Events

Join our Hiawatha Shore-to-Shore Chapter in gathering to celebrate the Eastern Upper Peninsula, hiking on the North Country National Scenic Trail, and the marvelous volunteers that keep the trail in exceptional hiking condition.

Hiking AND a Dinner!

At Noon: THE HIKE: Gather at the Trail Head on Castle Rock Road, Saint Ignace, two miles west of Lant Road.
GPS Location: 45.915532, -84.783239

Castle Rock Road is found south of Castle Rock off Lant Road. Lant Road is accessed from the southbound on-ramp to I-75 at Castle Rock. Exit 348 off I-75.
Find the location on What 3 Words: https://w3w.co/swallowing.mailboxes.windmill

This hike follows the NCT as it enters Hiawatha National Forest, crossing several ancient, fixed sand dunes and varied forests.

DINNER: After the hike, around 6:00pm, we will gather at the Mackinac Grille in Saint Ignace for a dinner. We have a room reserved under the name of “North Country Trail” but you will order off the menu, Dutch Treat. There are views of the waterfront from your table. This restaurant is located adjacent to the North Country Trail. The address is 251 S State St, Saint Ignace. The can be viewed by clicking here.

If your plans include dinner, drop us a message stating how many will attend the dinner. PLEASE RSVP THE DINNER BY MAY 8TH so we can make sure there is room for you. Thanks!

Author Jim Du Fresne will be speaking at the dinner. Jim Du Fresne graduated from Michigan State University and headed to Juneau, Alaska as the outdoors and sports editor of the Juneau Empire. He worked at Booth Newspapers, Lansing as outdoor writer since 1987. He is currently a main contributor to www.MichiganTrailMaps.com, a resource web site devoted to trail users and the promotion of trails in Michigan. He will regale us with tales from his over 40 years of outdoor experiences.

BRING: clothing and footwear appropriate for hiking, water, insect repellent, sunscreen, 10-Day Hike Essentials, camera, and a friend.

You can hike even if you don’t plan on staying for the dinner and you can join us for the dinner even if you don’t hike.

The length of the hike will vary depending on your abilities, motivation and the conditions that day. There will be several hike options, so you get to choose the distance. The longest hike may be 8 miles long and the shortest option could be under a mile.

We will need to record your name and contact information before the hike.

Questions? Comments? Text Tom Walker at 906-322-2617.

Cell phone service is spotty along the trail so there may not be an answer the day of the event.