If you’re from Michigan, and you have even a mild interest in hiking and backpacking, there is but one book you need to read: Backpacking in Michigan by Jim DuFresne.  When I first began hiking I purchased the earlier version of this book and fell in love with it.  There are so many trails around Michigan that most Michiganders have never even heard of.

This book begins with a few valuable hints and tips that every backpacker should know, and is tailored to Michigan specifically.  After the quick course on backpacking, he leads into numerically organized trail maps and descriptions.  The trails range from populated areas of the lower peninsula, to desolate areas of the upper peninsula.  Each section contains a trail map with symbols placed on every important location of interest.  The maps also have distances placed from leg to leg, and a recommended route based on how many days you wish to spend hiking it.

At the beginning of every trail description there is a summary which includes total distance, days required to hike, and general difficulty.  DO NOT be fooled by the difficulty ratings.  I assure you from personal experience, just because it says “Moderate” difficulty, does not mean it won’t kick your butt.

I recommend this book to everyone who ever plans to hike in Michigan, on either upper or lower peninsulas.  His descriptions paint an accurate picture of what you are to expect, without giving away the feelings and emotions associated with actually being out on the trail.  Enjoy this book!  I know I have!

Rating:

Share on Facebook

Comments are closed.