https://caltopo.com/m/U165
Just got back from the Fife River Loop. This is a 21 mile loop that was formed after a re-route of the North Country Trail through a more "scenic" section of forest by the local trail club. The intent was to preserve the old leg of the NCT and form a loop which has been reblazed with orange paint on the trail.
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I had a couple of days to get the hike done so I headed up to Spring Lake State Forest Campground on HWY 131 about 18 miles south of Kalkaska, Michigan where I could park my car over night at the trail head. After about 20 humid minutes of hiking I arrived at the M 186 trailhead of the Fife Lake Loop. I turned south and headed for some hardened, dispersed campsites about 8.5 mile where the NCT is rejoined.
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There are 3 campsites clustered together and are considered "hike-in" sites so they do not require the $13 overnight fee in the campgrounds but are less rustic than stealth camping. I chose one that had a fantastic overlook of the Manistee River and a rail bridge and set my Chameleon hammock right on the edge where I could listen to the river lull me to sleep. Unfortunately, even at .8 miles away, someone in the Old 131 Campground could not live without electricity so what I did fall asleep to was the sound of a generator... geez!
My Warbonnet Superfly and Jacks R Better Greylock 3 quilt served me well. There was a small threat of rain and the temps only dipped into the 50's.
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Slept great and headed on the return loop back to the car. At the campsite I took advantage of the facilities and filled up my water bottles. I was treated to more super views of the Manistee River before turning North East along the Fife Creek. There I hiked through tall pines and small lakes in buggy but scenic surroundings.
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What did I learn... Michigan has great hiking and is developing some awesome over night loops. Bug nets! The Chameleon is a good hammock, well thought out and light, plus easy to set up. People might go into the forest but can't live without electricity.
Hope you enjoy this little trail report!
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