Frequently Asked Questions

The guided forest/nature experience is not hiking and is not a form of exercise. You will be "wandering" and this will be at a slow or normal walking pace typically less than 1/2 mile.  

Sylvania Wilderness is a trail through the woods with mild slopes. Participants need to be able to observe and safely navigate a trail that can be rocky and may encounter downed branches.

Experiences at Little Girls Point include both a beach and forest experience. There is moderately steep path down to the beach and a moderately steep path up to the forest above the beach. This site is not recommended for anyone with mobility or balance issues or other applicable health conditions.

The Rockland old copper mine site with metal detecting involves walking over a very rocky uneven slight to moderate slopes.  This experience is not recommended for anyone with mobility or balance issues or other applicable health conditions.

All participants will required to sign a release of liability agreement prior to participating.

All Group experiences have a 4 person minimum.

Sister walks for women can be scheduled with 1 to 2 participants 

At certain times of the year bugs can be a considerable problem in the U.P.  and the severity changes year to year. Tiny black flies can be present for a few weeks in spring and larger black flies later in summer.  Mosquitos can also be a significant issue.  Experiences will not be scheduled when bug are at their worst.  At other times mosquito netting hats and jackets will be provided.  Participants are urged to also apply a natural bug spray and to bring that bug spray on the walk.  More information about managing bugs will be provided when an event is scheduled.  In Sylvania there may be an option of scheduling a field house for use doing the experience where periods of time be spent inside the field house alternating with outside time to help manage bug exposure. 

Due to bugs, the best times of year to participate is later summer and early fall (August, September, October) and winter and early spring (December through March).   The winter is a beautiful time in the forest. When the snow is deeper, snow shoes may be needed. Winter experiences are not possible at Little Girls Point or at Rockland.

More info coming soon

There are Black bears in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.  Attacks by black bears are extremely rare.  Most people who live in the U.P. have never come across a bear while out in the woods.   There have only been a few deaths by bear attacks ever in Michigan.  The  last known death by a black bear was a three year old toddler snatched from her front porch in the U.P.  in 1948.  While there are black bears in the U.P.,  they are rarely seen as they are afraid of people.  If anyone encounters a black bear in their yard or on a trail, the Michigan DNR says you should remain calm and be “bear S.M.A.R.T.,” in which each letter of the acronym references the following:

S — Stand your ground. Do not run or play dead.

M — Make loud noises and back away slowly.

A — Always provide a clear, unobstructed escape route for the bear.

R — Rarely do bears attack, if they do, fight back.

T — Treat bears with respect and observe them from a distance.

Your Guide will carry bear spray as an extra precaution.