Manistee river loop is definitely worth it if you haven’t been. It’s not the UP but it’s right up there in my book. It might suit you better for a four day weekend. Very nice campsites along the trail and river.

8 hours? somewhere in PA, red river gorge, stretch it out to the smokies. Not michigan..sorry michigan.

Should update: 2-3 days of hiking so 20-30 miles depending on difficulty of the trail

Thanks for the responses so far!

Planning a backpacking trip over labor day, anyone have trail recommendations? We're in metro Detroit so &lt;8 hours drive is preferable

I was thinking of Munising or Manistee, but let me know if your favorite Michigan backpacking trail!

Labor day trails