|
|
Jeff Gennick taking a break in the Escanaba
River State Forest |
Description
A state forest area that mostly lies just to the west of
the Cleveland Cliffs Basin. The Cleveland Cliffs Basin is the resevoir
that feeds into Au
Train Falls. The area where Jeff is standing in the photo lies
just 2 1/2 miles east of Limestone and 5 miles south of Chatham.
I like the area because of the open fields and the good view looking
out over the Basin. Just a few hundred feet behind Jeff, the land
slopes sharply down towards the water level.
Directions
There's plenty of different ways to get into the Escanaba
State Forest. To get to the area where Jeff is standing, follow these
directions:
- Take M-94 west out of Munising towards Chatham.
- Just south of Chatham, M-94 tees into M-67. Turn left (south) on M-67.
- Drive south for about five miles until you come to Limestone. Limestone
is an extremely small town. The best landmark to look for is a convenience
store named the Limestone Mini Mall. It'll be on your right (west
side of road).
- The road you are looking for is named 26 Road. Coming from Chatham,
you want to make a left turn (go east).
- If you actually reach the Limestone Mini Mall, you've gone
too far. Turn around, go back north, and turn right at the first intersection.
- You'll be on a dirt road. Follow it east for two miles until it turns
north (left). At that point, you'll see a two-track that continues straight
into the woods.
- Drive in on the two-track. That trail begins on a narrow strip of
state land, and after a 1/4 mile you'll be in the middle of 400 acres
of state forest.
The Escanaba River State Forest is actually much larger than 400 acres,
but the particular parcel this trail takes you to happens to be 400 acres
in size. The trail eventually takes you down to the water. There are also
several intersecting trails that you can follow. But don't spend all your
time in the car. Get out and have some fun running around with your kids.
I've ordered a topographical map of this area. When
it arrives, I'll post a map that shows the state forest boundaries.
Slide Show
- Looking out over the Cleveland Cliffs Basin
- Four-wheelin' with my Geo Metro
|
