A Walk Across Michigan: Hiking the Michigan Shore-to-Shore Riding and Hiking Trail

by Will Swartz

“Hey! ----Aren't you supposed to be working?!” And yet, here you are searching for another good book to read ---in the hiking section of all places. Does that mean you’ve thought about going on a backpacking adventure of your own, like all the people who through-hike the Appalachian Trail (AT)? Me too. Do you long to reconnect with America like Bill Bryson in A Walk in the Woods? Or, become a trail legend and icon, like David Miller in Awol on the Appalachian Trail? Or, are you searching for a long term hike on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) like Cheryl Strayed in Wild, as a way to get back to Nature to heal your soul? Good luck! I don't think your boss will give you 6 months off work to go do that. That's why I wrote the book, A Walk Across Hiking the Michigan Shore-to-Shore Riding and Hiking Trail. There's a trail that cuts across the middle of Michigan that's perfect for people like us. I know because I hiked it. The Shore-to-Shore (STS) is 232.1 miles long and is an ideal path for someone who is looking to do a longer hike but doesn't have a lot of time. It’s also a great choice for those who need a trail for a shakedown run and it is newbie hiker friendly. You probably haven't heard of the Michigan Shore-to-Shore Riding and Hiking Trail yet because the trail name is too long to put on a tee shirt and also because it is a well guarded secret! I sent an email to Chris Santella and Bob Peixotto to add the Michigan Shore-to-Shore Riding and Hiking Trail to their book, Fifty Places to Hike Before You Die, but they are busy guys so it might not be on their radar. Please, don't tell the people in Ohio about it or they will start coming up and hiking it, too. Just like how they come up in the summer to rent all the cottages and clog up our great beaches. Anyway, I'm not some big time author with a massive budget and an army of marketing minions to do the fancy book descriptions, set up signings, or arrange interviews on talk shows in order to persuade you to buy this book. However, as an accomplished user of bullets in all my college research papers, I can give you a lot of reasons to buy this book and tag along vicariously with You'll get smart! It's packed with information about a very cool trail for hikers and horseback riders. It's an easy hike! Reading this book means no smoke in the eyes, bugs, or stinky body parts normally associated with hiking. You'll get smarter! Fascinating detours to learn about history stuff like the logging industry in Michigan, animals, rare birds and even ants! It will make you want to go hiking! You will have fun!! Mom says I am a good writer, a fun storyteller and I walked at 9 months, which undoubtedly was an indicator that I would be a famous hiker someday. You get free refills on beverages of your choice (pickup only) while you sit in your favorite chair to read this. It's got pictures and maps. You get to hang with me! Written by a librarian (which automatically raises the cool factor). BUY WILL'S BOOK NOW!! BUY WILL'S BOOK NOW!! BUY WILL'S BOOK NOW!! (If you can see the line above and the text is visible and not flashing, the subliminal plug-in is not working. Please refresh your screen rapidly until you feel an urge to purchase something. Thank you!) Ok. Like Dad used to say, "Time to fish or cut bait." You comin’ with us or what?! Push that buy button and get back to work, where you can pretend to be slaving over a spread sheet or doing something productive while you dream about our great adventure.

Genres: Adventure, Nature, Travel, Nonfiction, Humor

214 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 10, 2015

Reviews

[Will Swartz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is the best book I've ever written!

[Karol · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very entertaining. The book is best enjoyed if you access the accompanying online content. I learned quite a few things about northern Michigan that I didn't know, even after having lived in Michigan for over 40 years.

[Emily Kestrel]

DNF at 4%, which is probably a new record for me, but in this case, I couldn't get past the "disclaimer" at the beginning. There was something about the author's tone that got on my nerves, to the extent that I decided it was probably best for me not to continue to walk across Michigan with him. This note is mostly for myself, for when I wonder some time in the future, "Hey, what was the reason I didn't read that?" I certainly don't want to discourage anyone else from trying this book. After all, I find Bill Bryson's tone to be exceedingly annoying as well, and look how popular he is!

[Kyle Janison · Rating 4 out of 5]

While not a hiking guidebook per se, this is an enjoyable travel book to read. In it, a librarian recounts his hike on Michigan's 232.1 miles long Shore-to-Shore Trail. You'll get a good sense of what awaits you on the trail, and the author has a good sense of humor.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Must Read

Having lived most of my life within walking or riding distance from the Michigan Shore to Shore Trail, my first horse camping experience at Schecks in about 1970, I really enjoyed this book. It was well written and entertaining with many threads ofMichigan history & some fish tales. Good book for a blustery, winter night read.

[Randy Whitecotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Librarian walks across Michigan

An education not only on the Shore to Shore hiking and horse trail in Michigan but also an education on Michigan. I learned a lot on my virtual hike with Will. Just a side note, Will is a Wild and Crazy Guy! Read with glee.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun read

Enjoyed all the side stories about places in Michigan. I have been to or through most of the towns talked about and will look at them differently now that I know some the stories. Thanks for letting me hike along. Maybe I will hike some of the sections someday.

[Hillsullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not what I thought it would be, The book was enjoyable. More of the musings one has in their heads as they hike versus the hike itself. Did not come up with an area to section hike. Humorous

[nef · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't normally write anything in reviews, but you have to know that this is genuinely one of the worst books I have ever read.

[Dawn Brinks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed his humor and style of writing as well as all the Michigan history facts included in this book. I would recommend it to others!

[Allie Piippo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining but not really a hiking guide....

[Sheryl Melvin · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a backpacker, I enjoyed reading the stories about Will’s adventure… I would’ve liked more details about camp food, his favorite gear, etc.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Conversational and full of detours, I enjoyed the meandering wanderings of an enthusiastic but quirky hiker. Be warned, however: this is not a guidebook. While there are maps, a few recommendations for eating, overnight accommodations, and fishing spots, don't expect a comprehensive guide to hiking across Michigan (I think that's in the sequel, An 83,905-Step Guide to Walking Across Michigan). The descriptions of trails, campgrounds, birds, waterways, and trail logistics make up the outdoorsy stuff, but there's also many forays into Michigan history, tourism, thoughts about coffee and beer, the author's family, and his personal and professional life. A few tall tales and quotes round out the experience.

It's not quite like anything else I've read, but I would wholeheartedly recommend it for readers who love Michigan, journeys, or have a sense of humor. In tone, although not at all in topic, it reminds me of Jenny Lawson.

Favorite moments: the incident with the Michigan Woodland Banshee, which made me laugh out loud, and the shameless plug for Michigan eLibrary resources.

Least favorite part: the story of the floating island got sidetracked by fishing and pizza and I never found out if the island was still there. I can be a shoddy reader, but I read this part twice through, and still missed it.

Full disclosure: I worked with the author for three years about ten years ago. Our interactions were mostly in passing, but even through relatively minimal contact I gathered that Will Swartz was a passionate and generous person who didn't take himself too seriously. By sharing his story here, he's confirmed all my suspicions.

[Nick · Rating 3 out of 5]

A few years ago I stumbled across a hiking book that mentioned the Michigan Shore to Shore Trail. I was intrigued. Little did I know that was about all I would find about it. Then I saw this book on Goodreads so I HAD to read it. Before hiking the trail the author was on vacation near one end of the trail. He wanted to check it out. It seems most of Michigan, including those very near the trail haven't even heard of it. So when he goes to start the trail at the other side of the state he has just as much trouble! One last obscure trail tidbit- we have had a family cabin up north for almost 20 years. In my pursuit of maps I found the trail crosses our road around 1/4 of a mile away. And I have snowmobiled on parts that coincide with either roads or other trails.

I enjoyed learning a very little more about the trail and enjoy the author's sense of humor. Unfortunately most of his musings are not about the trail, what he's seen on it or where he's been. Now he doesn't claim this to be in any way a guide book. I'm just not sure that it is really a 'trail' memoir either. 2 1/2 stars- I rounded up.

Here is a link to the most detailed map I could find just in case anyone else is looking! http://outdoormichigan.org/feature/96...

[Thunder_swartz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read by a hilarious hiker! My dad wears many hats and each come out in turn through the journey from shore to shore. Father, husband, brother, hiker, fisher, joker, educator, storyteller and librarian to mention a few. The last one makes the book take on a flavor not found in other books on hiking as he delves in to the most entertaining bits of history. "Willy Swartzenchoppin" had some exploits that you will find hard to believe!

The MI Shore-to-Shore is a very accessible trail for the amateur hiker looking for a challenge. Perhaps you're considering a bigger hike like the PCT or AT? Consider this trip as a longer-term shakedown to see if you're really ready to commit. This book will give you the information you need to prep for it. Be warned, this charmed hiker had near-flawless Michigan weather (75 and sunny) that you can't plan for! But whatever the weather, bring a pail for blueberries...

[Kim Scobie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from a free giveaway on Goodreads. I enjoyed the author's irreverent style. It reminded me a bit of the writing of Douglas Adams, but without the whole science fiction/fiction elements. I like the way that the reader is included in the writing, it makes it seem more tangible. It was fun to follow the author's convoluted but semi-focused train of thought. The smatterings of history and asides kept the book interesting, as well as humourous. If I had access to the internet while I was reading it, I would have looked up more of the information. It made me want to get out and explore even more.

[Myra L Rice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hiking the STS in Michigan

Well written account of hiking across Michigan from Lake Huron to Lake Michigan! Being a Michigander and a hiker, I especially enjoyed reading about this hike! I had never heard about this trail! I will tell everyone about the trail and about this book.

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writing style took a little getting used to. Mr. Swartz related his hike as if he were talking directly to you. There was not a lot of actual information on the hike, apparently he has another book that talks about the trail a little more in depth. There was however, a lot of interesting history on the places he passed through.

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a pretty funny book, set up like A walk in the Woods, but a bit more ADD and with more fishing. I learned a fair bit too; I had never even heard of the STS trail before I saw this book, and now I want to hike it!

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would have liked a little more info on the trail itself, but I loved the tone of the book and all of the history that the author offered up. His love for Michigan really showed up on the pages of this book.

[Landall Proctor · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’ll just say the author’s writing style isn’t for me. I was hoping to learn about the trail and use it a reference for a big trip I have planned, but the book mostly fails to deliver on any of those kinds of details. Maybe others will find it useful or entertaining?

[Karl Bloss · Rating 3 out of 5]

While it's a fun Bryson-like read, it was short enough on details and imagery to be slightly disappointing. Still, if you're going to undertake a similar route, it's short enough to take it in before you go.

[Kristen]

Review pending...

[Alison]

kindle 201 (hiking)

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of interesting experiences from this shore to shore walk by the author. But, it is filled out with many anecdotes that seemed irrelevant to me or the hike. The author is a fellow librarian.

[Hannah Hilbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short book inspired me to get out and discover my state, and was an enjoyable read overall.