EPIC DAY HIKE

THE JORDAN VALLEY PATHWAY IN A DAY. HIKE ALONG AS EACH MILE IS CAPTURED IN PHOTOS AND WORDS THAT DON'T JUST INSTRUCT, THEY INSPIRE.

- HEATHER HIGHAM 

Heather Higham had an itch: She wanted to hike the entire Jordan Valley Pathway in one go. The i8-mile trail in the Jordan River Valley, located in the northeast corner of Antrim County, encompasses i8,000 acres of wildland. It winds its way through Mackinaw State Forest, intersects the North Country Trail and follows along the Jordan River, the first in Michigan to obtain the federal designation of Wild and Scenic River.

People often choose to hike portions of the trail from one of four different trailheads or to see the view from the main trailhead located at Deadman's Hill Overlook. Those who want to complete the entire trek usually stay overnight at Pinney Bridge State Forest Campground. But Heather, a Traverse City area photographer who knows the Pathway well, wanted to put it all together in one spectacular day.

Step into her adventure, then chart one of your own.

Mile 00: Landslide Lookout. I begin my 19-mile adventure with my pup, Petey, at this unconventional starting spot, thanks to other magical memories I've made here. (I watched a lake effect rainbow cascade into the fire-colored valley in October 2017.) Plus, the inspiring view is a perfect way to bookend a long hike.

Mile 01: Traipsing on the trail through trillium it's hard to imagine a more beautiful descent into the valley. I have to remind myself to look up! The canopy appears to be electrified as late morning light filters through newborn leaves.