I need to be in Northern Michigan for a wedding in mid-September and thought I'd take the whole week off and head up to Seney. I have never been there before, and would appreciate any suggestions, comments, books to read, etc. I want to do some kayaking, exploring the "wilderness area" (hiking/biking), and of course the wildlife drives, but do not have any idea how to split it up, and where my best chances would be. I'm guessing the waterfowl migration would be in the early stages, but what else is there to look for in that time period? Is it worth a week in mid-September? I'd love to chat with anyone who has personal experiences up there.
Hello Jeff, I think you could greatly enjoy Seney NWR, but not sure about a whole week there. The refuge has several access points that offer a few different views. The east part of the refuge has most of the pools where the waterfowl are. The western portions are mostly HUGE marsh areas that are difficult to access, but can be done if aproached from the western boundary road (South Creighton Road). It sound like your trip will be just a touch early for any fall color. That is more likely to happen last week of September to the first two week of October.
Two routes are included in the motor routes. All of the roads in the refuge are open to biking. My favorite motor route is the longer "Fishing Loop".
The wildlife opportunities can be numerous at times. The trumpeter swan population is the largest in Michigan at over 200 birds. My favorite. It is really a sight to see, especially in the spring when the little ones hatch. The ducks and geese are almost always present but of course larger numbers during migration. The list of other critters you may encounter include, but not limited to, eagles, hawks, loons,fvariety of birds, beavers, otters, and an occasional moose. The chance of seeing a moose during mid-September is good because the rut is in full swing and they move around alot.
Take a look at http://www.fws.gov/Midwest/Seney/ for current info.
There are also several other opportunities in the region. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Tahquamenon Falls State Park, Hiawatha National Forest, Grand Island National Recreation area. All of these areas provide the activities you are asking about.
I may be totally mistaken but I don't believe boating of any kind is permitted on the refuge pools, but are permitted on rivers in the refuge area.
Not sure of your planned dates, but our bike club in Munising host a XC MTB race September 8 and are planning a recreation ride on Grand Island later in September.
http://www.annariverpedalers.org/
I hope this give you an idea of what is available here. Contact me if you have more questions.
Definitely take Scott's advice on Seney. He lives up there and has been really helpful for locations when I have been there in past years. Seney is a nice place, but a week would be a lot of time, especially with other areas to shoot. Also, take a look posts below for other shooting locations in the UP. It is a big area, with a lot of different places to go.
Thanks so much for your advice. The Moose rut would be nice, but I'd miss fall colors and the main waterfowl migration.. I'm considering forgetting about the wedding time schedule and just making a trip up there at the right time for wildlife. Late April / early May? Then I could even get up there for a day or two in September when I am there for the wedding. If I did a week, two days or so for waterfalls, pictured rocks etc and the rest for wildlife, that doesn't sound too bad, does it?
Scott, aside from the motor routes, do you have any other favorite spots such as biking routes, or nesting eagles / osprey locations? Are you allowed to range free on foot or do you have to stick to trails? I know about the boating on rivers only, I talked with one of the local outfitters about that. I'm really interested in the western part, can you be any more specific about access points from the South Creighton Road?
You will need to call the refuge offices to get dates to determine exactly when the motor routes are open. I know that they are closed during the hatching period of the ducks and geese. My very favorite time of year to be at the refuge is in the spring, later part of May here. That is when the blue flag iris is blooming by the millions, just breathtaking. Also get to see the young swans.
I have only been on refuge land on the west side a couple of times while deer hunting. It is not very hospitable there. Usually very wet. There is a trailhead about 5 miles south of M28 along the South Creighton Road. Unfortunately, I haven't gone in from there to see what it offers.
Even though I have biked there a little, I don't have a favorite trail/route. But the nice thing about biking is that you can ride any road on the refuge, cars can't. I haven't had need to walk around much, besides, it is very wet there off the roads and trails. Most of my biking is in the Hiawatha National Forest and rarely with camera in tow unless working on fun stuff for our bike club.
Hope this help a little.
Discussion
5 repliesI need to be in Northern Michigan for a wedding in mid-September and thought I'd take the whole week off and head up to Seney. I have never been there before, and would appreciate any suggestions, comments, books to read, etc. I want to do some kayaking, exploring the "wilderness area" (hiking/biking), and of course the wildlife drives, but do not have any idea how to split it up, and where my best chances would be. I'm guessing the waterfowl migration would be in the early stages, but what else is there to look for in that time period? Is it worth a week in mid-September? I'd love to chat with anyone who has personal experiences up there.
Thanks!
Jeff Hanna
Two routes are included in the motor routes. All of the roads in the refuge are open to biking. My favorite motor route is the longer "Fishing Loop".
The wildlife opportunities can be numerous at times. The trumpeter swan population is the largest in Michigan at over 200 birds. My favorite. It is really a sight to see, especially in the spring when the little ones hatch. The ducks and geese are almost always present but of course larger numbers during migration. The list of other critters you may encounter include, but not limited to, eagles, hawks, loons,fvariety of birds, beavers, otters, and an occasional moose. The chance of seeing a moose during mid-September is good because the rut is in full swing and they move around alot.
Take a look at http://www.fws.gov/Midwest/Seney/ for current info.
There are also several other opportunities in the region. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Tahquamenon Falls State Park, Hiawatha National Forest, Grand Island National Recreation area. All of these areas provide the activities you are asking about.
I may be totally mistaken but I don't believe boating of any kind is permitted on the refuge pools, but are permitted on rivers in the refuge area.
Not sure of your planned dates, but our bike club in Munising host a XC MTB race September 8 and are planning a recreation ride on Grand Island later in September.
http://www.annariverpedalers.org/
I hope this give you an idea of what is available here. Contact me if you have more questions.
To what Scott and Dan wrote, I would only add 3 words ... WATERFALLS, WATERFALLS, WATERFALLS!
Scott, aside from the motor routes, do you have any other favorite spots such as biking routes, or nesting eagles / osprey locations? Are you allowed to range free on foot or do you have to stick to trails? I know about the boating on rivers only, I talked with one of the local outfitters about that. I'm really interested in the western part, can you be any more specific about access points from the South Creighton Road?
Thanks again,
Jeff
I have only been on refuge land on the west side a couple of times while deer hunting. It is not very hospitable there. Usually very wet. There is a trailhead about 5 miles south of M28 along the South Creighton Road. Unfortunately, I haven't gone in from there to see what it offers.
Even though I have biked there a little, I don't have a favorite trail/route. But the nice thing about biking is that you can ride any road on the refuge, cars can't. I haven't had need to walk around much, besides, it is very wet there off the roads and trails. Most of my biking is in the Hiawatha National Forest and rarely with camera in tow unless working on fun stuff for our bike club.
Hope this help a little.