North Country Trail: Middleville State Game Area and Lowell

February 27-28, 2016

Of all the national scenic trails, I have currently hiked the most miles on the North Country Trail, a 4600 mile 

trail from North Dakota to New York (soon Vermont). Whether it be beautiful segments in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (Border Route Trail, Kekekabic Trail), along Lake Superior's beautiful shoreline (Superior Hiking Trail, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore), or in Michigan's Lower Peninsula (Manistee River, Jordan River Pathway), the NCT has provided exceptional backpacking opportunities.

With a travel PT job in southwest Michigan, I have had the opportunity to complete much of the established NCT in southern Michigan.   While much of the NCT in southern Michigan includes lengthy road walks, there are still many excellent sections of trail.

This weekend included hikes in the Middleville State Game Area, Trout Unlimted Property by the Coldwater River, and surrounding the Lowell Area. 

I began the hike in the southern end of the Middleville State Game Area.  There was quite a bit of snow.

There were tracks in the snow and I soon met a hunter heading back to his vehicle.

Soon there was only fresh snow in front of me, no more tracks to follow.

There was a scenic frozen pond near the trail.

There was excellent maps along the trail.

I completed a short road walk.

The trail went under a snow tunnel.

The trail followed a gated road to Parmalee Road, making for easier hiking.

The trail went over a small stream.

I reached Parmalee Road and turned around.

A small pond across Parmalee Road.

I turned around and began my return journey.  A snowmobile passed me.

I had my own tracks to follow as I returned.

Soon I was back at the trailhead.

I headed north toward Lowell.  On the way I stopped at the NCT by the Coldwater River.  The section is not fully complete with a dead end.

The trail offers a scenic hike beside the Coldwater River.

I went past a pond with some nice reflections.

Coldwater River

I reached the end of the trail where it ran into a side stream.

I looked on the other side to make sure the trail did not continue.

I turned around and started hiking back.

Soon I was back at the road.

I walked to the bridge over the Coldwater River for a nice view.

Then I drove the lengthy road walk to Lowell.  I decided to start Fallasburg Park near the disc golf course and hike south.

The bridge over the flat river.

It was a scenic hike by the river.

I completed a wet and muddy road walk but there was a great view of a bend in the Flat River.

There was a small waterfall near someone's house.

Soon I was back on the trail in the Lowell State Game Area.

The trail climbed up to a nice view of the Flat River through the trees.

By this time, there was some evening light on the trees.

I came to a road walk.  The sun shown perfectly on the NCT marker.

The roadwork was short and soon I was back on the trail. I began to look for a place to camp.

I found a spot in an old power line clearing. I pushed most the snow out of the way and set up camp.

I slept well and stayed warm.  I awoke early and begin a quick day-hike into Lowell, leaving much of gear where I camped.

The trail went over to a steep ridge on the edge of the river.

Soon I came out to the road and in a short distance entered Lowell.

I came to the riverwalk with many nice views.

I walked a short distance over to the NCTA headquarters and NPS office.

Back on the trail, I continued along the Flat River.

Soon I came to the Grand River.

I reached the end of established trail in Lowell.

I continued up on the bridge over the Grand River for a nice view.

I took a quick break near the bridge for a snack.

I stayed on the edge of the Grand River until it reached where the Flat River joins it.

Then I rejoined the NCT.

Back at Oakwood Cemetery.

Then I was back on the ridge near the Flat River.

I retrieved my pack and other gear.  I decided to try out my new Kahtoola Microspikes as the trail was somewhat slippery. They worked well.

Soon I was back at the overlook of the Flat River.

Then the scenic views from the road walk.

I took a short side trip to see the Fallasburg Covered Bridge.  On the way I passed several other historic buildings.

Covered Bridge

Back on the NCT

Soon I was back where I had started at Fallasburg Park, but I had left another mile on the other side of the river.

I crossed over the river on the pedestrian bridge.

No one had been on the trail on the other side of the river.

It was a pleasant walk with a great view of the river.

The trail climbed back up to the road with a rock staircase.

I took a break at the top of the ridge.

Then I headed back.

Flat River

the trailhead

Another hike on the NCT was complete.