Hiking to Mount LeConte Lodge

Nestled high up in the Smoky Mountains is Mount LeConte Lodge. Named after the peak that is sits on, the lodge is only accessible by foot. Mount LeConte Lodge offers tremendous panoramic views of the Smoky Mountain National park and since one must hike at least a few hours to access the lodge, it is …

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Kayaking From Beaver Island to Hog Island

After enjoying ourselves and learning so much from Ken Bruland of Inland Seas School of Kayaking, we decided to return the following year and take more lessons and explore more of Beaver Island. (note: Ken has since retired and the school is now closed) On this trip to Beaver Island, we took advanced classes covering …

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Kayaking Beaver Island

“Look, there’s a kayak school in the middle of Lake Michigan!” I said to my wife. We were looking for something to do for our summer vacation and I had often wondered what Beaver Island had to offer. I had seen the island on the map before and wondered what was there. So after a …

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Backpacking North Manitou Island

backpacking north manitou island

UPDATE – The ferry to North Manitou is running again after being shut down due to COVID-19 in 2020. Introduction Be sure to check out Things to do on North Manitou Island as well as Things to see on North Manitou Island. Backpacking North Manitou Island Located 8 miles offshore from Lake Michigan’s Sleeping Bear …

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