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In Times Like These; Go Outdoors & Go Solo

Posted on March 20th, 2020
Joining other park systems, the Michigan DNR just announced that entry fees for state parks and trails will be suspended during the coronavirus pandemic. And to be totally safe from getting CODIV-19 the DNR recommended going solo. In the latest MichiganTrailMaps.com Trail Talk blog, Jim DuFresn… read more

The Overcrowded Wilderness

Posted on October 3rd, 2018
Have you hiked Nordhouse Dunes lately? Our favorite trails and wilderness areas are getting crowded and not just on the weekends. What’s the solution to overrun campsites and the growing amount of trash left in the woods? Are reservations or strict permit systems to the backcountry a permanent p… read more

Oh, To Be A Guide In Alaska

Posted on February 2nd, 2018
We noticed the following help wanted ad in our email box recently. So did Jim DuFresne and it made him reminisce about the two years he worked for a guiding company in Southeast Alaska. Was it his dream job? Read on. Later this month DuFresne will be giving his new presentation, A Place Called the Porkieread more

A Room in the Wilderness

Posted on December 3rd, 2017
A comfortable bed and a warm shower in the middle of the wilderness? Maybe even a glass of wine right along the trail? In the latest Trail Talk blog from MichiganTrailMaps.com , we write about our favorite middle-of-the-park lodges. The most challenging thing about these place… read more

On the Way to Adventure

Posted on August 11th, 2015
Sometimes how you get to the trailhead is almost as exciting as the hike itself. In this Trail Talk blog entry Jim DuFresne says that Colorado has nothing on Michigan in terms of exhilarating entries into the backcountry. If you’re hoping to squeeze in one more hike or backpacking adventure beforead more
The Big Agnes mtnGLO Tent with built-in LED lighting.

Too Much High Tech In The Woods

Posted on April 7th, 2015
Let Google’s Street View Trekker hike the path for you? No thanks, we’ll pass even if it means we might get a blister on the back of our heel. In this Trail Talk blog we ponder when is so much high tech too much out in the woods, the one sanctuary we’ve always counted to escape from the modern world aro… read more

A Fishing Tale: Brown Bears & Big Sockeyes

Posted on June 21st, 2013
Editor’s Note: Where has Jim DuFresne been? Turns out MichiganTrailMaps.com’s main blogger has been in Alaska the past couple of weeks catching sockeye salmon. Here is his  latest tale from the Final Frontier. Don’t for get to check out his books at our e-shop, including 12 Classic Troread more

A Trusted Friend: My Dana Backpack

Posted on January 30th, 2013
Editor’s Note: In the latest Trail Talk, Jim DuFresne writes about the Dana Design backpack he used for 25 years. The final adventure with it was while researching our new map of North Manitou Island last summer. The map is now out and available from our e-shop. The large format map measures 11 b… read more

Lessons From Alaska’s Chilkoot Trail

Posted on July 12th, 2011
You’ll learn a lot hiking the Chilkoot Trail. You get a history lesson on the Chilkoot and a sense of the feverous attraction gold can have on men. You learn a little about personal perseverance as you struggle over the Chilkoot Pass on a rainy morning when the clouds are so low and so thick you have to p… read more

Riding The Alaska State Ferries To Adventure

Posted on June 22nd, 2011
Editor’s Note: Jim DuFresne, the main contributor to MichiganTrailMaps.com, just filed his second blog entry from his summer of wanderlust in the Last Frontier. We really hope he comes back some day.   I’m eating lunch at my favorite restaurant in Alaska. The food is good – I’m having a halib… read more
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