March 19, 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.
During the weekend of March 19 and 20 I was able to complete hikes on three separate sections of the NCT: White Pine Trail State Park, Rogue River State Game Area, and Cannon Township Trail.
I started with a scenic portion of Michigan's second longest rail trail, the White Pine Trail. I started from the Russell Road Staging Area and hiked south.
The trail went under M-57.
I could see a small lake through the trees.
There was a bridge of Shaw Creek.
Then I came to a platform above the Rouge River.
I descended to the river for a better view.
As I neared Rockford the river became larger.
The was a nice boardwalk on the other side of the river.
I reached Rockford and enjoyed the view.
I began my return journey.
As I crossed a bridge I saw a pair of geese swimming underneath me.
There was a swan enjoying a peaceful morning.
I took a quick detour to see the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad Culvert that the trail goes over.
Soon I was back to where I started, but I continued north a short distance to Indian Lakes Road NE.
The trail crossed a small stream.
This was a nice hike. Some day I hope to bike more of the the White Pine Trail.
No comments:
Post a Comment