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After a weekend off and a rough week getting back to life, I headed out to Holly Recreation Area where I took on Wilderness Trail. I ended up going 6.3 miles on a hike that was recorded at 5.2 in 50 Hikes in Michigan but 5.7 in All Trails. All Trails had you enter at a different trailhead, which added to the distance, with the book having you pick up the trail in one of the camping areas.
It was a decently well-marked trail, although I got turned around at the ONE point that wasn’t marked well. If you head out this trail, DON’T go down the tiny, steep path just before/after the “rustic” campsite. It was a LOT of energy just to have to turn around and go back to end up where I was supposed to be. The campsite confused me as well. Marker 10 indicated crossing the campsite to Marker 11, which was true, but just confusing. To make it easier, just follow the site’s access road to the main road and cross there. You’ll find your marker easy enough, just across the road.
The trail was much more “among” things than I prefer. At one point I heard a horn for a good ten minutes. I’m assuming the good weather indicated that it was the local fire horn, not a lightning or tornado siren, which is what I’m used to. You also get pretty close to several “modern” camping locations, and I could hear the music from many of the sites on my walk.
Still, it was my first hike without snow! But, that means I was a little rough on my feet when it came to the uneven terrain. For the first time in about six months, I had some issues with some upper thigh pain in my “weak” leg (the one I had surgery on). It never hindered my ability to keep moving, but I don’t think I’d have been able to go as far as I usually do, if I had tried. Hopefully my next few treks will help my feet get my bearings a little better.
Raven K 