Welcome to Michigan Hiker
Michigan's motto of “If you seek a pleasant peninsula look
around you” just about nails it right on the head for
backpackers,  campers and day hikers.  Whether it is a
backpacking trip along the shores of  Lake Superior, or a
day hike among the giant pines at Hartwick Pines State
Park, there is plenty to keep you busy in the state. So enjoy
your visit to my site,and then hit the trail. And if you need
gear please help support the merchants listed on my pages.
Larry DiVizio-MichiganHiker
Watch for my column in publications across the Great Lakes region
Weather forecasts
offer insight
Keeping insects at bay
Take some steps to keep mosquitoes and black flies
at bay so you can enjoy the outdoors in summer.
Dealing with the heat
Whether you hike, camp, bike or go bird watching
there is a single subject you must be ready to deal
with this time of year and it is dealing with the heat
and staying hydrated.
GPS Systems  Light bulbs have been replaced by LEDs, I carry a
programmable weather radio in my pack and I use my computer and the
Internet constantly in planning trips and now I am stepping into the 21st
century and going to buy a GPS -  A look at what is available and what
you need to consider when purchasing a unit.
The Ten Essentials There are some items that you should never hit the
trail without. On a recent trip I was able to show my son just how important
these items can be.
Topographic maps can be had for a little time on the internet
Finding your way
In the past, finding topographic maps of the state
involved contacting the U.S. Geological Survey or
heading to a retail store that carried a selection. Not any
more. With a few clicks of the mouse you can download
and print maps covering the entire state.
Be ready to hit the trail
A little bored and itching to do something, anything that has to do with hitting the trail? Well
then pull out your backpacking and camping gear and give it a good once over. Check this out
for some ideas on just what you need to do, and how to do it.
Five clean scents
Peppermint
Tea Tree
Almond
Lavender
Eucalyptus
Now At
MichiganHikerMarketplace   
Dr. Bronner Magic Soaps
Made with
essential plant oils
Certified 100 % organic.
Earth friendly, mild on the
skin, perfect for the trail
or home.
I’ve seen it more than once, a
seemingly prepared backpacker
who is totally surprised when
bad weather hits.
Sometimes weather changes
can come fast, but for the most
part, a good long range forecast
can give you a heads up of what
to expect for the next few days.
So never head out to the
backcountry without first taking a
look at what the weather may be
like.
For a look at weather conditions,
both current and out to seven
days in advance, check out the
National Weather Service
Websites for upper Michigan
and the upper peninsula.