<div class="elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-42a3369" data-id="42a3369" data-element_type="column"> 			<div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated"> 						<div class="elementor-element elementor-element-aadf9a5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading" data-id="aadf9a5" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="heading.default"> 				<div class="elementor-widget-container"> 			<h3 class="elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default">Upper Peninsula Michigan</h3>		</div> 				</div> 				<div class="elementor-element elementor-element-91a88ee elementor-widget elementor-widget-image" data-id="91a88ee" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="image.default"> 				<div class="elementor-widget-container"> 													<img decoding="async" width="600" height="307" src="https://onedestinationproperties.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Top-Adventure-Image.png" class="attachment-large size-large wp-image-72388" alt="" srcset="https://onedestinationproperties.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Top-Adventure-Image.png 600w, https://onedestinationproperties.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Top-Adventure-Image-300x154.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px">													</div> 				</div> 				<div class="elementor-element elementor-element-1eac93a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="1eac93a" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default"> 				<div class="elementor-widget-container"> 							The Upper Peninsula of Michigan, or the U.P., is a vast and sparsely populated region in the state’s northernmost part, surrounded by three of the five Great Lakes. It features breathtaking natural beauty, including rugged coastlines, sprawling forests, and lakes and waterfalls. Despite its remote location, the U.P. offers a vibrant cultural scene, hosting numerous festivals and events throughout the year, and celebrating winter sports, music, and art. This captivating destination, with its rich history, natural wonders, and cultural diversity, appeals to a diverse range of interests.						</div> 				</div> 				<div class="elementor-element elementor-element-e97513e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="e97513e" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default"> 				<div class="elementor-widget-container"> 							<ul><li>Explore Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore’s natural beauty</li><li>Visit Tahquamenon Falls State Park’s largest waterfall in MI</li><li>Discover 200 named waterfalls in the U.P.</li><li>Step back in time at historic Mackinac Island</li><li>Learn about the U.P.’s Native American heritage</li><li>Hike and explore U.P.’s stunning waterfalls</li><li>Go snowmobiling on U.P.’s winter trails</li><li>Take a boat tour of the Soo Locks</li><li>Enjoy fishing in Lake Superior or inland lakes</li><li>Visit the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum</li><li>See Kitch-iti-kipi Spring’s crystal-clear waters</li><li>Hunt for agates</li><li>Tour the oldest active lighthouse on Lake Superior – Whitefish Point Lighthouse</li><li>Take a scenic drive on the Great Lakes Circle Tour</li><li>Drive on Copper Country Trail National Byway in Copper Harbor</li><li>Rock climb at Grand Island</li><li>Explore Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park</li><li>Drive on Black River Scenic Byway and see waterfalls</li><li>Go on a wildlife tour at Seney National Wildlife Refuge</li><li>Visit Oswald Bear Ranch and take a bear cub encounter tour</li></ul>						</div> 				</div> 					</div> 		</div> <br><br><br><div class="elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-24cab72" data-id="24cab72" data-element_type="column"> 			<div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated"> 						<div class="elementor-element elementor-element-7ec5540 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading" data-id="7ec5540" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="heading.default"> 				<div class="elementor-widget-container"> 			<h3 class="elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default">Torch Lake </h3>		</div> 				</div> 				<div class="elementor-element elementor-element-7651085 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image" data-id="7651085" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="image.default"> 				<div class="elementor-widget-container"> 													<img decoding="async" width="823" height="1024" src="https://onedestinationproperties.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Top-Adventure-Image-Torch-Lake-823x1024-1.png" class="attachment-large size-large wp-image-72387" alt="" srcset="https://onedestinationproperties.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Top-Adventure-Image-Torch-Lake-823x1024-1.png 823w, https://onedestinationproperties.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Top-Adventure-Image-Torch-Lake-823x1024-1-241x300.png 241w, https://onedestinationproperties.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Top-Adventure-Image-Torch-Lake-823x1024-1-768x956.png 768w, https://onedestinationproperties.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Top-Adventure-Image-Torch-Lake-823x1024-1-402x500.png 402w" sizes="(max-width: 823px) 100vw, 823px">													</div> 				</div> 				<div class="elementor-element elementor-element-55db70b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="55db70b" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default"> 				<div class="elementor-widget-container"> 							The Torch Lake/Northern Michigan area boasts clear lakes, rolling hills, and abundant outdoor adventures. Torch Lake is a highlight, offering boating, fishing, and swimming in turquoise waters. Charming towns like Bellaire, Alden, Bay Harbor, Petoskey, Charlevoix, and Traverse City offer shopping, dining, and cultural attractions. Vineyards and wineries producing delicious local wines add to the region’s appeal. It’s an ideal destination for nature lovers and those looking for small-town charm.  						</div> 				</div> 				<div class="elementor-element elementor-element-935ba56 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="935ba56" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default"> 				<div class="elementor-widget-container"> 							<ul><li>Swim, boat, or fish in Torch Lake</li><li>Hike or bike Sleeping Bear Dunes trails</li><li>Visit charming towns: Bellaire, Alden, Traverse City, Petoskey, Charlevoix, Bay Harbor</li><li>Take a scenic drive on M-22 along Lake Michigan</li><li>Explore Sleeping Bear Dunes’ sand dunes and beaches</li><li>Go wine tasting at local vineyards and wineries</li><li>Enjoy views from Old Mission or Grand Traverse Lighthouse</li><li>Take a kayaking or paddleboarding tour on Torch Lake or Lake Michigan</li><li>Go on a fishing charter on Lake Michigan or inland lakes</li><li>Relax at public beaches</li><li>Drive through Tunnel of Trees in Harbor Springs</li><li>Explore Gaslight District’s shops and art galleries in Petoskey</li><li>Visit Mackinac Island by ferry from Mackinaw City or St. Ignace</li><li>Ski or snowboard at Boyne Mountain or Shanty Creek</li><li>Attend National Cherry Festival in Traverse City in July</li><li>Drive through Leelanau Peninsula</li><li>Visit Mackinac Bridge Museum and walk across the bridge</li><li>Explore outdoors at Grass River Natural Area</li><li>Tour local breweries and sample craft beers</li><li>Go horseback riding at area stables</li></ul>						</div> 				</div> 					</div> 		</div>

We’ve made it easy for you to access our cabin’s digital concierge with these links. Simply select your cabin from the list below and click the link to start using the app. Our digital concierge app is designed to enhance your stay by providing useful information and services at your fingertips. With the app, you can check the weather, plan your trip, find adventures, and more. So go ahead, download the app and start exploring your cabin’s digital concierge today. We LOVE the map feature.

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<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Spring in Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula creates a magical hiking experience few visitors discover. As snow melts and nature awakens, trails that become crowded in summer remain peaceful and serene. This hidden season between winter's grip and summer's rush offers perfect conditions for exploring Bellaire, Alden, Rapid City, and the magnificent Upper Peninsula.</span></p><p><br></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Why Spring Hiking in Northern Michigan?</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Northern Michigan's spring offers unique landscapes where snow-capped peaks contrast with valleys bursting with early blooms. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound as animals emerge from hibernation and birds return from migration. Comfortable temperatures (45-65°F) create ideal hiking conditions without summer's heat and humidity. Most importantly, you'll often have popular trails entirely to yourself, providing a sense of discovery that vanishes when summer crowds arrive.</span></p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/hostai-booking-prod.appspot.com/blogs/images/93a2c22c-f745-4020-b1a7-0b7bb251ee76.jpg}" width="25%" style="display: block; margin: auto;"></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Essential Spring Hiking Tips</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Pack layers that can be added or removed as temperatures change throughout the day. Waterproof hiking boots are essential for muddy conditions, and rain gear should always be in your pack for sudden spring showers. Expect mud on forest paths and occasional snow patches at higher elevations even into May. Spring runoff creates temporary streams across trails, so proper footwear is crucial. The best hiking times are typically mid-morning to early afternoon when trails have had time to dry from overnight moisture.</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span class="ql-cursor">﻿</span></span><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/hostai-booking-prod.appspot.com/blogs/images/ddf2099a-eeff-4873-a685-99bc6363c209.jpg}" width="25%"></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Upper Peninsula Spring Hidden Gems</strong></p><ol><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">At Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, the Chapel Loop Trail (10 miles, moderate) provides stunning views of waterfalls at peak volume without summer crowds.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Tahquamenon Falls State Park's Upper and Lower Falls trails (4 miles combined, easy to moderate) showcase the falls at their most potent as snowmelt creates thundering cascades.&nbsp;</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">For an authentic wilderness experience, the Porcupine Mountains' Lake of the Clouds escarpment trail (4 miles, moderate) provides panoramic views across the still-partially-frozen lake below.</span></li></ol><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Bellaire Area Favorite Spring Trails</strong></p><ol><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Bellaire's Glacial Hills Pathway offers 31 miles of trails for every skill level.&nbsp;</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">The Vandermark Trail (2.5 miles, easy) winds through hardwood forests where spring wildflowers emerge in April and May.&nbsp;</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Grass River Natural Area's boardwalk trails through wetlands attract migratory birds, with the Sedge Meadow Trail (1.5 miles, easy) offering excellent bird watching.&nbsp;</span></li></ol><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">After hiking, reward yourself at Short's Brewing Company in downtown Bellaire, perfectly combining the nearby Cedar River Trail (2 miles, easy) with a refreshing craft beer.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">﻿</span><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/hostai-booking-prod.appspot.com/blogs/images/851cfab7-15a0-4907-9e00-eef94d0faab7.jpg}" width="50%"></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Alden's Secret Spring Paths</strong></p><ol><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Coy Mountain Trail (3 miles, moderate) offers beautiful views of Torch Lake as it transitions from winter ice to spring blue.&nbsp;</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">For wildflower enthusiasts, the Grass River trails showcase spectacular spring blooms, with marsh marigolds and trillium carpeting the forest floor.&nbsp;</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Photographers should visit Spencer Creek Nature Preserve, where its main loop (1.2 miles, easy) features flowing water and emerging foliage creating natural masterpieces.</span></li></ol><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Rapid City Area Spring Hiking</strong></p><ol><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">The North Country Trail sections along Rapid River (variable length, moderate) showcase spring runoff creating powerful displays of rushing water. Early morning hikers often spot deer and other wildlife.&nbsp;</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">The VASA Pathway's northeast section (4 miles, easy to moderate) provides a secluded experience through mixed forests where wildflowers begin emerging in mid-April.&nbsp;</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Torch Lake's eastern shore trails offer views of returning loons and waterfowl that disappear when summer boaters arrive.</span></li></ol><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Spring Waterfall Hikes</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Northern Michigan's waterfalls reach their dramatic peak during spring melt.&nbsp;</span></p><ol><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Munising's Wagner Falls (0.5 miles, easy) and Alger Falls (0.25 miles, easy) offer accessible viewing of powerful cascades.&nbsp;</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Near Bellaire, the lesser-known Intermediate River falls (1 mile, moderate) create a series of cascades that nearly disappear later in the season. Morning light provides the best conditions for photographing spring waterfalls.</span></li></ol><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Wildlife Viewing Spring Trails</strong></p><ol><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Grass River Natural Area becomes a hotspot during spring migration, with the Rail Trail (1 mile, easy) offering sightings of returning warblers.&nbsp;</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">The Jordan River Pathway near East Jordan provides opportunities to spot deer and occasionally black bears emerging from hibernation.&nbsp;</span></li></ol><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Dawn and dusk provide the best wildlife viewing opportunities, and binoculars are essential for responsible viewing without disturbing animals.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Planning Your Spring Hiking Vacation</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">For a perfect weekend, base yourself in Bellaire or Alden to access the Glacial Hills and Torch Lake areas. A week-long exploration should include several days in the Upper Peninsula followed by time in the Bellaire-Alden-Rapid City region.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Our rental properties offer ideal access to these spring trails. Our Bellaire cabin puts you minutes from Glacial Hills, while our Rapid City property offers easy access to the VASA Pathway and Torch Lake trails. Our Upper Peninsula cottage near Munising provides the perfect base for exploring Pictured Rocks before summer crowds arrive.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Northern Michigan's spring hiking season is fleeting—typically from mid-April through early June. Book your accommodations early to experience this magical season when nature awakens and trails remain peaceful and uncrowded. Your spring hiking adventure awaits in Michigan's magnificent north country!</span></p><p><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">For more information on booking our properties ideally situated for spring hiking adventures, visit our website or contact us directly.</em></p>

Discover Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula’s best uncrowded spring hiking trails. Explore stunning waterfalls, wildflower-filled forests, and abundant wildlife before summer tourists arrive.

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Uncrowded Trails: The Best Spring Hiking Routes in the UP and Northern Michigan Before Summer Tourists Arrive

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