Marengo River Valley NCT

[Opi]

One of my goals is to hike all the cool sections of the North Country Trail through Wisconsin and Upper Michigan.
Here's a late fall trip I did in 2012. The trail is part of the Penokee Mountain Range in way Northwestern Wisconsin, west of Mellen WI... if you want to check a map.
I Hiked about 9 miles to the Marengo river from TH. We don't have much for mountains around here but we do have some deep woods hiking. Take a look
First view of the river valley A little color among all the grey Did not know what to expect for shelter. Said shelter on map but I never count on using them. But this one came in handy with all the rain. Merango River Next morning. Looks like rain. Plan was to hike another 10 miles to Porcupine lakes wilderness. I decided to stay at shelter for second night. You know... with all the rain and all. Campsite down by the river. Kind of wet My kids favorite trail lunch Views from the overlook on the other side of valley There's my shelter You can see the shelter if you look close An old Swedish Settlement from the early 1900's to check out Neon moss or something like that...wierd This creature freaked me out. I did not see it right away. Almost walked right over it Heading back
The end

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[Joey]

Shelters are a thing of beauty when its raining. Nice porcupine shot!

 

[Nick]

Yeah, I dig that porcupine shot. Very nice.

 

[steve]

Very interesting. I always wondered what the woods and trails looked like in this neck of the woods.

 

[Vegan.Hiker]

Great report. There's something about spending some time alone deep in the woods that's replenishing. I bet those lookouts are especially beautiful in the fall.

 

[Opi]

Great report. There's something about spending some time alone deep in the woods that's replenishing. I bet those lookouts are especially beautiful in the fall.

That hike was in mid October. Leaves went quick that Fall. I was a little bummed about the color thing but still cool to just get away for a couple nights. I had a good book to read.

 

[Ben]

thanks. how much of the north country trail have you done at this point?

 

[Opi]

thanks. how much of the north country trail have you done at this point?

I had to do some math. Maybe 120 miles or so of trail in Wisconsin and Michigan. And lots more to check out yet. It is a bit of a drive. Closet TH is 3 1/2hrs. And mostly out and back hikes.
I discovered the North Country Trail maybe 4 years ago. Really fell in love with backpacking about the same time. Those trails make for some nice overnight and weekend trips.... when I need some solo time.

 

[Tye Dye Twins]

Very cool. It does appear you just missed the colors but not the views!

That porcupine reminds me of my hair style a few years ago. LOL!

 

[uintahiker]

It's a beautiful area up there! I spent a few months on winter in that area. I also saw a mother bear with two cubs one day when I was out driving- they ran across the road in front of me. Another snowy day I'm sure I saw a wolf as I was looking down the clearcut made for a power line.

 

[Brad Gaddis]

Thanks for TR. Brings back memories as I grew up in Mich.

 

[Taylor F.]

When I was bow hunting last year I came across a porcupine perched just like that, asleep, at the end of a fallen log . Scared the heck out of me. Once I figured out what it was, it was cool to watch it.