Backpacking Clubs in Michigan?

[earlylight]

I have a newbie friend who wants to try backpacking, but has no experience. I'd like to hook him up with a club that offers day hikes and overnight trips to help him up the learning curve (since I live 1,000 miles away). He lives in Grand Rapids, but is willing to travel. This is NCT country.

Any recommendations?

Thx,

[Lyle]

West Michigan Chapter of the NCTA is the largest Chapter and is very active, both with trail building and hikes/social events. It is headquartered in the Grand Rapids area.

Spirit of the Woods Chapter is a bit farther north, but is also a very active and social chapter.

Contact Info can be found at this link:

http://www.northcountrytrail.org/ncta/chapters.htm

And here is a direct link to West Michigan Chapter's Events Calender for the next few months.

http://www.northcountrytrail.org/wmi/events.htm




Can also try joining the Yahoo Group "GreatLakesHikes" They often organize hikes in the Grand Rapids Area and across the Great Lakes Area. Many of their most active members are from Grand Rapids.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/greatl...ec=group&slk=6

[earlylight]

Perfect. Thx. -Philip

[Lyle]

Also have him check out the Chief Noonday Chapter of the NCTA. I just looked and it seems they have a pretty full calendar coming up too.

http://www.northcountrytrail.org/events/cnd.htm

[clicker]

If he lives here in Grand Rapids, tell him to talk to the people at APEX Outdoor Gear on 29th st. They will help him out a lot. And the headquarters of the NCT are located in Lowell, only about a 20 min drive outside of town. But APEX is very helpful. They can set him up with some basic advice and everything.

[Trillium]

what about on the east side of the state? particularly in SE Michigan

[jeepcachr]

Definitely point him toward Apex. They have a hike planned for beginners in a couple weeks. It's all about helping people that haven't gone before get out and learn how.

http://www.apexoutdoorgear.com/backpacking.html

[jeepcachr]

Did you friend find someone to help him out? I love talking gear and am always looking for an excuse to hike.