northern michigan

2023 Hike 5 - Mima Falls

52 Hikes With Mike - Hike 5

Mima Falls - Capitol State Forest - Washington

I took a late afternoon hike in the Mima Falls area which is about 25 minutes from my house. The trail is near a shoot range, so be prepared to hear people doing that in the first part of your hike. From the trailhead, I headed out and wasn’t too sure what to expect. The Capitol Forest is managed, so the area I walked through was cut before, or so it seemed. The trail carried on into the forest and eventually I found some older, bigger trees that were more my style. It’s not that I don’t mind regrowth, in fact it made me feel nostalgic, I just prefer the big trees.

Parts of this hike reminded me of Northern Michigan where I grew up. The trees that were growing back looked like some of the full grown trees back there. The way the night sky came though the trees with no leaves made me feel like it was a fall evening back home walking through my dad’s property. I had a moment when I just had to stop and take it all in. I was overcome with feelings - and not the normal ones standing under huge trees.

Enjoy some photos from the trail - I never made it to the falls, wherever they may be. I’ll have to try again with more daylight and patience. Happy hiking!

#hike17 - Herman Vogler Conservation Area

Date: May 5, 2018

Location: Herman Vogler Conservation Area - Rogers City, MI

Distance: 2.75

Trails: 2 loops, part of another

The healing power of hiking is REAL.

This particular hike was one of the most therapeutic of any I've taken over the past 17 months.  I was in Northern Michigan to say goodbye to my grandfather and was fortunate enough to have the opportunity.  When it was all over, on Saturday, I had the opportunity to take a sunny hike at one of my favorite places near their home to get some fresh air.  Hiking is good for the mind, body, and soul and this short little stroll through the muddy woods was no exception.  I challenged my body with balance, cleared my head, and soothed my soul all in under three miles - mostly.

Spring came late for Northern Michigan this year, so the trails were either covered in snow, miniature ponds, or troughs of mud.  It was fun, and wet, getting through but worth it overall.  These trails were the location for hike 51 and 52 last year, just 5 short months ago.  Hiking has really been an important part in my life for clearing my head, brainstorming new ideas, and relaxing.  I wish you all happy trails and hope you can connect with nature in a beneficial way.