Maris H.

Fort Wayne, IN

Joined March 2020

miles.t0.g0 before I sleep

The KT earns its nickname 'little AT'

The KT is rugged and has lots of elevation gains over short distances. Everywhere you hike there are lovely vistas and lots of fossils on the trail snd creek beds. You're never too far from water, although the quality may differ depending on the time of year.

Watch out for ticks. My dogs and I got loads of them in April 2020 from Leota to Spurgeon Hollow. There are road crossings every 5 to 10 miles, so if you run out of something or need to bail you can. The KT asks that you respect leave no trace philosophy, and I felt most hikers did.

There is occasional trail magic but don't depend on it if thru hiking. I have not stayed in any campgrounds near the trail, so I can't review those, but the trailheads all have adequate parking and signage, and I found topo maps online for free.

Let someone know your itinerary, have a means for filtering water, and enjoy!

One of the best places

I was raised near here and the camping at DH Day is always great. Sites are compacted and sometimes you're in a puddle if it rains, but the Beach & view of the stars make up for anything that's lacking. Reserve 6 months in advance to get your site--the good ones are hard to get now that booking can be done online.

It's a short bike ride along the Heritage trail to Glen Haven historical area or Glen Arbor, which although busy in summer, has several great restaurants & lots of shops to buy anything you need. The Crystal River also runs through here & is great for kayaking, tubing, or canoeing.

Drive a few miles & you can climb Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes or head over to Empire Village Beach for a perfect sunset & place for kids to play.

Seems better later in the season--Memorial Day to Independence Day lots of noise & trash.

Water available here and there throughout campground, but turned off across fron site 12 and at the boat ramp. Not sure if dumping is currently allowed. Bring your own toilet paper and firewood. There is a private driveway about 1 mile east on 224 that sells wood for $3.00 an armload. 1 mile hiking loop at the end of the primitive sites. No swimming allowed on the reservoir, but plenty of space to launch your boat or kayak. No camp host. Sites affordable, and most will accommodate a 20 foot RV, with several large enough for the largest class A. Watch out for poison ivy, oak and sumac in wooded areas. Lots of playground equipment and paved areas for bikes. 3 garbage dumpsters along campground drive.

Disappointing & disturbing

Was there 2 weeks ago, but left after a short visit. At the campsite next to mine, someone had dumped a skinned coyote. Called DNR & there wasn't much they could do. Also tons of trash left at campsites, including dirty diapers. People are careless here, how sad.