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Valley of the Giants:
Directions: 44°38'30.3"N, 85°26'17.9"W


This is an easy to moderate, out and back hike of 5 miles. Much of the hike is in a very steep valley with 22 Creek running through the bottom. There are several gigantic beaver ponds that have flooded a section of forest. This section of woods was never logged so there are many large old trees and not much underbrush. Most people are enchanted by this section of forest and come back in all seasons of the year. (Directions: 44°38'30.3"N, 85°26'17.9"W). Drive to the intersection of Garfield and River Road southeast of Traverse City. Go east on River Road for 1 block to Arbutus Hill Road. Zero your trip odometer here or just remember the reading. Continue straight onto Brown Bridge Road (formerly River Road). Continue east for 0.7 miles, then bear right at the fork onto Scharmen Road. At 3.6 miles, watch for the North Country Trail blue blazes to cross Scharmen Road. Continue east and at 3.9 miles, find the blue blazes crossing the road for a second time (right after mailbox number 6985). Pull into the two-track on the left and park off to the side in the grass/snow. This is right where Scharmen Road turns south and becomes Hodge Road. If hiking, follow the blue blazes east from Scharmen/Hodge Road. After about a half-mile you will drop down into a beautiful valley filled with old growth trees and 22 Creek. After about 0.7 miles farther, the Trail will cross 22 Creek on a bridge. The trail will then follow along the creek for another 1.25 miles where it will cross the creek again then climb out of the valley. Turn around to return to the parking area.