R.J. Peters Grade
This is an unofficial trail. However, the northern end of this trail is named by its historic use as it leaves the Lake Michigan Recreation Area, and I have simply extended that name to include the entire route. It parallels the Nipissing Trail, but is located in the valley to the east of the ridge, and directly below it. You can make about a 2 hour loop by going north on the Nipissing Trail and returning south via this trail.
The description is from north to south, and actually begins in the Lake Michigan Recreation Area. In the Oak Campground Loop, find the Multi-Use Trail on the west edge of the loop at the base of the dune. There is an interpretive sign about the Peters Grade. The trail stretches straight south, looking very much like what it is... an old railroad grade.
0.14 mile- cross another trail which goes to the camping loop, and also winds along the base of the dune. There is a bench. Continue straight, and pass three steep, eroded trails coming down from the Nipissing Trail, all signed to not use them.
0.3 mile - The multi-use trail turns to the left to continue around the perimeter of the Lake Michigan Recreation Area. A 4x4 post marks this corner. Continue straight.
0.4 mile - Enter Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness. The rail grade continues straight across a wetland area. This may not be passable in wet times, but you can skirt it to the right by going slightly up the edge of the dune. There is a steep, rooty path climbing the dune up to the Nipissing Trail, which is signed. However, continue at the base of the ridge.
This trail has received much more use in recent years, and many of the steep side trails up the ridge have recovered from the damage of people scrambling up and down. The treadway may be obscured at times, but just follow the base of the ridge.
1.3 miles - You will be able to see Nordhouse Lake through the trees. Continue along the west shore of the lake, and the trail will no longer be on a flat grade, but higher up on the bank. Just keep the lake on your left and the hill on your right.
1.4 miles - Come to the beach where this trail more or less joins with the Nipissing Trail. From here southward, the Peters Grade Trail is more of a bushwhack than a trail, so you can leave here if you wish, or you can continue along the base of the ridge. The walking is not difficult. Continue around the lake at the base of the dune.
1.7 miles - Reach a large open field at the base of the dune. There is a steep trail going to the ridge, but there is a better choice just ahead. Continue across the field, less than 0.1 mile, and you will see an old road angling up the ridge. Use this to join the Nipissing Trail. Turn left.
2.0 miles - Reach the parking lot.
Access- south end of this trail connects with the Nipissing Trail. The north end is accessed from the Multi-Use Trail of the Lake Michigan Recreation Area
Fees- Nordhouse Dunes requires a Recreation Fee sticker to park there (self-pay tubes are available for daily passes, yearly passes may be purchased at a Ranger Station). Current fee schedule
Restrictions- no vehicles, no wheeled conveyances of any kind, no horses, no bikes, pets must be leashed; campsites must be more than 400 feet from Lake Michigan waterline and more than 200 feet from the Nordhouse Lake waterline. Campsites must be more than 400 feet from roads at Wilderness boundaries, no beach fires. Do not remove any woody material from sandy areas (driftwood, shipwreck timbers, etc)
Distance and time- about 2.0 miles, 1 hour
Trail Markers- none
Treadway- single track pathway mostly on old railroad grade, natural surface, stable footing
Grades- mostly flat with some gentle undulations
Ecosystem- forested with mixed trees- white pine, oak, maple; some wetland areas on the northern end, passes beside Nordhouse Lake.
Other points of interest- Lake Michigan Recreation Area to the north
Most recent date this info personally checked on foot- July 2019
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Camping
Camping-
Dispersed camping is permitted with the following restrictions: campsites must be more than 400 feet from Lake Michigan waterline and more than 200 feet from the Nordhouse Lake waterline. Campsites must be more than 400 feet from roads at Wilderness boundaries, no beach fires.
There are unofficial campsites along Green Road, just outside the wilderness boundary. Green road is sand, very rough, but these sites are well-used by small RV's and trailers. No facilities of any kind.
Handicap Accessibility
Handicap Accessibility- latrine is accessible but must be reached on natural surfaces. The interface with the cement slab is a bit rough.
Rest Rooms and Potable Water
Rest Rooms- accessible latrine
Potable Water- none
Details
Access- parking at the west end of dirt Nurnberg Rd.
Fees- Nordhouse Dunes requires a Recreation Fee sticker to park there (self-pay tubes are available for daily passes, yearly passes may be purchased at a Ranger Station). Current fee schedule
Restrictions- no vehicles, no wheeled conveyances of any kind, no horses, no bikes, pets must be leashed; campsites must be more than 400 feet from Lake Michigan waterline and more than 200 feet from the Nordhouse Lake waterline. Campsites must be more than 400 feet from roads at Wilderness boundaries, no beach fires. Do not remove any woody material from sandy areas (driftwood, shipwreck timbers, etc)
Seasonality- wind off the lake can be brutal in winter, but the area is open
Ecosystem- Lake Michigan shoreline, through perched dune wetlands, open sand blowouts, wooded dunes
Other points of interest- Ludington State Park to the south; Lake Michigan Recreation Area to the north
most recent date this info personally checked- July 2019
Additional Facilities- accessible latrine, bear-proof trash cans, one picnic table
Maintained by- Huron-Manistee National Forest , call 231-723-2211
More-
In lieu of the Forest Service parking fee, Interagency passes are also accepted. Display on your dashboard when you park.
Huron-Manistee National Forest info on the dunes
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