The Spirit of the Woods Chapter of the NCTA holds its October hike at Highbanks Rollway, which is in the Grand Traverse Chapter miles. But we try to hit peak color because it's a beautiful hike above the Manistee River.
It was scheduled for last weekend, but got re-scheduled because of the weather forecast. Today was a little past peak color up there, but it was a lovely day, and not shabby.
Things did start out a bit iffy with fog so thick you could only see gray from the overlook. But that soon lifted to become only a layer of fog in the valley
This is quite a hilly section. In the 5.5 miles there is about 800 feet of elevation change with the biggest single climb being 250 feet.
The best color was on the way back to the trailhead. By then the sun was out. It had warmed from near freezing into the high forties. This is the riverbend at the actual rollway.
Possibly the best was the sun on bright yellow aspen on the other side of the river.
And another.
We had 21 people in our group. I haven't been sent the group picture yet, but I'll add it when I get it.
The location was extremely busy! Lots of families out for walks with the kiddos which is great to see. Most of the people weren't going too far from the trailhead, but that's OK. I'm just glad to see people enjoying the outdoors.
This isn't particularly special, but Plantain-Leaved Pussytoes presented itself nicely for a picture. Antennaria plantaginifolia.
Sue S from the chapter rode with me (it's a long drive and carpooling is good). We did some more leaf-peeping on the way home. Maybe those will be tomorrow's post.
Now... since I didn't get home till after 10 pm last night and had to get back up a 6 am today- I'm going to go lie down with a book.
Miles hiked in 2025: 408.01
Miles hiked on the NCT in 2025: 236.3
North Country Trail, Wexford County, MI. Highbanks Rollway to 29 1/2 Road and back. 5.5 miles
 | See Same Hike- 2024
See Wet Spring hike on the same miles |
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