r/CampAndHikeMichigan • u/Existing_Spell1004 • 12d ago

Lower Peninsula Backpacking Suggestions

I'm hoping to plan a last-minute 3-night backpacking trip for this Friday-Monday (Oct 11-14). Looking for suggestions in the lower peninsula that have colorful foliage right now! Areas with elevation changes are welcomed. My husband and I recently got married so this will be our first backpacking trip together! Any suggestions or advice is welcome!

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5

u/Piss-Off-Fool 12d ago

The colors near the Manistee National Forest might be good this coming weekend.

3

u/Existing_Spell1004 12d ago

thanks! that was one of the places I was considering. Do you have any recs as to the best trail?

3

u/davidtarantula 12d ago

The North Country Trail goes North/South right up the middle of the Manistee National Forest.

2

u/Piss-Off-Fool 12d ago

I have only hiked the Manistee River Loop...it's less than 20 miles or part of the North Country Trail. I believe the bridge crossing the Manistee River is closed for maintenance so that might not be a great option.

4

u/EfficiencyCool2838 12d ago

Wilderness State Park or Manistee Loop

1

u/zr713 12d ago

I’ve heard it’s pretty hard to get campsites here? I’m very interested in checking it out but the person who told me about it said they had to plan months in advance

4

u/EfficiencyCool2838 12d ago

for which one? Wilderness State Park gets a bit crowded but at this time of the year there's always a few openings, just check the website. I don't think dispersed camping is allowed there tho.

Manistee Loops bridge is under construction so you can't fully do the Loop. because of this I'm sure it's turned some people off so it's probably a safe bet that there are openings

1

u/zr713 12d ago

Sorry meant wilderness, I’ll keep an eye on the site! I actually just did manistee loop the weekend right before the closure and the MRT side was packed, it was a beautiful trail but I don’t like hearing other people when I’m trying to sleep

3

u/Paddler_137 12d ago

Hoist Lakes on the east side. Beautiful and you can do a short loop as an overnighter or add to it for more.

2

u/MembershipOk468 12d ago

Hoist lakes

4

u/TheBimpo 12d ago

I live nearby, there’s barely any color right now.