So you think you’re ready to rough it?

Bring a jacket, even when it is warm out as temperatures fluctuate. Pictured is a stormy sight at the Manistee-Benzie County line area at Arcadia Dunes Baldy Overlook area. (Arielle Breen/News Advocate)

Here’s how to be prepared for hiking in Benzie, Mason, Manistee counties

ARIELLE BREEN VENTURE STAFF WRITER

With so many more people either trying to enjoy the outdoors for the first time or picking up activities they once enjoyed, it’s time to revisit the do’s and don’ts of hiking and backpacking. Benzie, Manistee and Mason counties have a list of local trails that are great for day hikes, a quick walk with the family and even some that are made for backpacking and longer distance hiking. One trail that runs the length of eight states and also goes through parts of Mason and Manistee counties through the Manistee National Forest is the North Country Trail. Joan Young, chair of the trail’s local Spirit of the Woods chapter, shared some advice about hiking. Here are her top tips on what to do and what to avoid. • Tell someone where you are specifically going to be and when you expect to return. • Bring a jacket, even when it is warm out as temperatures fluctuate. Young says it doesn’t matter if the sun is shining, bring some sort of long-sleeved shirt, as it may even be needed for sun protection. • Bring water and a way to filter the water. Plan out where you will be able to access water on longer hikes. • Bring a spare grocery bag to pack out trash and any waste paper products such as toilet paper or sanitary products. • Practice leave no trace: This means steps like not taking things from the trail, don’t leave trash or things behind, camp away from water sources and off the trail.

• Another piece of advice she shared is from the Department of Natural Resources. On muddy days, the department is advising people not to play when trails and roads are muddy since activity at those times can cause deeper ruts and holes and damage to the trail compared to dry days. • Pack the 10 essentials. According to REI Co-op, these are navigation, headlamp, sun protection, first aid, knife,

4 MANISTEE NEWS ADVOCATE fire, shelter (can even be a light emergency bivy), extra food, extra water and extra clothes. • Print a map of the location and trail, and sheath it in a large clear sealable bag or similar to protect it from the elements. Batteries in cell phones are going to drain, especially in the Manistee National Forest. • Wear sturdy shoes. It doesn’t mean one needs to get boots, but hiking in flip flops is not going to be comfortable after a mile. • Bring lip balm. More information on the local North Country Trail chapter and maps is available online at northcountrytrail. org/trail/michigan/spw.