Michigan needed a backpacking loop, so I built one and hiked it in 13 hours

Michigan didn't have a real backpacking loop, so I designed one: 49.3 miles through the moraine country southeast of Traverse City. On the summer solstice, I hiked the whole thing in 13 hours to confirm it works. Check out an overview of the route and get the guide 👉 https://joetracks.com/kalkaska-morain... The Kalkaska Moraine Loop links the North Country Trail, the Shore to Shore Trail, the Boardman River Trail, the Sand Lakes and Muncie Lakes pathways, and stretches of unmarked singletrack into one continuous 50-mile route. No new trails, no bushwhacking. It tours old-growth white pine in the Valley of the Giants, eagles over Island Lake, and the restored habitat of Brown Bridge Quiet Area. With a day job and not enough time to backpack it properly, I did it in one push on the longest day of the year. 54.31 miles walked and ran, one wrong turn, two bald eagles, one entire pizza afterward. Everything I marked along the way went into the guidebook: maps, elevation profiles, datasheets, suggested trip variations, water and camping logistics, and a CalTopo mapset for offline navigation. More free guides and maps: https://joetracks.com/guides Join the newsletter to support this project and hear when new guides are published: joetracks.kit.com/0a475715b3 This route crosses Michigan DNR state forest land, quiet areas, and preserves. Camping rules vary. Follow Leave No Trace and check current regulations before you go.