DigitalRoadtrip: Michigan, Day 24...Viking Park

Sunday, July 9, 2023

Michigan, Day 24...Viking Park

Saturday, June 24, 2023

I came to Norway, Michigan for one reason. Numerous hiking sites listed Piers Gorge as their favorite trail within the state. Good enough for me. The road to the trailhead is well marked and easy to find. The parking lot was empty when I pulled in, but it didn't stay that way very long.

The main trail is wide, well groomed and simple to follow.

There are also a series of short trails to overlooks over the Menominee River. It was a simple scramble down to the waterfront from there.

Another overlook further along the trail.

On my eventual way out, I stopped at this overlook again. There were two guys there. They asked me if I was "the photographer." They had a group of friends rafting through the gorge, but had no idea when they'd be passing by. I suggested they call the tour company.

Further down, the trail splits at a marker. The markings on the post indicate left, along the smaller trail. Someone wrote a few notes on it. Left for the swampy route, right for the older, well groomed trail. I took that one. Wise choice.

The trail ends with a series of rapids. Upriver from the rapids, smooth as glass. I was fascinated by the reflections as the water flowed over the rocks.

When I arrived back at the parking lot, cars were stacked up on the road. There were also a half dozen pick-ups and vans with fire department logos on them. They were all from different places and based on their lack of urgency, best guess it was some sort of drill or exercise.

I drove into downtown Norway and visited Strawberry Park for no reason other than I found the name interesting. I never did find out the origin of the name. But, there's a one mile paved trail around the park's perimeter. It's an easy walk and it felt good not to be walking on tree roots and rocks.