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Submission
Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. The Michigan Recreation Passport does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas. Learn more: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79134_79210---,00.html
Take US-23 12 miles north of Harrisville to Black River Rd, Go east on Black River Rd for 1.5 miles, Drive North on Sand Hill Trail for 2.5 miles, Go east on the gravel park road 1.25 miles to the parking area.
Beautiful. Calm. Nice shoreline, plenty of hiking trails. Just gorgeous!
For our first backpacking trip, hike was perfect. The hike in/out was quiet and beautiful. Of course there were bugs, but with the proper repellent, we sustained minimal mosquito bites. The hike took just under an hour, with some occasional stops to soak in the beauty.
Our site was South Point #4, which was very secluded. The site receives a lot of wind, as you may see in other reviews, however it helped greatly with bugs/mosquitos. The wind prevented most insects from being able to fly, so we had virtually no issue with bugs/mosquitos at the actual site. If we adventured from the site, that was a different story. Repellent is highly recommended.
Some additional positive points. The fire pit has a rock wall built to help block wind and help start a fire. A bear box is included about 100 ft from the actual site, along with a vaulted toilet. I know you can't ask for much, but the toilet was def a single star. lol
Overall, this trip was Perfect... Perfect... Perfect.
Sunrise sand beach. A place where you ponder how life can be so beautiful and why you get to be here enjoying this jewel. Quiet. Simple. Easy. Few amenities.
It was a great weekend for a hike through the woods. Beautiful, but a little over 5 miles for the loop got tedious with thick leaves covering the protruding rocks and roots. I stumbled and miss stepped several times.
