The Manistee River trail is one of the most beautiful sights I've been fortunate enough to experience, living in lower Michigan. After hours of preparing at home, I thought I had every last detail figured out. Well I was wrong. Fire wood was absolutely non existent, at nearly every sight that wasn't already occupied. It was the cleanest forest floor I've ever seen. I ended up having to walk a good distance off the path into the thicker areas to find fallen debris. Anyway, I was cleaning up the yard today and thought of that little memory, I hope it helps someone out there.

I usually camp at rustic campgrounds, state forest campgrounds specifically to try to avoid these type specifically but it seems with each trip it’s getting worse or I’m becoming more irritable. On this last trip it was a noise issue which I honestly haven’t had that issue before but it was enough that my brother told the ranger station and they said they’d look into it. What happens after you report an issue? Do they look into it, do they fine people?

Seems like it’s the season for bridge closures. Made the mistake of driving up to Jordan Valley Pathway for an overnight backpacking trip only to find out at Pinney Bridge campsite that the Jordan River Road bridge that crosses the river is closed so that whole trail north of the river is shut down. Campgrounds were still packed despite this so whole trip was a bust

Someone in their car said you could probably wade the river but didn’t want to risk with the next crossing so far

Camping at negwegon next week: wondering if there is any suggestions on outdoor activities to do. Good hikes, rock spots, places to look at elk, anything in the Alpena/harrisville/surrounding areas

A friend and I are planning a day hike to the Manistee River Trail with our teens who are new-ish to hiking. What part of the trail would you recommend we start at? We eventually want to work up to doing the loop but aren't there yet.

Im gonna be in Porcupine Mts and camping in the backcountry sites. Most of the sites do not seem like they have adequate space for a bear triangle. If I’m planning on bringing some sausage or fresh meat like that and cooking it on the fire, would this be dumb? I know most people suggest minimum 100ft of space from tent to kitchen but I don’t think this will be possible where I’m camping (Most sites seem like they’re fire pit is relatively close to where people set up tents).

Thanks

I’m planning on going to pictured rocks and camping for 3 days, November 9-11. Is it too late to go and still see the colors changing or will I enjoy myself? I’ve been there in August in 2022 and it was amazing.

Thank you for the tips everyone. I might try and wait to go in a better time next year.

Hi all, I’m planning a camping trip for tomorrow that I really need. Been a stressful bout of work and school, and unfortunately haven’t had as much chance to plan ahead as I’d hoped.

Essentially: I’ll be camping with 2 other people, we want to fish, hike, have fires, and relax, but also I don’t like camping in a campground that has a lot of people. I want the authentic camping experience I had when I was backpacking. I know it’s difficult to find dispersed camping down near Ann Arbor, but is there anywhere within 1-1.25 hrs that fits that bill?

I had been looking at Waterloo or blind lake but it seems those have a lot of people and you need to make reservations ahead. Any good sites there?

If you could pick one spot, preferably in the northern portion of the lower peninsula to spend a night tent camping, where would you recommend? Looking for a place in 2 weeks when the wife and I can be kid free for a night to hike, camp, unwind.

How are the rules with camping at porcupine mountains and alcohol/weed? Specifically will be camping at the backpacking/backcountry sites and was wondering if any rangers or anything like that check sites.

Moving from Michigan after only being here a year, my partner and I haven't been to the west side of the state at all, so want to do a day trip from Ann Arbor to South Haven area. Is there any worthwhile hikes in that area?

Editting to add: seeing Lake Michigan is a priority! I've only seen it at sleeping Bear

Hey all - looking to plan a weekend trip around the UP and Porcupine Mountains were the top destination for my friends! I was looking for some input as to the time of year - are the views and colors still as great nearing the end of October/beginning of November? Do you think the weather would still be enjoyable at this time of year too? We made a trip around the same time last year to a different UP park so I have an idea of what the colors and weather will be like, but it was a bit earlier in October when we went so I wasn't sure how big of a difference a few weeks would make. Thanks for your help!

So I am planning on going backpacking sometime soon in the Manistee national forest where I will be dispersed camping.

Anything that I should prepare for/watch out for at this time of year? Will there be hunting near the Manistee river trail area etc?

And this may be a stupid question, but is alcohol allowed in the area? Or any other rules I should be aware of in the area?