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.
Denne historien er fra April 2020-utgaven av Traverse, Northern Michigan's Magazine.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Denne historien er fra April 2020-utgaven av Traverse, Northern Michigan's Magazine.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Camping With Your Dog
Bringing your dog on your next outdoor overnight excursion? Oh, yes! With a little planning, your canine companion will enjoy camping just as much as you. These Northern Michigan spots are perfectly pet-friendly.
SWEET ON THE BETSIE
JENA MATZEN AND GREGG TRAHEY WEREN’T LOOKING FOR A BIG HOME UP NORTH. BUT THEY DID WANT STYLE.
REFRESH IN BLUE AND WHITE
ASKED TO MOVE A HARBOR SPRINGS HOME FROM TRADITIONAL TO TRANSITIONAL STYLE, INTERIOR DESIGNER GEMMA PARKER BUILT ON THE FRESH, TIMELESS ALLURE OF BLUE AND WHITE.
MAKING CONNECTIONS
Explore Emmet and Cheboygan counties by foot, bike or hoof, thanks to this scenic trail.
Please, eat the violets.
The wild violets that dot our forest floors are pretty enough to eat. Go ahead—let our six simple recipes fuel your culinary imagination.
OASIS ON ELK LAKE
ARCHITECT KEN RICHMOND DESIGNS A HOME THAT CAPTURES THE CARIBBEAN COLORS OF ELK LAKE WHILE FEELING COMPLETELY ORGANIC TO THE NORTHWOODS.
LOSS AND NATURE
Leelanau's Cedar River Preserve provides peace and perspective.
GO WITH THE FLOW
Celebrating an unconventional trout opener among friends.
CHAMPION OF TREES
Archangel Ancient Tree Archive is the “most hopeful project on the planet,” says David Milarch.
DINING OUT NEAPOLITAN, BUT WITH STYLE
American House—the Siren Hall spinoff—is making darn good pizza.
