat. Total walking time on the trip so far was 13 hours.



    After getting set up, airing out the feet and finding a few blisters, I took a swim to cool down and get the sweat and deet off of me. It felt great after such a long day. There were lots of people out enjoying the lake and I’d see a few mountain bikers and day hikers come through the campground. I took about a 2 hour hang break, did some reading and just generally relaxed. Dinner was 2 person MH spaghetti, MRE tortillas, another apple pie for dessert.



    After I ate, cleaned up and re-organized I got a text & call from HF member Wolverine (Mark), whom I had gone on the Smokies trip with. He wondered if I needed anything….seemed like a strange question, but an hour or so later, he comes strolling across the campground with a 6 pack of cold Molson. He had driven 45 minutes from his home and hiked in from a nearby road crossing. Talk about “trail magic”! We hung out for a couple hours then he had to head home, since it was a Sunday night. I wish I would have gotten a picture of it, but it was a perfect way to end the day.

    According to the weather reports, storms were coming, so I got my camp put in order and decided to put the 2QZQ underquilt protector on, just in case. Climbed in the hammock around 10, read for a bit, then quickly fell asleep. .

    Day 3 (7-7-14) Blind Lake to Silver Lake (and my car) 7 miles, 3.5 hours of hiking
    I’d wake up again at 4:15 AM. That’s when the storm rolled in with torrential rain, thunder and lightning. Luckily, it wasn’t that windy, but I’d never been in this much lightning in my hammock. This kept up pretty steady and it didn’t let up until 8, which was fine with me because I wasn't ready to get up. After it blew over, I broke down camp, had a quick breakfast, packed away the wet tarp in a bag and got on the trail at 9:00 AM.



    This segment is always one of my favorites. I’ve done it many times over the years, in all types of seasons, and there’s something about it how the trail works it way through the forest and the ridgetops. Plus, the trail is well marked and in perfect shape. Once again, mosquitos were out in force and there were some muddy sections, but the trail out seemed to go by quickly. Maybe it was just the thought of a Big Mac, fries and Micky D’s Sweet T that fueled me. Before I knew it, I was back at the Silver Lake Trailhead and my waiting car. Here’s the final stats for the trip, according to my Garmin: 40.2 miles hiked, average of 2.5 mph, with a total walking time of 15:53. This was my biggest miles trip to date and I was proud of my accomplishment.



    Closing thoughts:

    During the entire trip I saw zero backpackers, but did see some runners, dayhikers and a dozen or so horseback riders. Would I go back and do it again? Maybe later in the fall and I’d probably do some water drops at the road crossing to keep my pack weight down a bit. Partnering up for this and sharing the “head scratching of where the trail is” would be of help too. My pack weight was around 20 pounds, without food and water.

    After I got back, I always re-evaluate what I used and didn’t use. True to form, I had too many snacks, 1 pair of socks I never touched, a REI sahara shirt I’d thought I’d use but never did, my first aid kit had way to much duplicate stuff, extra spork, extra carbiners & line, plus I’m sure a few other things. I brought a camera and a smartphone…could have left camera home and used phone only. I look at the phone as a necessity for safety and for my family when I’m on my solo trips. Physically, I survived with a couple blisters, scratched up legs and mosquito bites. My back felt fine, but it took 2-3 days for my lower calves to recover fully.

    I’m glad I did it and it’s something I can check off my “to do” list. 3 days in the woods for $29 in camping fees, $20 bucks in gas and $20 for food is a pretty good deal either way. And, I can say I’ve done the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail. It’s not as well known or used as Pictured Rocks or North Manitou Island, but it’s still a 3 day trip through some of the most populated areas of southern lower Michigan.

    I also have a .gpx file of the trip. For more information about the trail, follow these links:

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waterloo-Pinckney_Trail
    http://www.michigantrailmaps.com/member-profile/3/39/
    http://alltrails.com/trail/us/michig...n-hiking-trail (the first review pretty much says it all. Found it after I had gotten back)
    Last edited by michigandave; 07-17-2014 at 10:02.

  2. #2
    Senior Member 2ply's Avatar
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    Thanks for sharing the adventure. It felt like I was hiking along with you. Looks like you were well fed too.
    Everyone ought to believe in something....I believe I'll go set up the hammock!

  3. #3
    Senior Member Mountain Gout's Avatar
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    Great report.. You are indeed tested tough.. The bugs there are ruthless.. I loved seeing the pics, funny how the trail just burns into your memory, and when you see the pics it's like being there again.... Flood area got me as well, stayed at that campsite there and proceeded to do loops back to it when I tried to leave...... Have you hit the section from Silver to hell yet?..circles down to blind lake and back out again.. Love the trail and being so close is a plus.... I made friends with that tree as well..P1000862.jpg
    We would be one step closer to world peace, if everyone slept in a hammock..

  4. #4
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    According to the ranger, there's talk of a boardwalk being built eventually to get through the flooded area. I don't think the neighboring homeowners are going to put up with the cutting through too long, especially if the horse riders start doing the same thing. Navigation was sometimes tough...I usually took the route that looked the most traveled, but even then, I'd just take a guess and move on. Silver to Hell? Ah, the north loop. Love that section along the U of M property, especially in the early spring when it's just starting to green up. It's a pretty unique tree and provides a nice contrast to the surrounding fields. Glad you enjoyed the report.

    By the way, meant to put "40.2 miles" instead of "42.2 miles" in the trip header...typo that won't let me change it. My bad....

    Quote Originally Posted by Mountain Gout View Post
    Great report.. You are indeed tested tough.. The bugs there are ruthless.. I loved seeing the pics, funny how the trail just burns into your memory, and when you see the pics it's like being there again.... Flood area got me as well, stayed at that campsite there and proceeded to do loops back to it when I tried to leave...... Have you hit the section from Silver to hell yet?..circles down to blind lake and back out again.. Love the trail and being so close is a plus.... I made friends with that tree as well..P1000862.jpg
    Last edited by michigandave; 07-17-2014 at 12:07.

  5. #5
    Senior Member 3club's Avatar
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    Cool report! I've thought about doing that trail, talked about it with a guy who lives in Jackson. His wife could drop us off at Sackrider. I got a concussion there once, sledding, hit a rock...

  6. #6
    Senior Member cjayflo's Avatar
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    awesome trail report!

  7. #7
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    Great trip report. Gave me a needed mental break from the monotony of everyday life.

  8. #8
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    Glad you enjoyed it. All recovered and ready to hit the trail again.

  9. #9
    Senior Member boulderv7's Avatar
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    Great report. Looked like a nice solo trip. Beer on the second night too, can't beat that!
    My head is an animal

  10. #10
    Senior Member PTAaron's Avatar
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    Great report!
    Had no idea that trail was there - may have to give part of it a try.
    Thanks for the inspiration!
    -Aaron
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