Backpacking in Michigan

When I first moved to the state, I found this book to be a really great resource for finding the most popular backpacking spots in Michigan. The parking and camping spot information has been pretty accurate for me even though the book was written awhile ago. It would be cool to see an updated website of resources as a companion to the book

I've had fun using this to discover new hiking spots in Michigan as well as marking off the ones I've done. It's been like a log book to me. It's an easy way to get a general idea for a day or weekend hike before researching the area more and coming up with a game plan. It has the more popular tourist hiking areas in it versus the more unknown spots. But there were a few I was surprised to see in there. I think this is a good book for someone looking to get to know the State's many corners a little bit better and get a good heads up about the kinds of trails Michigan has to offer. It's not all flat farm land after all!

As someone who wanted to get more into backpacking but was having a hard time finding detailed information online, book is everything I was looking for and then some. It offers descriptions of different trails, maps, planned out itineraries for each day of the hike, and some key highlights for each adventure. There is also a nifty chart comparing the details of every hike, making it super easy to compare them or find a hike quickly at a glance. After feeling overwhelmed trying to track down enough information to properly plan a trip, this book gave me exactly what I needed to be able to get out there and start adventuring!

A must-have for anyone hiking around Michigan.

DuFresne knows Michigan and thoroughly covers all the best trails- Upper Penninsula as well as the Lower. The guide is detailed and informative with topo maps of all the trails as well as access points, difficulty, hiking time and mileage break-downs along every trail. Though certainly geared towards backpackers, he also includes info., when possible, for family outings and day hike options. I really like how he breaks down all the trails extensively. If you're planning on hiking or backpacking in Michigan, get this book. This is the 3rd book of his I've bought and I'd buy anything the guy has to sell- great book.

Thus far, I have yet to try out some of the interesting hikes as described by Jim. Those places I've explored that he has written about are accurate. I can't wait to try the hikes that are closer to home than I realized. I like that they are graded by level so I can trek on my own on the more difficult ones, leaving the easier jaunts to explore with my husband - which will keep him open to trying more. :) I like the style of writing, too. I wish I could have written a similar book documenting my own travels...

So far my friends and I have completed 1-2 of these trips. The descriptions are top notch and the suggestions are spot on. The guide is very helpful and put together so well that we intend on completing all the hikes contained in the guide. The only issue I have is a lack of hikes in the southwest side of the state.

Great book for michiganders that are just getting into hiking and seeing how much Michigan has to offer