Photo: Corey Rich your Great activities in state parks

what BEFORE YOU GO Tips for a better trip: State parks offer a full, diverse menu of close-to-home adventures. You can • Let someone know where you’re going visit for a few hours, a whole day or stay and when to expect you home. overnight and savor everything these public lands have to offer. This guide • Invite a friend: Share the fun and help is full of ideas and activities to get you spread your love of nature by inviting started. No matter what activity you someone to join you on your adventure. choose, there are a few simple tips to ensure you have the most fun possible: • Bring your camera, a sketch pad or a journal to record all the fun • Look at the weather report. Make sure memories of your visit. Share you have all the clothing and gear you’ll them with others and inspire them need so there are no surprises once to enjoy state parks with you. you get to the park.

For more information: state parks Why State Parks? Just out your doorstep are dozens of and family and introduce your children unique places that are yours to explore to the wonders of public lands through and enjoy. Recreational facilities, hiking visiting state parks. trails, historical landmarks, lakes, rivers, wildlife preserves, beaches and Use this guide to learn about fun forests—they belong to you! Why is activities that are nearby at your state that? Because they’re part of our public parks. These are just some of the great lands, our unique state parks system. recreational opportunities that are offered. What are you waiting for? There’s no better way to easily connect Get out and explore! with nature, get some exercise in the outdoors, learn something new or just READY TO FIND A PARK NEAR YOU? Head relax, than visiting your local . to www.exploreyourparks.com and type in your zip code to discover the state Let’s keep state parks healthy and parks closest to you. You can also search available for future generations too. You by your favorite activity and find special can do that by visiting often and taking events to attend. full advantage of the unique qualities of state parks, which are so vital to our country’s heritage. You can also spread Check out our Park Finder at the word to others, invite your friends www.exploreyourparks.com Camping 101

Tips for New Campers: Gear Essentials: Imagine eating s’mores and telling • A tent that will shield you from the stories around a campfire. Observe a wind, sun and rain. shooting star flash across the sky. This is just part of what makes camping so • A sleeping bag and sleeping pad/air magical. Here are a few tips to make mattress. your first camping trip the best: • Clothing and raingear (consider the • Arrive well before dusk to set up worst possible weather). camp in daylight. • A flashlight and/or lantern with extra • Pack food that’s easily prepared batteries. outdoors on a grill or camp stove. • A first-aid kit, sunscreen, insect • Practice setting up your tent at home repellent. to make sure you have all the necessary parts. Test your mattress • A map and compass/GPS for for leaks. exploring.

• Follow the campground rules for • A multi-tool. campfires, pets, alcohol and quiet hours. • Activities (books, games, camera). camp Reserve a Campsite Unroll your sleeping bag and see more of • To make a reservation online, visit Flip Over for The North Face’s what your parks have to offer. When you www.midnrreservations.com, or call picks for the camp, you really have time to unwind, 1-800-447-2757. best local separate from urban life and explore camping spots every facet of nature -- day and night. • Campsite reservations may be made as early as six months in advance of arrival. what

Essential Tips Leave No Trace • Keep your essentials safe. Use a 1. Plan ahead and prepare.

wide-mouthed water bottle to hold 2. Leave what you find. CENTER FOR OUTDOOR ETHICS those things you must keep dry: 3. Dispose of waste properly. matches, cell phone, ID and extra 4. Minimize campfire impacts. small batteries. 5. Respect wildlife. Observe from a • Make sure your first-aid kit is up to date distance. and includes any prescription meds you 6. Travel and camp on durable surfaces. need as well as emergency contact info 7. Be considerate of other visitors.

Photo: J I MM Y C HI N and health alerts such as drug allergies. For more info: www.lnt.org Muskallonge Lake State Park Camp

Flip Over for Muskallonge Lake camping tips from Harrisville State Park State Park The North Face Harrisville, MI 48740 Newberry, MI 49868 (989) 724-5126 (906) 658-3338 Harrisville State Park, situated on the The 217-acre Muskallonge Lake shore of , is within a short State Park sits between the shores of drive of several popular area attractions, Lake Superior and Muskallonge Lake including the Sturgeon Point Lighthouse in an area known for its forests, lakes and Museum. Campers can rent bicycles and streams. Historic forts and the in the park and head for the town of Father Marquette National Memorial Harrisville to enjoy the art exhibits and and Museum are excellent destinations summer concert series at the harbor. for day trips. The 159 campsites offer At the park campers can enjoy metal electrical service, modern restrooms detecting, swimming and hiking. The park and a playground. A swimming beach is has 195 modern campsites, some with located in the campground, and fishing 50-amp service, as well as rental cabins and hiking trails are nearby. and a lodge.

Directions: From Sault Sainte Marie, take I-75 Directions: From Mio travel east on M-72 approx. south toward St. Ignace. Take Exit 386 for 12 miles; turn south onto M-65/M-72 and drive M-28 toward Newberry; travel 53.3 miles to about 7 miles; turn east on M-72; go approx. 22 M-28; exit on to M-123; travel to CR-407. miles to US-23 to Harrisville State Park. WH ERE what

Bike enough room and time to adjust to you. enough room and time to horses.Use special care when passing in which you your ability and the area are riding and prepare accordingly. protective gear are highly recommended are highly recommended protective gear for all riders. more safer, a you will have prepared, experience. enjoyable IMBA has clubs and chapters in all 50 states IMBA has clubs and chapters in all 50 states countries. Go to IMBA.com for more and many information. equipment, 6. Plan Ahead: Know your • helmets and equipment such as Safety come if you outdoor adventure, • any Like

rail road closures. dirt and vegetation. environment, trails. wet Avoid limits. to let your fellow trail users know coming. you’re more information in our parks. on biking

Get Rolling! Get rail paths, of our parks bike offer Many as well trails, bike trails and mountain roads that are ideal for as quiet paved two wheels. exploring on for • Visitwww.michigan.gov/dnr T IMBA Rules of the trail and Respect 1. Ride Open Trails: to the Be sensitive No Trace: 2. Leave Ride within your Bicycle: 3. Control Your your utmost 4. Yield Appropriately: Do animals Scare Animals: Give 5. Never

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s biking spot r Flip Over for picks for ce’s The North Fa Pinckney Recreation Area Bike Kal-Haven Trail State Park

Pinckney Recreation Area Flip Over for Kal-Haven Trail State Park biking tips from Pinckney, MI 48169 The North Face Van Buren County Road Commission (734) 426-4913 Lawrence, MI 49064 (269) 674-8011 The Pinckney Recreation Area is a paradise for backpackers, mountain Travel through small towns, wooded areas bikers, anglers and other recreation and historical points of interest along enthusiasts. Over 40 miles of multi-use the Kal-Haven Trail. The 33-mile rail trail trails with remote campsites afford a connects Kalamazoo and South Haven in backcountry experience. Some 20 miles southwestern Michigan. It is a preferred of the trails can be used for mountain destination for hiking, biking, cross-country biking, hiking and horseback riding. skiing and snowmobiling. An 11-mile Waterloo-Pinckney Trail winds 13 miles parallel section allows horses. through the Pinckney Recreation Area and continues for another 22 miles Directions: For Kalamazoo trailhead, take US-31 through the Waterloo Recreation Area. west to M-43. Go west on M-43 and north on 10th Street. For the South Haven trailhead, take Directions: From Ann Arbor travel I-94 west; I-196 to exit 22 (North Shore Drive) and go west take Exit 167 north to Baker Road toward to the blinking light (Blue Star or A2); go south Dexter; turn east onto Baker Road; turn north on Blue Star/A2 , turn right (west) on Wells onto Main St. (name changes to Dexter Street, then right (north) on Baily Street to the Pinckney Road); turn west on N. Territorial park entrance. Road; turn north onto Dexter-Townhall Road. WH ERE HIKE Hiking Basics Wear comfortable shoes: If your feet If you have kids hiking with you or carry a aren’t happy, you won’t be happy! heavy backpack, plan more time per mile. Make sure you wear shoes with plenty of support, deep tread and • To maximize comfort and balance, pack weatherproofing. Wool or synthetic the lightest items on the bottom of your socks are best (avoid cotton). backpack and heavier items on top or in the middle closest to your body. Keep • To estimate mileage, figure that most items like water, snacks, map, camera adults hike one mile in 15–30 minutes, and sunscreen handy in the outer what depending on terrain. pockets.

AHS Essentials Checklist: 1. Appropriate footwear. 7. A first-aid kit. 2. A map and compass as backup to a 8. A knife or multi-tool. GPS system. 9. Sunscreen and sunglasses. 3. Extra water and a way to purify it. 10. A daypack/backpack. Flip Over for 4. Extra food. The North Face’s picks for the 5. Rain gear and extra clothing. best local 6. Safety Items: matches or a lighter to hiking spots build a fire, a light and a whistle. Photo: Cory R IC H A DS Photo: Cory Yankee Springs Recreation Area HIKE

Yankee Springs Flip Over for Wilderness State Park hiking tips from Recreation Area The North Face Carp Lake, MI 49718 Middleville, MI 49333 (231) 436-5381 269-795-9081 Miles of wilderness and 26 miles The 5,200-acre Yankee Springs of Lake Michigan shoreline provide Recreation Area was once the hunting wildlife viewing opportunites along the grounds of the Algonquin Indians. Among numerous trails throughout the ‘dark thirty miles of hiking trails is a six-mile sky’ park, which also offers amazing stretch of the North Country Trail, the stargazing. The terrain, which varies hiking route from North Dakota to New from dense coniferous forest to mature York. Points of interest accessible from hardwood forest, with pockets of open, the trail system include Devil’s Soupbowl, wet meadows, allows for unparalleled a glacially carved kettle formation, seclusion. Hikers headed into the forest Graves Hill Overlook and The Pines. are advised to carry a map and compass.

Directions: From Kalamazoo travel north on US- Directions: From Petoskey take US-31 north 131 23 miles toward Grand Rapids; turn east approx. 28.5 miles, turn west onto E. Gill Road; onto M-179/129th Ave.; bear south onto S. travel approx.2.6 miles north onto Cecil Bay Briggs Road/CR-430 for about 1 mile. Road; travel approx.3.7 miles to Wilderness Park Drive, turn west to park. WH ERE The NorthFace’s p addling spots picksfor Flip Overfor best local the

PHOTO: JACKSON KAYAK thepotential dangers 4. Understand 3. Recognizeyour limits. 2. Don’t boatalone. 1. Always wear aPersonal Flotation Essential T about thedifferentofferings.Outfitters more or contactalocaloutfittertolearn officeaboutrentals,check withthepark • Ifyoudon’t have yourownequipment, and relaxingawater tripcanbe! Give itatry, andyou’ll seehowunique for youtoexploreinakayak orcanoe. Many maketo gopaddling. parks iteasy Y Explore OnW ou don’t have tobeanoutdoorexpert of coldwater andhypothermia. Device (PFD). ips ater for moreinformation. http://www.mcgi.state.mi.us/MRBIS easy toplanyourboatingadventure.Visit and marinasthroughoutMichiganmake it access sitesandmorethan80harbors • Morethan1,300publicboating easier. or guidesthatmake gettingonthewater can alsoconnectyouwithhow-toclinics 8. Let someone know yourplans. 7. Keep a safedistancefrom otherboats. 6. Bepreparedwith sunprotection, 5. Checktheweather andwater for valuablesand asafetywhistle. container proper clothing, awatertight conditions beforeyouheadout. Paddle

what State Park Paddle

Burt Lake State Park Flip Over for Young State Park Indian River, MI 49749 paddling tips from Boyne City, MI 49712 The North Face (231) 238-9392 (231) 582-7523

Michigan’s Inland Waterway is a 40-mile Young State Park sits on Lake Charlevoix long boating adventure across the top of in northwest Michigan. The lake’s the state’s Lower Peninsula. Set in the Caribbean blue water and wooded middle of the route is Burt Lake State shoreline is considered by many to be Park. This is a perfect spot for paddlers one of the ten most beautiful lakes in the to set up a base camp and head out to world. The park is close to Charlevoix, explore the quiet waters, go fishing and Boyne City and East Jordan, all of which view the abundant wildlife. offer small-town charm – especially in the summer months. Choose a town and Directions: From Petoskey travel north on US- paddle over for lunch. Young State Park’s 31 approx. 11 miles; turn east onto M-68 and 41 modern camp sites, sandy beaches drive approx. 10 miles; turn north on South and hiking trails make it a great place to Straits Hwy. The park entrance is about 1/4 return after a day’s exploring. mile down the road on the left. Directions: From W. Michigan Street in Boyne City travel north onto Charlevoix-Boyne City Road (name changes to Charlevoix-Boyne City Road/CR-C56); turn west onto Park Drive. WH ERE The NorthFace’s DISC GOLFs pots picksfor Flip Overfor best local the

Photo: Corey Rich • Keep achangeofclothingand • Buildtimeintoyourschedulefor Essential T examples include: positive effectsonyourhealth.Some exercise inaplayful way haslasting Studies showthattakingtimeoutto or otheractivepursuits. biking, swimming, flyingakite walk, tossingaball, having apicnic, whether thatmeansgoingonawildlife Y T oung andold, we allneedtimetoplay, ime T opportunities toplay around. opportunities take advantage ofspontaneous some discsinyour carsoyoucan to keep yourcommitment. outdoor activities–andmake sure o Unwind ips Play • Insteadofmeeting friendsor offtheTV • Encourageyourkidstoturn •  •  •  the outdoors, familyandyourchildren. Increasing yoursenseofconnection to other feel-goodhormones. release ofendorphins, serotoninand Improving yourmentalhealthwiththe heart. metabolism andstrengtheningyour calories,Burning boostingyour levels ofability. for players of allagesand social sport for aroundofdisc golf.It’s aunique, indoors,co-workers have themjoinyou atyourfavorite orforest. outdoors park or videogamesandspendtime Disc golf

what Holly and Fort Custer Recreation Areas Play Disc golf Sleepy Hollow and Newaygo State Parks

Holly Recreation Area Holly, MI 48442 Laingsburg, MI 48848 (248) 634-8811 (517) 651-6217

Holly Recreation Area has a few holes in Sleepy Hollow State Park offers a good open meadows, but is mostly a wooded mix of holes featuring technical, wooded course. There’s an option to play 18 or and open fairways. Elevation and water 24 holes. add variety to the course.

Fort Custer Recreation Area Augusta, MI 49012 Newaygo, MI 49337 (269) 731-4200 (231) 856-4452

Fort Custer Recreation Area’s front nine Newaygo State Park offers 18 holes on mixes open holes with elevation and the pro–quality course. The tight fairways technical shots. The back nine’s fairways make it a grueling challenge. have a links-style layout. Flip Over for play tips from

WH ERE The North Face Gear Up!

The Path Starts Here We at The North Face love the outdoors. It’s where we develop character, confidence, clear minds, healthy bodies and respect for nature. We believe in sharing this passion by enabling all types of exploration – from your backyard to the Himalayan peaks. Our goal is to inspire the next generation of explorers and conservationists by helping them discover nature’s playground. Adventure is everywhere. Never Stop Exploring.

Get Geared Up! Visit us at one of these locations:

THE NORTH FACE – THE NORTH FACE GRAND RAPIDS SOMERSET COLLECTION NORTH 3159 28TH STREET SE 2800 WEST BIG BEAVER KENTWOOD, MI 49512 TROY, MI 48084 616-940-0681 (248) 816-2800 Photo: T im Kem p le WHERE Photo: ADAM CLARK MICHIGAN your Great activities in state parks