As a lifelong Michigander, I get excited when I hear someone is making their first trip to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. When I’m asked to recommend a hike, I suggest trailheads that are easy to reach from paved roads.
Resist the urge to depend entirely on GPS. Bring an old-fashioned road map, too. Plenty of hikes offer great experiences without venturing onto remote, unmaintained roads.
Prepare for changing weather
Even in summer, temperatures and conditions can change dramatically throughout the day and from one location to another.
Dressing in layers is a good strategy. Pack a waterproof windbreaker, a hoodie or fleece and one or two layers underneath. You may also want to wear pants instead of shorts. Pants help keep you warm and protect your legs from biting insects.
Be ready for bugs
Speaking of bugs, we’ve got ’em: black flies, stable flies, deer flies, no-see-ums, horse flies, ticks and mosquitoes. Different pests are active at different times and call for different ways of protecting yourself. And insect repellent doesn’t work on everything. Bugs are part of the experience, so prepare for them.
Everyone has a different tolerance for bugs. I recommend learning what you might encounter and how best to protect yourself. But know this: If you ask, “What is the best time of year to avoid bugs?” the answer will always be “winter.”
Don’t rely on your phone
Before taking your first step, make sure you have the 10 Essentials. These days, many hikers use a cellphone and trail app as their primary navigation tool. But cell service can be limited or nonexistent in remote parts of the Upper Peninsula, so don’t assume your phone will always keep you connected.
Relying solely on your cellphone can get you into a jam if you lose service or your battery dies. Familiarize yourself with your route beforehand, download maps for offline use and carry a physical map and compass — and know how to use them.
Most importantly, always tell someone where you’re going, when you expect to return and what to do if you don’t check in.
If you become lost or injured and can’t safely retrace your route, staying in one place can make it easier for rescuers to find you. Carry a whistle or another tool you can use to signal for help. Knowing how to use your navigation and emergency gear is just as important as carrying it.
Knowing your limits, being prepared and having basic outdoor skills will make your first Upper Peninsula hikes safer and more enjoyable.