Autumn Reflections - Hiawatha Hiking Company

October 27, 2019

Our First Season

It’s hard to believe that exactly a year ago, we decided to start a guided hiking company. Domonick and I worked with a local non-profit to develop a business plan, established the LLC, and began working on everything else that comes with owning a business. Domonick spearheaded the website, logo, booking software, and gear selection. I developed the routes, interpretive information, made campsite reservations, and applied for permits. It sounds easy now, but there were so many other details to work out, and a lot of blood, sweat, and tears went into what is Hiawatha Hiking Company.

Our first booking was one of my friends I met at a yoga retreat center a couple years ago. I was thrilled to have a booking, but my goal was to get an organic booking from someone we didn’t know. That happened in late June when a family of three booked our sunset hike at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. I remember running outside to tell Domonick, who was mowing the lawn at the time! We finally seemed to have something to show for all of our work over the past eight months. We started a business and generated our first revenue from a family that stumbled upon our storefront-less business.

Thank You

We are grateful for all of our guests, especially those first ones that got the momentum started! We had more bookings than we imagined in 2019 and met some of the friendliest people. Our reason for starting our business was to share our love of the outdoors with others, help our guests develop backpacking skills, create a memorable experience for area visitors, and be our own boss. People took a chance and booked multi-day tours with a new business that had no reviews. After enjoying their hike, they were gracious enough to leave us reviews, which we are so grateful for! This has continued to help us build momentum in our small, growing business.

Change

The leaves are changing and the air is becoming crisp as our first season comes to an end. Our last tour of the season was a private sunset hike with a group of three sisters. It was a beautiful night at the peak of fall color. We have learned a lot since that first hike, including the fact that we love to guide, share our local knowledge, and give people confidence to hike by themselves! I was a kayak guide last year with a local company, but it is different guiding for a company you own. We have taken ownership of our offerings and are proud of our hard work and positive reviews. A couple on our 2-night trip to Pictured Rocks is already planning to go on a trip by themselves. We are thrilled people are taking the initiative to explore the backcountry after taking their first ever backpacking trip with us!

Domonick and I continue to explore our local area and have taken full advantage “leaf peeping” as they say. Autumn in the Upper Peninsula is very short. Once the air becomes crisp, there are only a handful of weeks until the snow starts falling. Fall has always been my favorite season, with my birthday and wedding anniversary being within a week of each other and happening shortly before leaf change. The change of seasons makes me appreciate the fleeting moments of time. By noticing the subtle changes that happen each day (and across the seasons), I find I appreciate the moment more. Spectacular fall vistas also inspire awe, making me feel grateful for being a part of temporary, beautiful surroundings. The dramatic weather changes of the Upper Peninsula make it such a unique place I am fortunate to live in!

Looking Ahead

While we count the first season of Hiawatha Hiking Company as a success, there are some changes in store for us as well. We will have more overnight offerings at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. We are planning to offer three 2-night tours (over Memorial Day weekend, Labor Day weekend, and late September). Please visit here in January/February for firm 2020 overnight backpacking tour dates. We will also offer our sunset hike almost every day of the summer. We are not planning scheduled day hikes, but we will still offer private tours; if you don’t see an offering that meets your needs, please reach out to us to schedule a private tour! Find our contact information here.

Domonick and I set a goal last year to establish a guided hiking business. We’re not rich and famous yet, but we’ve had success and are excited for next year. Sometimes with all the planning in the world, you never know what the outcome is going to be. You must simply take the leap! That is certainly the case in starting a business and beginning a hike. We hope to take some of the unknowns out of your hike so you can enjoy those fleeting moments and splendor of the Upper Peninsula. We hope to see you in 2020!

Happy trails,
Carolyn (Co-owner/Guide)

Hiawatha Hiking Company

28 Google reviews

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Jeremy Hunt

2022-01-31

Had the pleasure to join the Intermediate Backpacking Trip in Sept. 2021. Months before the trip Domonick and Carolyn met with us individually to go over the trip and preparations. They took the time to meet again with the entire group ahead of the trip to go over last minute items to ensure we are all set. From the beginning, their preparation and professionalism was top notch and it carried through the whole trip. They made sure everyone was comfortable throughout out the trip and everyone in the group had a great time. Domonick and Carolyn are extremely knowledgeable, prepared and all around great people. We had such a great experience and would love to join them again some day. If you are heading toward Pictured Rocks and want a great experience they should be the only ones you call!

Jamie Davies O'Leary

2021-10-27

This was my first backpacking tour and Carolyn and Domonick were excellent guides! They emphasized safety and planning - from months before the trip through the last day's details - and renting their equipment made things much easier as a newbie. They were responsive to my questions beforehand and helped me and my group have such an amazing time. Dinners were excellent! I also loved hearing about their travels and what they've learned being on various trails.

paul rusch

2021-10-07

Went on a 2 night backpack trip the first weekend of October. The trip was wonderful, the colors were about 90%. The only complaint was that my 66 year old body had a hard time sleeping in a tent. Dominique and Carolyn were great. They tended to our safety, training was good, kept up an appropriate pace, provided help when needed, had a good menu and stops at great views. It was great and I am very glad that I did it.

Christine Artes

2021-09-13

Did the beginner hike over Labor Day and OMG, this was amazing! From the moment you arrive you're well taken care of with food, gear, instructions and safety from the dynamic duo that is Domonick and Carolyn. They both know this area and this trail like the back of their hands! Every detail was spot on and never once did we feel unsafe. You can rent all of the necessary gear and it is top notch! All food...REAL food is provided and the water that we drank and cooked with was filtered straight outta Lake Superior!!! So cool! If you're thinking about doing a guided hike to see PR's, this really is the only company that you should book with. No one else compares!

KAREN WHITAKER

2021-09-08

The beginning backpacking trip was amazing from start to finish. Hiawatha is very organized,, they provided training advice to prepare, the food was good, and guides Carolyn and Domonick are not only extremely experienced hikers and campers, they are wonderful people. I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for a guided hiking experience.

Richard Clark

2021-08-26

Carolyn and Domonick were awesome! I could not have asked for a better first-time backpacking experience. All I had to do was show up with my list of everyday items, they provided the rest. Carolyn and Domonick helped with tent setup/takedown, filtered water, prepped meals and snacks, and provide moral support. The views are breathtaking. The hike is challenging but very doable. You are not rushed. The camaraderie between fellow hikers, Carolyn, and Domonick is something I will cherish forever. If you ever were apprehensive about backpacking, Hiawatha Hiking Company is the company to use and their Intro to Backpacking tour along Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is the tour to take.

Catherine Toms

2021-08-25

We had an absolutely wonderful experience! Carolyn and Domonick are incredibly kind, professional, and thoughtful guides. They thought of everything for our trip, and we were safe and well-fed. Every aspect of the hike was planned perfectly. They know the trails well, and led us to some of the most beautiful places in our country. Thank you Hiawatha Hiking Company!

Jeri Rodriguez

2021-08-25

I thoroughly enjoyed this experience. The hospitality provided from the minute I arrived until the minute I drove away was incredible.

Sarah Shields

2021-07-17

We had a great time on a sunset hike with Carolyn and Dominick on our last night in the UP! It was a terrific way to end our vacation. They were organized, well-prepared and very knowledgeable. They shared a lot of information about the Pictured Rocks and Lake Superior, as well as the surrounding area. Their pleasant demeanor made for easy conversation on the hike. It was not quite 3 miles and except for one short stretch at the beginning, mostly flat, so very manageable for inexperienced hikers. We stopped several times for beautiful photos, and then sat and watched the sunset together complete with hot chocolate and sweet treats they provided! We loved getting to see the cliffs from above - a perfect complement to the boat tour we took earlier. We highly recommend the sunset hike!

Maria Thomas

2021-07-02

Carolyn and Domonick are terrific, and the personalized sunset hike they organized for us was stunning. The hike was punctuated with quick stops and informative commentary about geology and area history. Every minute seemed ideal for a pause or a photo, from the first vista to last rays of sunlight, The adventure was made more precious because they agreed to guide us on the sunset walk on a day they don't normally lead hikes. They are personable and knowledgeable nature enthusiasts who clearly love the magnificent beauty of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and the surrounding area. Don't miss this opportunity.