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Post by coloray13 on Feb 3, 2018 18:04:32 GMT -8
Hello,
I am looking to do a 40-mile backpacking trip this spring/summer and would like a couple recommendations. The difficult thing is that I’d like to stay with a 6-8 hour drive of Chicago suburbs. I’ve done the Current River section of the Ozark Trail. Now, I’m debating between the North Country Trail (Pictured Rocks section) or a loop in the Porcupine Wilderness Area. Im open to other recommendations. First and foremost, I’m looking for solitude and scenery (waterfalls, lakes, rivers, etc.). River/creek fords are also acceptable. It should be 3 or 4 of us going.
Thanks for all your thoughts! ~Happy trails!
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null
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Post by null on Feb 4, 2018 2:33:23 GMT -8
Isle Royale might work for you.
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driftwoody
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Post by driftwoody on Feb 4, 2018 5:41:35 GMT -8
The Grand Loop in the Porkies is a little under 40 miles and takes 3.5 days. You'll encounter crowds at The Lake of the Clouds overlook, and you'll encounter some hikers in the backcountry. One of the 3 campsites will be on the shore of Lake Superior between The Big and Little Carp rivers. That area can be crowded on a prime weekend. The waterfalls at the west end of the park are a very worthwhile dayhike loop of about 2 miles.
You might want to explore other options if solitude is a high priority. However, if you're a backpacker living in Chicagoland as I am, you cannot live your life without backpacking in the Porkies. Peak color is usually around the first weekend of October. Flies and mosquitoes can be terrible earlier in the year.
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driftwoody
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Post by driftwoody on Feb 4, 2018 10:33:05 GMT -8
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Hungry Jack
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Post by Hungry Jack on Feb 5, 2018 9:24:59 GMT -8
Shoreline Trail at Pictured Rocks is 42 miles of boreal bliss. Outstanding scenery. You leave your car at the east trailhead at Munising Falls visitor center outside Munising, take the Altran shuttle to the west TH at Grand Sable visitor center, and walk back. I have done this four times now. It never gets old.
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Hungry Jack
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Post by Hungry Jack on Feb 5, 2018 9:28:01 GMT -8
I can give some Shawnee options if you are looking at a late March trip, before it bugs out. With some good routefinding skills and a taste for adventure, you can see some amazing terrain down there.
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driftwoody
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Post by driftwoody on Feb 5, 2018 10:33:23 GMT -8
Shoreline Trail at Pictured Rocks is 42 miles of boreal bliss. Outstanding scenery. You leave your car at the east trailhead at Munising Falls visitor center outside Munising, take the Altran shuttle to the west TH at Grand Sable visitor center, and walk back. I have done this four times now. It never gets old. Just be sure to reserve your backcountry campsites well in advance. I neglected to do that last time I was there. You have to reserve a month or more in advance, or the day you start your trek. I was lucky to get the last available spot at Chapel Rock, but that is probably the most popular campsite.
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Hungry Jack
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Post by Hungry Jack on Feb 5, 2018 10:46:02 GMT -8
Shoreline Trail at Pictured Rocks is 42 miles of boreal bliss. Outstanding scenery. You leave your car at the east trailhead at Munising Falls visitor center outside Munising, take the Altran shuttle to the west TH at Grand Sable visitor center, and walk back. I have done this four times now. It never gets old. Just be sure to reserve your backcountry campsites well in advance. I neglected to do that last time I was there. You have to reserve a month or more in advance, or the day you start your trek. I was lucky to get the last available spot at Chapel Rock, but that is probably the most popular campsite. What time of year was this? I encountered a similar situation in September, and on another trip had the park completely to myself in early October.
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driftwoody
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Post by driftwoody on Feb 5, 2018 10:51:10 GMT -8
What time of year was this? 2nd weekend of September 2016. I was just taking a leisurely loop which included the scenic stretch from Mosquito to Chapel.
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Hungry Jack
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Post by Hungry Jack on Feb 5, 2018 11:23:29 GMT -8
What time of year was this? 2nd weekend of September 2016. I was just taking a leisurely loop which included the scenic stretch from Mosquito to Chapel. September is definitely high season there, for good reason: warm lake waters, fewer bugs, fall colors. I think visitation is sparse most other months.
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Post by coloray13 on Feb 5, 2018 14:17:36 GMT -8
Thanks. I am looking to go sometime in May or June. Anytime after that is a no-go for me. Do you think there are huge crowds in Pictured Rocks then?
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Hungry Jack
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Post by Hungry Jack on Feb 5, 2018 20:21:13 GMT -8
Thanks. I am looking to go sometime in May or June. Anytime after that is a no-go for me. Do you think there are huge crowds in Pictured Rocks then? No. I cannot imagine crowds at that time. A local told me that in some years Munising harbor has ice into May. Lake Superior will be quite cold through June, most likely.
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driftwoody
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Post by driftwoody on Feb 6, 2018 3:46:00 GMT -8
If there is a window in the spring between ice and bugs, that would be the time to go if you can't go in the fall.
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Post by Coolkat on Feb 7, 2018 9:06:04 GMT -8
This is an awesome choice if you haven't done it. If you're going to do this I'd do before schools are out (usually end of may). The earlier the better so won't have to deal bugs. Cold or not you won't be disappointed. That early you also shouldn't have to fight too hard for campsites.
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Post by Campfires&Concierges on Feb 8, 2018 17:25:29 GMT -8
I would go with Pictured Rocks - the scenery is killer.
Sylvania Wilderness is a cool spot, more for paddlers, but I've backpacked there and enjoyed it. Same with the Boundary Waters - I don't think the hiking trails see much traffic. (I've only paddled there, not backpacked)
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