Hike 100 Challenge: Log Lake Campground (Kalkaska) to Cunningham Rd

Grand Traverse Chapter's 2025 Hike 100 Challenge - Cunningham Rd to Log Lake Campground. Hike Leader: Seth Stein.

The hike is about 9.8 miles total. Most of this piece of the NCT is on little-trafficked dirt roads, mostly through forest, with little traffic. The final 2.5 miles is on trail. The hike is flat and easy. Plan on hiking for 5 hours at a 2 mph pace, with a lunch break. Hiking shoes, hiking poles, and rain gear are recommended. Consider long pants and bug spray to reduce potential tick problems.

We'll meet at Log Lake campground, 2866 Log Lake Rd NE, Kalkaska, MI 49646. Google maps can find it at PRXX+HX Kalkaska, Michigan. To get there, take M72-E from the Traverse City area toward Kalkaska. When M72 intersects US 131, continue straight on Nash Rd for 1.3 miles, turn left onto E Log Lake Rd and continue for 0.3 miles. We'll meet at the ball field on the left. There are bathrooms in the campground.

We'll shuttle to our start at the intersection of Cunningham and Covert Roads, 6983 Covert Rd NE, Mancelona, MI 49659. Google maps can find it at RX89+6J Mancelona, Michigan. From the ball field, head southwest along E Log Lake Rd for 0.3 mi, turn left onto Nash Rd, head east for 4.7 mi. Then turn left onto Darragh Rd NE, drive 5.0 miles, turn right onto Covert Rd NE and drive 1 mile.

This route uses Avenza maps NCT MI-112, NCT MI-113 and MI-114.