Berg W.

Ontonagon, MI

Joined September 2018

Backcountry camping Grayson Highlands along the Appalachian Trail

Scenic trails crossing multiple terrain with wild horses and steer. AT shelter (but it gets a little loud and party like) - Trails also intersect with the Appalachian Trail. Nice outcropping of trees for hammock hang near huge field of wild berries. Just keep in mind that all kinds of animals like berries as well. Showers are available in the state park (for a small fee) so you can un-stink yourself before returning to the real world from the backcountry. Soap and shampoo are way overpriced at the small campground store in the state park.

Backcountry camping in Spruce Knob - Seneca Rock National Rec Area

Awesome views from mountain meadows of the Spruce Knob - Seneca Rock National Recreation Area. Trails at this time of the year are in need of repair (downed trees, missing trail markers) and full of mud, rocks, and roots on sharp/steep descents without switchbacks. Map programs such as AllTrails not accurate at all for the actual trail distances. However, the camping down at the creek was spectacular with plenty of trees to hammock hang from, abundant water, and breathtaking waterfalls. If you plan on starting at the summit of Spruce Knob, make sure your legs are ready for a good burn and your toes are ready to be jammed in the front of your shoes for 9 miles. There is also the wreckage of a small plane crash along the trail, which is very sobering and solemn.