State Park Loop

 Today was non-stop busy.

I had laundry on the line by 8:30 in the morning. Had a Zoom meeting at 9 and then follow up stuff after that until lunch. Took down the laundry. Edited. Then I did errands and went for a walk. Usually, before bell practice, I just walk around the trails near the Mehodist Church. But the weather was gorgeous. I decided to drive a little farther and take a walk at Ludington State Park.

I really love the Island Trail, so I hiked out on that. This is looking out into Hamlin Lake from near the beginning of the trail.

The trail connects a string of islands that form Lost Lake. All the lakes with that name- a lot in Michigan- didn't get lost. They were formed because a ridge of land separated them from a larger body of water, so this one is "lost" from Hamlin Lake. In this picture Lost Lake is on the left.

I wasn't sure how much hiking time I'd have because of the errands. But I made it to the north end of the Island Trail, and this CCC cabin, in good time.

So I decided to do a loop with some other trails. I headed inland on the Ridge Trail. That is a high trail with some topography. You get glimpses of Lake Michigan from up there.

The Ridge Trail is just what it says- on top of a ridge. You can sort of see how high a lot of it is in this picture.

You can choose to return to the parking several ways. Today, I got off the Ridge Trail and returned via the Lost Lake Trail which goes on the west side of Lost Lake. But right at the junction, you can get a shot of how the Island Trail connects the eastern edges. See the bridge out there? I zoomed way in to get the picture.

Then there was bell practice. The hard piece we are working on for Christmas is starting to come together. I think this day was packed full enough

Miles walked in 2026: 676.6
Ludington State Park: Island Trail, Ridge Trail, Lost Lake Trail loop. 4.6 miles

See My Favorite Ludington SP Loop