Pippi's Pass Connects Offield to NCT

Peter Curran and granddaugher Pippi (photo from Little Traverse Conservancy)

compiled from several sources

Near Harbor Springs, Michigan, the North Country Trail is now connected to the mountain bike trails at Offield Family Viewlands Working Forest Reserve. The connector is under a mile in length, but this connecting trail will increase the options for hiking and cycling in the local area.

Although the NCT is primarily a hiking trail, it is open to bicycles in some land management areas.

The new connector is called Pippi's Pass. The trail was made possible by Peter Curran, and Pippi is his granddaughter.

The Offield Family Viewlands was formerly the Little Traverse Bay Golf Club. The land is now host to approximately 10 miles of mountain bike and hiking trails.

See Offield Family Viewlands


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Lost Nation Bridge on the NCT

Enjoy this slide presentation of the building of a long-awaited bridge in the Lost Nation State Game Area on the North Country Trail. Click to view.



See Chief Baw Beese Chapter of the NCTA


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More NCT May Come Off Road Near Lowell

possible trail corridor (photo from North Country Trail Association)

a news release of North Country Trail Association

For 20+ years, alongside the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), the North Country Trail Association has been eyeing a retired railroad corridor outside of Lowell, Michigan. The NCTA's goal is to utilize it to move more North Country Trail off-road.

Now, thanks to this dedicated partnership between the Association, DNR, MDOT, and Kent County Parks Department, as well as the generosity of a private donor, we're making significant strides toward making this dream a reality.

This spring, partners led NCTA and National Park Service staff on a tour of various segments along this route. When complete, 5.5 miles of NCT will be moved off-road, allowing trail users to wander more safely across this scenic farmland. From the MDOT side, this project will help develop a multi-use, non-motorized trail closing the last unfunded gap in the 125-mile Fred Meijer Mid-West Michigan Regional Trail network, allowing for uninterrupted use across six counties from Owosso to Lowell to Greenville to Alma.

See North Country Trail Association


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Teamwork Reopens Manistee River Loop Trail

Spirit of the Woods volunteers (photo by Berny Barnes)

from the Manistee News Advocate

Heavy flooding this spring closed the Manistee River Side of the popular Manistee River Trail/ North Country Trail loop. This 23-mile loop is heavily hiked, being a perfect length for weekend backpackers. The MRT is on the east side of the Manistee River, while the NCT section is on the west.

Both sides were affected by many downed trees from a snowy winter and spring wind storms.

Forest Service staff worked hard to reroute severely damaged portions of the MRT side while Spirit of the Woods Chapter of the North Country Trail Association volunteers removed the obstacles on the NCT side. The complete loop is now open.

Read the full article at the link above.


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Highlights of North Country Trail Annual Report

cover of NCTA 2025 Annual Report

from the NCTA

The North Country Trail Association has issued their 2025 Annual Report which helps people see at a glance what has been accomplished over the past year.

If anyone has reservations about the how their contributions are being used, this should make you proud to support the trail. There are 618 miles of the 4800-mile trail in Lower Michigan.

Highlights from 2025:
• total miles of NCT - 4860
• 53 bridges built or replaced
• 4066 feet of puncheon built or replaced
• of the 4860 trail miles, 3365 are now off road (70% off road, and more miles off road than the original estimate for the entire trail

Concerning finances, the report states: "The NCTA continued remarkable financial sustainability in 2025. Despite a 22% decline in agency grants and early uncertainty about federal funding, which accounts for roughly 20 to 25% of revenue, strategic “belt-tightening” ensured a resilient bottom line. Growth was fueled by a record-breaking year for private support: Donations and memberships hit $900,000 (up 20%), while corporate and foundation giving rose by 23%. These resources were immediately mobilized for the trail"

NCTA Board President Jan Ulferts-Stewart says, "This report features work that honors our history as a volunteer-powered organization while positioning us to reach even further in the years ahead. Thank you for your role in caring for the North Country Trail and ensuring it remains a place of pride. "

See the full NCTA Annual Report


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Significant North Country Trail Detour

damage to Highbridge Road (photo origin uncertain)

by jhy

The recent high water and flooding in Michigan is having significant impacts on a multitude of recreation facilities and opportunities.

Perhaps two of the most significant are in the Manistee National Forest. There are two areas of closure. One is a part of the North Country Trail, and the other concerns the Manistee River Trail which has formed the eastern part of what may be the most popular loop trail in the state of Michigan.

Highbridge Road, north of Highbridge over the Manistee River has experienced washouts on both sides of the road and the structural integrity of the road surface is compromised. The picture above does not show the extent of the damage. The Forest Service has closed the road EVEN TO PEDESTRIANS, which means that hikers can not cross the river at this bridge. There are very few bridges across the Manistee.

What this means for at least a month is that any thru hikers (northbound or trail WEBO although the local direction of travel is east) will need to follow M-55 east from Udell TH for 11 miles to Warfield Rd, turn north and then west on Coates Highway to Red Bridge. There, you can access the connector to rejoin the NCT. (south or trail EABO should follow the connector to Red Bridge, take Coates Hwy east, south on Warfield, and M-55 west to Udell TH)

This is a 17- mile detour, but the total length of the skipped trail is about the same, so mileage is approximately equal, but the experience will definitely be compromised. Note that this entire route will be busier than usual with vehicle traffic as all the usual Highbridge traffic will also be using this road detour.

Perhaps the best news is that since Highbridge is a main county thoroughfare, the road will be repaired in good time.

The other huge impact is that for the foreseeable future, the entire Manistee River Trail is closed. The Forest Service is still evaluating damage. Any plans to hike the loop will need to be postponed.

See Manistee National Forest trail alerts updates


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Rudi Hargesheimer to Present at Quiet Adventure Symposium

Events Calendar

Garden Cove segment of the Group of Seven Trail, Ontario (photo by Rudi Hargesheimer)

Intro by jhy: Rudi has been an advocate and publicizer of the Superior Hiking Trail, and thus also of the North Country Trail, for decades. I first saw his media program "Sentiments from the Heart" 26 years ago. This was based on entries left by hikers in log books enhanced with his own phenominal photos. This is a must-see program at QAS.

submitted by Rudi Hargesheimer

Rudi Hargesheimer has published a new book about all the best hiking trails on Lake Superior's Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Ontario shores. Twenty of them are backpacking trails! Of, course the NCT is featured! He will be a speaker at the Quiet Adventures Symposium in Lansing on February 28, 2026 at noon. Rudi has hiked and backpacked every trail in the book, gathering 320 of his best shots to share. On some trips, he used a packraft as well as his backpack or daypack. Of interest to Michigan hikers are the incredible trails north of Sault Ste. Marie. A new one, the Group of Seven Trail, is a highlight. Come visit with Rudi; he will surely whet your appetite for adventure.

Rudi Hargesheimer was an early board member and President of Minnesota's Superior Hiking Trail, now part of the North Country Trail route. He wrote the history of the SHT and included 400 of his photos! His books, The Superior Hiking Trail Story, the Trek Continues and the new Superior Trails, A Photo Tour of Lake Superior's Best Hiking Trails will both be available for purchase at the symposium.

See Quiet Adventures Symposium


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North Country Trail Association Seeks New Executive Director

Events Calendar

NCTA Headquarters mural (photo by jhy)

from the NCTA and board president Jan Stewart

Andrea Ketchmark, Executive Director of the North Country Trail Association, has chosen to step down from her role with the North Country Trail Association (NCTA) on January 15, 2026, having accepted another professional opportunity. Andrea laid a strong foundation for our future.

Andrea says, "After 16 years, it's hard to put into words just what this trail and this community has meant to me. I'll be forever grateful for the experiences I've had, the relationships I've built, my time spent on the trail and advocating for it. We truly have a special resource and an even more special community. I will champion the North Country Trail whenever given the chance."

The NCTA has now posted the application for the position. The role summary of the document states, "The Executive Director provides visionary leadership for the NCTA, guiding its work across eight states through clear direction, strong relationships, and effective execution. The role directly supervises the Director of Trail Operations, the Director of Development and Communications, and the Director of Trail Protection, with a total staff of 13."

See Position Announcement and application


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One Section of NCT Remains Closed After Spring Ice Storm

Events Calendar

area where timber salvage is being done (photo from the NCTA)

from the North Country Trail Association

Only one section of North Country Trail remains closed after a spring ice storm devastated 100 miles of it in Michigan's Northern Lower Peninsula. This segment, between Kipp and Valley Roads near Petoskey, is still closed as the Michigan Department of Natural Resources conducts timber salvage work. On state forest land, the DNR had to assess the situation before allowing volunteers in to do clearing work. This section was deemed salvageable.

Fortunately, the NCTA Regional Coordinator for Michigan, Kenny Wawsczyk, has been teaming up with Harbor Springs Chapter volunteers to scout these segments to help plan, and to keep trail crews and trail users updated.

Extensive cleanup and tree removal was necessary in the spring of 2025 after the storm that caused extensive damage across the northern Lower Peninsula. Dozens of trained volunteers cleared the remaining sections of the trail.


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Events for the Week of Nov 10-16, 2025

a group of Jordan Valley 45° hikers (photo provided)

compiled from various sources

I am attempting to build an actual calendar so that notices could be seen more than a few days in advance. Projected launch date: Nov 25

November 15 is the opening day of gun deer hunting season. Some events are planned where there is no hunting.

**********

Friday, Nov 14- Muskegon
10:00- 3:00
planting dune grass
Meet at Lincoln St. Parking Lot. 3071 Lincoln St. Norton Shores, MI
Free

Join Muskegon County Parks and the Muskegon Conservation District for volunteer planting days at Dune Harbor Park this month! We will plant dune grass —throughout the beautiful new Dune Harbor Park!

These plantings will restore dunes, improve wildlife habitat, and strengthen a healthier, more resilient coastal ecosystem.

Who can join: Everyone! Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, student, family, or community group, no experience is needed—just bring your energy and love for the outdoors.

What to bring: Sturdy shoes, Weather-appropriate clothing, Water bottle

Help restore and protect our dunes by planting trees and dune grass—your efforts will make a real difference for our unique coastal ecosystem.

**********

Saturday, Nov 15- Petoskey
9:30 am for long hike, noon for short hike
7 miles or 3.5 mile options
Meet at Petoskey Brewing for long hike, at Bayfront Park for short hike
Free

The Jordan Valley 45° Chapter of the North Country Trail Association will host a hike in Petoskey on the NCT, from River Road Sports Complex to Petoskey State Park.

Two hike distances are available. Long Hike (~7.0 miles) 9:30:am – River Road Sports Complex (mile 65.0) to Petoskey State Park (mile 58.0, conveniently right next to Petoskey Brewing Company). Landmarks along the way: River Road Sports Complex, the tool box, Bear River Bridge, North Central Michigan College, Bear River Walkway and Bayfront Park. If there is interest, we will tack on a side hike into Petoskey State Park. Short Hike (~3.5 miles) about noon - Park at Bayfront Park (mile ~61.5) and join the group coming down from the River Road Sports Complex. Consider hiking south along the Bear River and meeting the rest of us coming north.

As always, dress for the weather, bring plenty of water and snacks. Afterwards we plan on lunch at the Petoskey Brewing Company.

The Jordan Valley 45° Chapter’s trail runs from Starvation Lake Rd. (SE of Mancelona) to Kipp Rd. near Harbor Springs. A terrific 79 miles of awesome valleys, hills and wooded trail. Monthly hikes are usually on the third Saturday of the month.

For more information, call or text Bob Courtois at 248-212-6699. Please identify yourself if you text.

**********

Saturday, Nov 15- Hike Muskegon regular hike

11 am
locations and lengths vary, see link below

The Hike Muskegon- West Michigan Parks group hikes every Tuesday and Saturday at 11:00 am (and occasionally other times). Their destinations are posted only a couple of days ahead of time, so check the Facebook Group to find where the next hike will be.

For more information, see the Hike Muskegon Facebook Group

**********

Saturday, Nov 15- Ludington State Park

11:30 am
1 mile on paved trail
Meet at Hamlin Dam
Free

Learn the history of Ludington State Park. Meet at Hamlin Dam. 11:30 am. Approximately 1 mile on paved paths.

Once home to the old town of Hamlin and later improved upon by the CCC, the area has transformed over time in to a cherished destination for outdoor recreation and conservation.

Changes/cancellation will be announced two hours in advance at 231-843-2423

**********

Saturday, Nov 15- Ludington State Park

1 pm
1 mile on paved paths
Meet at the Beach House.
Free

Dune Ecology at Ludington State Park. Meet at the Lake Michigan Beach House. 1 pm. Approximately 1 mile on paved paths.

Explore the unique dune ecosystems on a guided hike with state park staff. Discover why the shifting sands create homes for some of the most unique plants and animals in Michigan and how they prepare for the cold weather.

Changes/cancellation will be announced two hours in advance at 231-843-2423

**********

Saturday, Nov 15- Rockford

Western Michigan Chapter NCTA
1:00 PM
paved White Pine Trail- out and back about 5 miles
Rockford City Parking
Free

For our November chapter hike, we'll enjoy a paved stretch of the Fred Meijer White Pine Trail from Rockford to Stegman Creek! Meet at the City of Rockford parking lot just north of Rockford Footwear Depot on Saturday, November 15, at 1:00 p.m. (note that this hike begins in the afternoon - not the morning like many of our monthly hikes).

For more information, contact Chris

**********

To have your quiet outdoor recreational event in West Michigan listed, contact Joan Young. They will be posted the Monday before the event.

These links are checked on the date of the article. As the article ages, some links may become invalid



To have your quiet outdoor recreational event in West Michigan listed, contact Joan Young. They will be posted the Monday before the event.

Go To www.getoffthecouchnews.blogspot.com for all the news
See Get Off The Couch

Events for the Week of Nov 3-9, 2025

NCT (photo provided by Chief Baw Beese Chapter NCTA)

compiled from various sources

I am attempting to build an actual calendar so that notices could be seen more than a few days in advance. Projected launch date: Nov 25

**********

Tuesday, Nov 4- Hike Muskegon regular hike
Muskegon area
11:00 AM
hike
See Facebook page
Free

The Hike Muskegon- West Michigan Parks group hikes every Tuesday and Saturday at 11:00 am (and occasionally other dates). Their destinations are posted only a couple of days ahead of time, so check the Facebook Group to find where the next hike will be.

For more information, see the Hike Muskegon Facebook Group

**********

Saturday, Nov 8- Land Conservancy of W Michigan Work Day
Rockford
9:00 AM
seed collection
10471 Six Mile Road, Rockford, MI
Free

Join the Land Conservancy of West Michigan as we collect seeds at Saul Lake Bog Nature Preserve to expand native grassland habitat across West Michigan!

For more info, contact The Land Conservancy of West Michigan

**********

Saturday, Nov 8- Chief Noonday Chapter NCTA Veteran's Day Hike
Battle Creek Area
9:15 AM
2.9 or 6-mile options
Mett at NE corner of Ft Custer Dr & E. Augusta Dr, Augusta, MI
Free

Meet at the kiosk on NE corner of Ft Custer Dr & E. Augusta Dr. Park safely off side of the road: 15001 Ft. Custer Dr., Augusta, Mi. 49012 Map coordinates 42.334981, -85.338367

Natural surface terrain including gorgeous wetlands with phenomenal boardwalk through Ft. Custer land just north of the Ft. Custer cemetery. These miles can be counted in the NCTA Hike 100 Challenge 2025, and the Chief Noonday Chapter’s 3 County Challenge. Both challenges award an annual patch. This guided group hike is FREE and open to all interested humans and leashed canines. POST HIKE MEETUP: Territorial Brewing Co., 1600 Avenue A, Springfield, Mi. 49037

For more info, contact The Chief Noonday Chapter

**********

Saturday, Nov 8- Chief Baw Beese Chapter NCTA Work Day
Hillsdale area
9:30 AM
trail work
Meet at trailhead on M-34 between Osseo and Hillsdale
Free

The Chief Baw Beese Chapter of the NCTA will be holding a trail work day.

Meet at trailhead parking area between Osseo and Hillsdale on M-34 at the connector trail by mile marker 1159. GPS: 41.877656, -84.526546

For more info, contact The Chief Baw Beese Chapter

**********

Sunday, Nov 9- Ludington State Park hike
Ludington State Park
2:00 PM
guided hike
Meet at the Hamlin Beach House
Free

On our trek, we'll dive into using trail maps to navigate your route, track your location, and gauge distances to your next stop. Plus, we'll uncover bits of the park's history and maybe stumble upon that historic cemetery near the Hamlin Beach parking area. Looking forward to hiking with you!

If an event is cancelled, there will be a message on the park's answering machine, 231-843-2343

**********

Saturday, Nov 8- Hike Muskegon regular hike
Muskegon area
11:00 AM
hike
See Facebook page
Free

The Hike Muskegon- West Michigan Parks group hikes every Tuesday and Saturday at 11:00 am (and occasionally other dates). Their destinations are posted only a couple of days ahead of time, so check the Facebook Group to find where the next hike will be.

For more information, see the Hike Muskegon Facebook Group

**********

To have your quiet outdoor recreational event in West Michigan listed, contact Joan Young. They will be posted the Monday before the event.

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Newaygo Man Writes Memoir of a Hiking Life

memoir cover and author (photo of Dale provided by Dale Painter)

written by JHY

Dale Painter shares a life of Standing in the Crossroads... Walking on Spirit-Led Pathways

Dale Painter and wife Kathy have lived most of their lives in the West Michigan area. In this 500-page book, filled with color photos, they share their trail and life adventures in Standing in the Crossroads... Walking on Spirit-Led Pathways.

As a young married couple, they backpacked across Europe, then returned to the U.S., finished school and began their life together as responsible adults, holding down "normal jobs." As their family grew, they chose to take theiir children, Matt and Heather, to the trail, to hike and learn together from being in the outdoors.

Early trips, mostly out west, were geared to be both challenging and satisfying for the children.

Their careers, after a number of traditional years, have been marked by intentional short-term positions involving missions, a summer camp, lighthouse managers, and more.

Eventually, as empty-nesters, Dale and Kathy began hiking the Pacific Crest Trail in sections.

They always found adventure and food for their souls. Dedicated Christians, the book has many Scripture passages sprinkled throughout the pages.

At some point, Dale discovered the North Country Trail, and has hiked all of its approximately 1200 miles in Michigan.

The book is written mostly in journal style. One might wish for a little more in-depth personal storytelling. For example, I would have liked more details about their feelings surrounding the difficult times. And it should have had one more editing pass (which he states will happen before the second printing). However, it's definitely an enjoyable read, especially for those who are interested in trail life.

Dale has chosen to donate all the proceeds to the North Country Trail Association. To order a copy, email Dale Painter (brickpainter@yahoo.com), and request a book. It will come with a donation envelope enclosed. He suggests a $25 gift to the NCTA.

Dale also gives media presentations about his hikes, which I have seen and enjoyed. See paragraph above for how to contact him.

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NCT Hillsdale County Data Book Available

sign near the Michigan/Ohio border on the North Country Trail (photo by jhy)

by jhy

Because the portion of the North Country Trail in southeast Michigan is often considered to be impossible to hike unsupported, my first effort at creating a data book was directed toward this area. What I learned is that if you hike between September 11 to May 14 (when it is legal to camp in the Lost Nation State Game Area- or any Michigan SGA), and are willing to pay for an occasional motel, you can easily make it through Hillsdale County.

In fact, if you continue north, you would probably need someone to serve as a trail angel in Homer, Michigan, but that is the only stop it would be impossible to find legal lodging at reasonable hiking-day intervals. By reasonable, I mean under 15 miles. If you are willing to hike 22 miles, you can make it from the Litchfield Village campsite to the city of Albion, in Calhoun County.

This data sheet is the first of what I hope will become a series for Michigan, but there is no projected timeline for completion. This is an entirely volunteer effort, and my time and resources are limited. It includes a basic guide, mileages, water sources, lodging options, other resources, land ownership, and USGS topo quads.

It is presented along with the fledgling web site that is another of my unrealistic projects, www.exploreNCT.info. This site is added to as I have time and inspiration, but I hope to grow it into a fun and valuable resource.

You can find the link to the Hillsdale County data book under Hillsdale County on the Lower Michigan page. See ExploreNCT Lower Michigan

I hope you might check out the other pages that are currently available on the site, even if they are currently few.

See ExploreNCT
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NCT Maps Updates Change Mile Mark Numbers

segment of online NCT interactive maps

The North Country Trail Association's online, interactive maps to the trail have become an "overnight" hit. More and more, I hear people communicating with others about meeting locations, or defining segments by referring to the mile marker numbers.

This is a good thing, but can lead to misunderstandings, if one does not realize that these numbers can change. This is the beauty of the interactive maps, given that there is still a lot of work to do to get all of the trail off road. But it can also be problematic.

For example, the NCTA just published this information. "We're releasing a new round of updates for the North Country Trail in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan. Included in this round of updates - for the first time - are new maps that cover the NCT in Pennsylvania's Butler, Clarion and Venango Counties. These updates COMPLETE the section maps for the NCT in Pennsylvania, totaling just over 280 miles. The updates in Wisconsin and Michigan represent both trail relocations and improvements in trail data. In all cases, these updates have caused the half-mile waypoints to shift statewide in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan."

Each state is divided into half-mile segments, beginning at the western end of the trail in the state. Michigan's mile 0.0 is at the western end of the Upper Peninsula on Lake Road, just east of Wisconsin's mile 210.5. Whenever, the route changes, all the numbers in that state which are higher than the location of the change will automatically shift to reflect the change.

Personally, I've fallen victim to updates twice in the past 3 months. One person gave directions using the mile numbers, but by the time I needed to find those locations, the numbers had shifted a bit. Our most recent chapter hike began at Highbanks Rollway. Publicity was sent out listing this as mile 754, but by the week of the hike it had shifted to mile 755. Just be aware that these changes can and will occur.

Just to be on the safe side, be sure that if a critical meeting is involved, you describe the location in "traditional" terms in addition to giving a mile number.

Just remember, number shifts are a good thing, because they almost always mean more miles off road, or a the selection of a better route.

based on information from the North Country Trail Association

See North Country Trail maps
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North Country Trail Section Hikers Over 2600 Miles

Dan and Ruth Dorrough in the Manistee National Forest (photo by jhy)

by Joan H. Young

A retired couple from Canandaigua, New York, has been working on a section hike of the North Country Trail. Dan and Ruth Dorrough had previously hiked small pieces of the 4600-mile trail, which goes from New York to North Dakota, but they've been working continuously on their quest since May. They've only taken one day off in three months. So far, they have walked over 2600 miles, covering everything from the New York-Vermont border to Hodenpyl Dam at the north end of the Manistee National Forest, and the Spirit of the Woods Chapter's section, in Michigan.

I had the pleasure of hiking with them for a day and a half this week. I'd previously known Dan and Ruth from the annual North Country Trail Association conferences, but never in any depth. Dan is a computer programmer, and Ruth retired this year from nursing administration. They agree that the hiking lifestyle is addictive. "It's just become our way of life," Ruth said.

They have backpacked when necessary, but prefer day hikes, usually covering 10-15 miles a day. They get set for each day by spotting a vehicle at their end points. One vehicle is a van, which also serves as a camper for overnights.

After one more hiking day, they'll head back home for some weeks with family before returning to Duluth for the NCTA Trail Fest in August. They plan to hike some additional miles this fall, after the meetings.

Today, we covered 12 miles of trail between Upper River Road and Highbridge. That section roughly follows the Manistee River. Several small thunderstorms kept us on our toes, but they also cooled us and settled the mosquitoes. One temporary detour takes the trail on a Forest Road, with a nice view of the Manistee River.

Manistee River (photo by jhy)

Dan and Ruth have been quietly hiking along, more or less keeping their goal to hike the whole trail a secret. But the cat's out of the bag now! They said some of their biggest challenges have been to simply find the trail in areas which have been poorly maintained. It's a sad truth that it doesn't take long for things to fall into disrepair if trail is not adopted by volunteers, and the results are terribly discouraging to people attempting to hike through.

The couple are also Finger Lakes Trail End-to-Enders, including all of the branch trails. They couldn't remember exactly when they discovered a love for hiking. The Bristol Branch of the FLT is near their home, and they started walking there, then just kept going. They agreed that the Finger Lakes Trail county hike series (group hikes which complete a county a year) helped them on their way.

I promised them more hills and views in northern Michigan than they'd seen in the southern part of the state. "I don't miss the hills at all," Ruth quipped. Somehow, I only half believe her. The FLT is just one hill after another. They'd never have made it this far if they hate hills. And they certainly are on track to finish the NCT next year.

Dan and Ruth Dorrough, Joan Young (photo by jhy)

Over dinner we agreed we were more than pleased to get to know each other better. It doesn't require the energy of youth to hike a long trail, it just takes persistence.

See North Country Trail Association
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The 500-Mile Summer- An NCT Sampler

Young at overlook on Border Route Trail

if you like this article, click the Blip chiclet!
by JHY

Joan Young will share photos and adventures from her hikes on the North Country Trail during 2009. From May through October she hiked 500 miles, some in Minnesota, Michigan, and Ohio. The trail sections covered included the rugged northern Minnesota Arrowhead, and the long connection from Ely to Grand Rapids, MN. Many of the miles were traveled with friends, but about 175 were hiked solo. Some was backpacked, and some "slack-packed."

She will be giving the program twice in the coming weeks, beginning with the Tuesday (Nov 10) meeting of the Spirit of the Woods Chapter of the North Country Trail Association. Beginning at 6:00 pm, at the Lake Bluff Audubon House, 2890 Lakeshore Road, Manistee, the program will follow a very short business meeting.

The second showing will be at the Spirit of the Woods Conservation Club, Wednesday November 18, 7:30pm. The Conservation Club meets at their Clubhouse north of Brethren, Michigan.

Young is poised to become the first woman to hike the entire NCT. She plans to hike the final mile of her trek on August 3, 2010, at the Boor property near Petoskey, Michigan. She invites anyone who would like to celebrate with her to join her on that date.

Contact Joan Young
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Traverse City Hiker Striving for 1000 Miles

Marilyn Hoogstraten (photo by JHY)

if you like this article, click the Blip chiclet!
by JHY

Marilyn Hoogstraten of Traverse City is on a mission to hike 1000 miles of the North Country National Scenic Trail. And she is well on her way toward that goal. I met up with her today at Timber Creek, on US 10 west of Baldwin, Michigan, and hiked along for a couple of miles.

"I had always dreamed of hiking the Appalachian Trail," Marilyn explained. "But here I am in Michigan, and the NCT is right here. I decided it was time to do it." She has set as her first goal to hike all of the trail in Michigan. So far she's done about 450 miles in the Lower Peninsula, and 25 in the Upper. Her plan is to complete the LP before winter sets in.

She is a member of the Grand Traverse Hikers Club (a chapter of the North Country Trail Association), and has spent a lot of time working on the trail, so she appreciates a well-tended pathway. Today she was hiking from US 10 to 96th St, at the Lake/Newaygo County line. Within that section she will make use of the new Sterling Marsh boardwalk.

Rather than hiking a continuous route, Marilyn has done sections wherever she could work out the logistics, keeping track of what she has completed and what is yet to do. Often she hikes with friends who help her with car spotting, as well as provide companionship.

See Infected by the H1-K1-NG Bug for more
See Marilyn's Journal
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Newaygo County Sports Park Hike

a guest post by Dave Goodman

On Saturday, July 18, 5 hikers and a dog gathered at Newaygo County Sports Park on M-37 north of Newaygo, MI. The plan was to hike north to something called a "coastal marsh" even though none of us really knew how a wetland with such a name could be so far inland from Lake Michigan. We were about to find out!!

By coincidence, the Newaygo County Board of Commissioners was holding a dedication ceremony at the same time for recent renovations and developments in this park, including permitting the NCTA to build a spur trail that connects to the main North Country Trail nearby. Before the requisite speeches, I mentioned this hike to the commissioner who was going to speak, and at the end of his re marks, he let the small, gathered crowd know that they could come on our sort-of-dedication hike.

As a result one hiker, Cindy, the daughter of the man the park's John Graves lodge is named for, joined us. So 6 hikers gathered behind the lodge which is atop a hill overlooking Little Lake Placid. We then proceeded down the new trail as it wound it's way down the steep hillside to the lake, then across the sledding hill and disused toboggan runs which were iced in the winter to provide for a FAST experience. Cindy took this opportunity to tell us how, as a child, she and her sister would spend entire winter days at the Sports Park, which also offered a rope tow for skiing. After perhaps a mile, we reached the main North Country Trail, and here Cindy returned to the park, while Teresa Two Feathers from this board turned right and east on the NCT, heading for Croton Dam 9 miles away.

We four remaining group hikers turned left, immediately crossing M-37, and hiked north about 2 miles, desperately seeking wetlands but finding yummy blueberries (where a yellowjacket also found my finger...OUCH) north to a sign that explains the large coastal wetland that spread out before us. We explored this special environment, following it for a quarter of mile along the road that edges it, yet it continues into the forest well out of sight, so it's quite sizable. At first glance from dry land, it doesn't look wet at all, rather it looks like a grassy field, a misconception dispelled by my walk a short way into the wetland itself, where the ground is slightly spongy. However, we did find a spot that had some open water even in July. Zeke the wonder dog decided to check this out for himself but retreated in the face of the mud at the marsh edge.

Returning, we passed the trail register where on one of her earlier hikes in this area Two Feathers had left some plastic "flatware" as a form of trail magic. We also stayed on the main NCT past a view of Twinwood Lake from a hill, then it was the back way in to the Sports Park and back up the winding hillside trail to John Graves Lodge.

See Newaygo County Tourism
See North Country Trail
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National Trails Day at Blacksmith Bayou

blacksmith Darla Selander displays her wrought iron works (photo by O Young)

by JHY

Blacksmith Bayou, south of Brethren, rang with the sounds of a blacksmith's hammer today as local smith, Darla Selander, demonstrated her skill. She brought a portable forge salvaged from a farmer's field and restored to working order.

hikers preparing for a trek (photo by O Young)

The event was sponsored by the Spirit of the Woods Chapter of the North Country Trail Association. Blacksmith Bayou National Forest Campground is less than a half mile from the North Country Trail and is easily reached via a spur trail. Just below the campground the trail crosses Leitch Bayou where the club has done considerable work on bridges, puncheon, benching and treadway in the past several years.

Hikes on this day headed north through an interpreted section of the trail to High Bridge. High Bridge was a trestle crossing of the Manistee River by the former Pere Marquette Railroad.

See North Country Trail
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Conservation Club to Feature Arlen Matson

Arlen Matson (photo by J Young)

from the Spirit of the Woods Conservation Club

Monday evening, February 16, Arlen Matson of Traverse City will share excerpts from his book The Adventures of Anderson. The book recounts the outdoor exploits of three young men in the Upper Peninsula in the years following WWII.

Matson will also share about the new Hodenpyl segment of the North Country Trail which extends nearly into the village of Mesick.

The meeting begins at 7:30, and will take place at the Conservation Clubhouse, west of Brethren. From M-55 turn north on Highbridge Road through Brethren. North of Brethren turn west on Coates Highway. (This is not directly across from the east turn on Coates!) In just over a mile you will see the sign to turn left to the Spirit of the Woods Conservation Clubhouse, before crossing Bear Creek.

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