Negwegon at Night:
Beginner's Backpacking & Stargazing
August 24th to 26th, 2023
Have you always wanted to get closer to nature and experience the wilderness? This trip is a great introduction to backpacking! We’ll spend three days and two nights traveling at a relaxed pace through the beautiful forests of Negwegon State Park.
Negwegon is a secluded gem of a park right on the sandy shore of Lake Huron south of Alpena, Michigan. The trails are relatively flat and the distances are fairly short, making this trip the perfect introduction to the backcountry for beginners. Gear and food will be provided and you’ll have help preparing for the trip.
On this hike, we’ll spend quite a bit of time on the shores of Lake Huron, and the rest in the pine forest looking to spot wildlife and enjoying the serenity. The small group sizes will allow you to connect with both nature and your fellow explorers.
This park is a Dark Sky Preserve, meaning there is no light pollution in the area and it is a superb place to stargaze. The Perseid Meteor Shower will be going on during that time in August; if the sky is clear, our campsite will be an amazing viewing location.
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What is Included?
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Delicious meals are served from dinner on the first day to lunch on the last, and snacks and desserts are provided
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Dinners are high-quality handcrafted backpacking meals with an original twist
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Wilderness Responder certified guide and naturalist
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Two nights at a waterfront backcountry campsite during the peak of a meteor shower
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Backpacking gear: lightweight backpack, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, hiking poles, headlamp, and tent are provided. (If you prefer to bring your own gear, let us know)
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Pre-trip communication, including packing list and other guidance as needed
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Beginner Friendly!
Learn how to safely travel in the backcountry:
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Basic navigation
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Leave No Trace principles
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Packing and choosing gear
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Setting up a camp
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Backcountry cooking
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Coexisting with wildlife
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Route planning
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive at Negwegon State Park at 1:00 PM and meet your fellow explorers. We'll finalize our gear and load up our backpacks then hit the trail once everyone is comfortable.
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This first day will be a short two mile hike to our campsite, a secluded spot right on Lake Huron. After setting up camp, you'll be able to relax or explore before enjoying a delicious dinner prepared for you.
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Dessert will be served over a campfire, and the stargazing will begin once the sun goes down. if the sky is clear, the meteor shower will be incredible to see.
Day 3
After a leisurely morning and delicious breakfast, we’ll decide which route to take back to the trailhead. The trip will conclude around lunchtime at your car. Those with energy left may want to complete an additional 3.5 mile long loop to cover all of the trails in Negwegon State Park!
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Day 2
On this day, we'll be able to leave our camp set up after breakfast and go on a loop hike. This walk will have a view of Lake Huron and the sounds of the shore, followed by an immersive few miles in the pine forest. We’ll have lunch on the trail and do some stretching.
Back at the camp, you may want to cool off with a quick dip in the lake if the water is warm. Another delicious meal with dessert will be served over a bonfire, followed by more stargazing.
How to Register:
Registration: the cost is $376 per person with full gear rental; the price is discounted ($335) if you do not need gear. Returning guests also get a discount. After payment you will receive an email with important details and a registration form.
Cancellation policy: up to 30 days prior to the event, a full refund of all fees will be given. After that time period your reservation is considered final. The trip will be able to happen in most weather, but if the trip leaders determine it to be unsafe a full refund will be given.
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Recreation passport: every car that enters the park needs a recreation passport. More details will be in the post-purchase registration email.
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Payment Info: a valid credit card is required for booking, but cash, check, or Venmo/Cashapp is preferred.
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You can also sign up for the mailing list to be notified of newly added dates.
Your Guide
Lisa Eick
Lisa is an experienced outdoor guide, dedicated hiker, and certified Wilderness First Responder. She is passionate about the healing power of the natural world, and has lived and worked in the outdoors in Wisconsin, California, Mexico, and New Zealand. Her expedition experience includes a six-hundred mile kayaking trip down the West Coast of California and Baja. She believes that challenging the body in the outdoors leads to emotional and mental growth, and is excited to facilitate this adventure!