The Hidden Gem of Northern Michigan: Pigeon River Country Michigan Forest

The Pigeon River Country Michigan Forest is a true hidden gem nestled in the heart of Northern Michigan. This vast forest spans over 90,000 acres and is known for its pristine wilderness, untouched by human development. As one of the largest contiguous tracts of undeveloped land in Michigan, it offers a unique experience for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

1. Impressive Biodiversity

The Pigeon River Country Michigan Forest boasts an impressive biodiversity, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature photographers. The forest is home to a wide range of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, black bears, turkey, ruffed grouse, and even elk – which were reintroduced in the 20th century. It's a paradise for birdwatchers too, with over 200 species of birds calling this forest home.

Pigeon River Country: A Michigan Forest

by Dale Clarke Franz (Kindle Edition)

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5121 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	352 pages

FREE

2. The Pigeon River

Running through the heart of the forest is the Pigeon River, after which it is named. The river is known for its crystal-clear waters, making it popular among anglers and canoeists. It offers an excellent habitat for brook and brown trout, ensuring a great fishing experience. The river's picturesque beauty is complemented by its peaceful and serene surroundings.

3. Outdoor Adventures

Whether you enjoy hiking, camping, hunting, wildlife viewing, or simply immersing yourself in nature, the Pigeon River Country Michigan Forest has something for everyone. With an extensive network of trails, you can explore the forest's beauty at your own pace. The Green Timbers Trail, Shingle Mill Pathway, and Pigeon Bridge Pathway are popular among hikers.

4. Rustic Camping Experience

If you're looking for a true wilderness camping experience, the Pigeon River Country Michigan Forest won't disappoint. The forest offers several rustic campgrounds that provide a chance to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature. These campgrounds offer basic amenities such as vault toilets and hand pumps for water, ensuring a back-to-basics camping experience.

5. Fall Colors

Witnessing the vibrant fall foliage is a sight to behold in the Pigeon River Country Michigan Forest. As the seasons change, the forest transforms into a kaleidoscope of colors, with shades of red, orange, and yellow adorning the trees. It's a photographer's dream come true, and the perfect time to take a scenic drive or go for a leisurely hike.

6. Environmental Preservation

The Pigeon River Country Michigan Forest is not just a natural wonder; it's also a testament to environmental preservation. It was established in the 1970s to protect the forest and its wildlife from overdevelopment. Thanks to strict regulations and conservation efforts, the forest remains unspoiled, allowing visitors to experience nature in its purest form.

The Pigeon River Country Michigan Forest is a hidden gem that offers a unique and unforgettable experience. With its impressive biodiversity, scenic river, outdoor adventures, rustic camping, vibrant fall colors, and commitment to environmental preservation, it truly is a must-visit destination for nature lovers. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of Northern Michigan!

Pigeon River Country: A Michigan Forest

by Dale Clarke Franz (Kindle Edition)

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5121 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	352 pages

FREE

The long awaited new edition of a classic offers memories, myths, and meanings of the largest contiguous piece of wild land in Michigan's Lower Peninsula.

This updated edition explores more deeply why and how the outdoors moves and compels us. It’s a book about mice who sing, elk who wear collars, deer who kiss, and birds who could dictate their compositions to Mozart. It's about the human species interacting in generous and sometimes misguided ways with the rest of life. It's about men trying to ripen pinecones into pineapples and women taking better aim with a revolver than expected. It's about poetry—from Mary Oliver, Lao Tzu, and Theodore Roethke—and seeing hawks dive in a night sky or feeling oil geologists shake the earth below. It's about finding fish dead in the river by the thousands and crouching behind a stump to watch beaver build a dwelling. While this book considers life beyond the boundaries of Pigeon River Country, it is steeped in the specifics of a place that lives mostly on its own, instead of human, terms.

The Pigeon River Country is a remote northern forest, ecologically distinct from most of the United States. Laced with waterways, it has a storied past. Dale Clarke Franz has collected personal accounts from various people intrigued with the Pigeon River Country—including loggers, conservationists, mill workers, campers, even the young Ernest Hemingway, who said he loved the forest "better than anything in the world." There are comprehensive discussions of the area's flora and fauna, guides to trails and camping sites, and photos showcasing the changing face of this hidden national treasure.