Alright, adventurers! Are you looking for a longer trail, more
dirt, and fewer amenities? And some
pretty wicked (for mid-Michigan) hills? Would
you like it to be kid, dog, and bike friendly?
And you want some water adventuring, too? Great!
For your outdoor, toilet-free, wet
and wild, two-legged, four-legged, or two-wheeled adventuring pleasure, I
present to you: Murphy Lake State Game
Area, on the edge of the Millington hills.
The Trail
For this first section of the
trail (Swaffer Rd. to Murphy Lake Rd.), we’re going to start at the Swaffer Rd.
parking lot (see a not-super-helpful-but-sort-of-good-enough map here) and head south.
Swaffer Rd. Parking Lot. Note the helpful lack of signage |
Are you an aquatic
adventurer? Murphy Lake is a popular
spot to swim, fish, kayak, boat, etc.
There’s a boat launch on the south side of the lake (see the map) if you don’t feel a
burning desire to haul your aqueous vessel down the half-overgrown trail to the
beach from the Swaffer Rd. parking area.
Pansy. Personally, I get a kick
out of swimming to the islands. They are
small and covered in goose poop, but after a fifteen-minute swim, I sort of
feel like they’re mine.
The Pros and Cons
Pro: There are decent parking
lots at either end of the trail that can accommodate several cars, if parked
with a bit of common sense. Easy access
is our friend!
Con: The parking lots are not that
spacious, so if you want to adventure on a hot day when everyone else wants to
swim, you may have trouble getting a spot.
And if there is more than half a foot of snow on the ground, you can
forget parking unless you have a four-wheel drive vehicle—to the best of my
knowledge, these lots do not get plowed.
Pro: The trail covers a wide
variety of terrain. For mid-Michigan,
anyway. It starts out low and wet, then
climbs up into higher, dryer hills with oak, maple and sassafras trees. And then it goes back down, and up, and
down….
Con: The low, wet parts of the
trail are passable in dry weather, and complete rubbish in wet weather. Like, La Brea Tar Pits rubbish. And what loves low, wet areas? Mosquitos.
So during bug season, bring the DEET—or a pint of blood to top yourself
off at the end of your outdoor adventure.
Pro: This is a less civilized,
more wildernessy trail that gives a more authentic and challenging hiking/biking/trail
running experience, and it connects to other sections of trail if you’re
feeling ambitious. Yes, it’s a good day.
Stream with wooden bridge |
Con: This being a less civilized, more wildernessy trail means no garbage cans and no bathroom, not even a vault toilet (boo!). No garbage cans means trash and broken bottles, especially at the beach area. People like to fish and have fires. They do not so much like to pick up their trash. So watch the little ones and dogs, we have found all sorts of delightfully sharp and occasionally disgusting things on the trail. And no bathroom means…well, no bathroom. So if you have to go, you will be going in the woods and washing up in a stream. Anyone have boys? They will find this highly entertaining. Ask how I know.
The Knitty Gritty Details
- This is a state game area—during hunting season, wear orange, or avoid entirely
- Dogs are totally allowed. Have fun! And see above—orange goes for your furry friends, too
- This is not a loop. When you reach the end, you’re really at the halfway point :)
- For more details on the cans and cannots of state land, read this
Cleo the Adventure Dog |
The Wrap-Up
Murphy Lake State Game Area is a
longer, more challenging trail for the not-quite-beginner, with opportunities
for hiking, biking, swimming, and assorted outdoor adventuring. Bring the dogs and kids! Bring bug spray! Bring a swimsuit! And bring a trash bag! Because seriously—I’m sharing an adventure
with you. Don’t share your trash with
me.
Wow! You have some really good information on this state park. It sounds like a lot of fun! I was just wondering if there are any officials here to contact if something does go wrong or if someone gets hurt? Like Park Rangers or something like that? Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteHi Sarah, this isn't actually a state park but a state game area, so it's less developed--unpaved, no trash or bathrooms, no rangers. It's overseen by the Michigan DNR, so non-emergency concerns would be directed to them I guess? I don't actually know who your best bet would be in an emergency--probably 911. If I figure anything else out, I'll let you know :)
DeleteI've been to Murphy Lake State Game Area! I was there in the spring a few times for my Field Biology class. We did a salamander population study off of a trail on Millington Rd. and also some forest sampling off Arbela Rd. I appreciate that you mention these trails are more "wild". I'm always looking for trails like that. I haven't been in the area you are talking about, and I've been meaning to take my dad to the game area for a hike. We'll definitely consider Swaffer to Murphy Lake Rd. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteNo problem! I love this trail system. I've never seen salamanders in that area, but I did hear something about a rare lizard species in the area around the lake. I'm not familiar with the Game Area around Arbela Rd., we usually only go as far south as Barnes Rd. We'll have to do some more exploring!
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