Triple crown challenge/West Michigan Kayaking Club

Triple Crown Hike Challenge 2026: Can You Conquer 60+ Miles in Three Days?

October 2–4, 2026

By West Michigan Kayaking Club

🌲 Wild Rivers. Rugged Trails. Real Adventure. 🌲

If you’re looking for one of the most challenging hiking events in Michigan this fall, the West Michigan Kayaking Club Triple Crown Hike Challenge is for you.

From October 2–4, 2026, we’ll tackle more than 60 miles of hiking over three consecutive days through three of Michigan’s most iconic trail systems. This endurance challenge is designed for experienced hikers who want to test their physical and mental limits while exploring some of the state’s most beautiful forests, rivers, and overlooks.

Whether you’re training for an ultramarathon, preparing for a backpacking expedition, or simply looking for your next outdoor adventure, the Triple Crown Hike Challenge offers an unforgettable weekend.

The Triple Crown Challenge

Participants will complete three demanding hikes over three consecutive days.

Day 1 – Manistee River Trail & North Country Trail

Friday, October 2, 2026

Our adventure begins at the Little Mac Suspension Bridge before heading onto the legendary North Country National Scenic Trail and connecting with the scenic Manistee River Trail.

Expect spectacular river overlooks, hardwood forests, suspension bridges, and challenging terrain throughout the day.

Distance: 20+ miles

A lunch and stretching break will take place at Red Bridge before finishing the remainder of the trail.

Camping is optional Friday evening. Participants may disperse camp within the Manistee National Forest or stay at nearby campgrounds. Club members are welcome to join others staying at Northern Exposure Campground.

Day 2 – Jordan River Pathway

Saturday, October 3, 2026

Widely considered one of Michigan’s premier hiking destinations, the Jordan River Pathway offers rolling hills, dense forests, scenic river crossings, and breathtaking overlooks.

This challenging loop will cover more than 20 miles with a scheduled lunch and recovery stop around mile 11.

Camping is optional Saturday evening. Many participants will stay at Central Lake Campground in Antrim County.

Day 3 – Fife Lake Loop Trail

Sunday, October 4, 2026

The final day brings another 20+ mile hike through the beautiful Fife Lake Trail System.

After three consecutive days on the trail, hikers will finish the weekend having completed one of the toughest hiking challenges offered by the West Michigan Kayaking Club.

Challenge Overview

• Three consecutive days
• Three iconic Michigan trail systems
• 60+ total miles
• Intermediate to challenging difficulty
• Designed for experienced hikers
• Camping opportunities each evening

Recommended Gear

To safely complete the challenge, we recommend bringing:

• Comfortable hiking boots or trail shoes
• Backpack with plenty of water
• Lunch and high-energy trail snacks
• Trekking poles
• Weather-appropriate clothing
• First aid kit
• Headlamp or flashlight
• Camping equipment (if staying overnight)

Is This Hike Right for You?

The Triple Crown Hike Challenge is not intended for beginners.

Participants should be comfortable hiking 20 or more miles per day over uneven terrain while carrying their own food, water, and personal gear.

If you’re looking for a leisurely walk in the woods, this probably isn’t the event for you.

If you’re looking to push yourself and experience some of Michigan’s finest hiking, we’d love to have you join us.

Participant Responsibility

The West Michigan Kayaking Club is a volunteer-run outdoor community and not a guide service.

All participants are responsible for their own transportation, equipment, navigation, camping arrangements, physical fitness, and personal safety.

Participation is entirely voluntary and at your own risk.

Why the West Michigan Kayaking Club?

Although kayaking is in our name, adventure is at the heart of everything we do.

Throughout the year we organize kayaking trips, backpacking adventures, hiking challenges, camping weekends, and other outdoor experiences that bring together people who share a passion for exploring Michigan’s incredible natural resources.

Whether you’re paddling a remote river or hiking through the Jordan Valley, you’ll find a welcoming community of outdoor enthusiasts ready for the next adventure.

Join the Adventure

Ready to earn your Triple Crown Finisher title?

We’d love to have you join us this October for one of our most ambitious hiking events of the year.

Stay Connected

🌐 West Michigan Kayaking Club Website
https://www.westmichigankayakingclub.online

👥 Join our Facebook Group
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/17pf26pFWi/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Browse our upcoming events, trip reports, paddling adventures, and hiking guides, then become part of one of West Michigan’s fastest-growing outdoor communities.

West Michigan Kayaking Club
Wild Rivers. Rugged Trails. Real Adventure.