wild walk in the word - hike in the sylvania wilderness
WHEN: Saturday, May 18th at 8:30AM
WHERE: Meet at Good Shepherd and carpool to the Sylvania Wilderness
Read on for more details...
Sylvania Wilderness is a unit of the Ottawa National Forest in the UP of Michigan near Watersmeet. It is comprised of 18,327 acres of old growth (virgin) forest with towering stands of hemlocks, white pine, and maple, basswood, and other hardwoods. It truly gives one a sense of awe at the greatness of God’s creation and gives a sense of being in a great cathedral. Despite having the label of a wilderness, the trails are wide and fairly well maintained. The hills are mostly gradual ascents and descents. Some of the trails go along pristine lakes, and some penetrate into the midst of the forest. There is little undergrowth because of the density of the forest canopy in most places, and there are relatively few animals (except for fish in the lakes) because of the lack of food. We will barely scratch the surface of the wonders of the place in a day’s outing.
There is a $5 vehicle fee; senior passes and military passes are accepted. People should bring lunch and beverages, mosquito and tick repellant (though risk of ticks is relatively low because of the absence of undergrowth). Sunscreen might be a good idea, though we will mostly be in the shade. There are running water and toilets at the campground and also at the beach house if it is open by then. Be sure to bring sufficient clothes to keep warm, as we will be outside without nearby shelter. Wear sturdy walking shoes; hiking boots aren’t necessary, as the terrain isn’t very rocky, though there are exposed roots.
The drive to Sylvania is just under 2 hours each way—east on highway 2 to a side road just short of Watersmeet. We will meet at Good Shepherd at 8:30am and carpool to the trailhead, so that we have adequate time to enjoy the beauty of the place, hiking at our individually chosen paces. People can choose to return at a time of their choosing.
If you have any other questions, please call Good Shepherd at 715-682-4510.
Hope to see you on May 18th!
WHERE: Meet at Good Shepherd and carpool to the Sylvania Wilderness
Read on for more details...
Sylvania Wilderness is a unit of the Ottawa National Forest in the UP of Michigan near Watersmeet. It is comprised of 18,327 acres of old growth (virgin) forest with towering stands of hemlocks, white pine, and maple, basswood, and other hardwoods. It truly gives one a sense of awe at the greatness of God’s creation and gives a sense of being in a great cathedral. Despite having the label of a wilderness, the trails are wide and fairly well maintained. The hills are mostly gradual ascents and descents. Some of the trails go along pristine lakes, and some penetrate into the midst of the forest. There is little undergrowth because of the density of the forest canopy in most places, and there are relatively few animals (except for fish in the lakes) because of the lack of food. We will barely scratch the surface of the wonders of the place in a day’s outing.
There is a $5 vehicle fee; senior passes and military passes are accepted. People should bring lunch and beverages, mosquito and tick repellant (though risk of ticks is relatively low because of the absence of undergrowth). Sunscreen might be a good idea, though we will mostly be in the shade. There are running water and toilets at the campground and also at the beach house if it is open by then. Be sure to bring sufficient clothes to keep warm, as we will be outside without nearby shelter. Wear sturdy walking shoes; hiking boots aren’t necessary, as the terrain isn’t very rocky, though there are exposed roots.
The drive to Sylvania is just under 2 hours each way—east on highway 2 to a side road just short of Watersmeet. We will meet at Good Shepherd at 8:30am and carpool to the trailhead, so that we have adequate time to enjoy the beauty of the place, hiking at our individually chosen paces. People can choose to return at a time of their choosing.
If you have any other questions, please call Good Shepherd at 715-682-4510.
Hope to see you on May 18th!
