It was a hot day for an all-day, 9-5 hike & paddle, but a little breeze kept us comfortable. Everything ran like clockwork, the shuttles, before & after, the 7.2 mile hike (3 hrs) & the 10+ mile paddle (3 hrs). I've been doing these for 10 yrs, but this one is more complicated than my other 2 since the NCT does not meet up with the paddle take-out due to a road walk around private property, so takes 3 cars to make it happen. I spotted my first columbine & lady slipper this morning. Time to be prepared for mosquitos with a headnet & ticks with a body check afterwards since Chipper had 6 ticks today. Congrats to Mark Gottsleben for finishing his 2018 #Hike100NCT Challenge!

Trip Report & Photos by Trip Leader, Sara Cockrell

7.2 mile hike in 3 hrs on NCT overlooking Manistee River from Dell Rd trailhead to Old US 131 Campground,
Chipper & Mark G, Bob & Nancy F, and Sara


Patty M & Gary F


Bob F, Bob B, Mark G & Chipper, 10+ mile paddle in 3 hrs from Old US 131 Campground to Baxter Bridge