Women interested in backcountry camping and hiking can sign up now for a three-day, two-night backpacking class at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in the Upper Peninsula, Oct. 2-4.

Sponsored by the Department of Natural Resources, this Becoming an Outdoors-Woman "Beyond BOW" event is designed for women with previous backpacking experience.

Participants will hike approximately three to five miles per day, taking in the breathtaking scenery of Pictured Rocks from trails that follow the Lake Superior shoreline and offer unparalleled views of the famous limestone cliffs, waterfalls, pristine forest and lakeshore. Each participant will also help out with various backcountry duties, such as camp set-up and tear-down, meal preparation, water filtering and orienteering, with instruction from the trip leaders.

Cost per participant is $100, which includes breakfast, dinner and dessert each day, plus group gear, such as tents and cooking utensils. Each participant must provide their own personal gear (sleeping bag, hiking boots, backpack, etc.) and should pack their own lunches and snacks. Enrollment is limited to nine and early applications are encouraged.

"October is an amazing time to hike the backcountry of Pictured Rocks and take in the best of our fall color," said DNR Upper Peninsula BOW chairperson Sharon Pitz. "Come along to hone your existing backpacking skills and learn new ones from our instructors, while experiencing one of Michigan's preeminent backpacking destinations."

The backpacking trip will begin at noon Friday with a gear check and trip orientation in Munising. The group will then travel to the Little Beaver Lake trailhead and begin hiking before setting up camp and enjoying the evening. Saturday morning after breakfast and breaking camp, the group will spend the day hiking before setting up camp in a new location. Hiking will continue on Sunday, with an ending time of 3 p.m. in Munising. Participants should be prepared to hike on trails with varying terrain and to proceed rain or shine.

For more information about this Beyond BOW event, contact Pitz at (906) 228-6561. Registration packets and additional information can be found online at www.michigan.gov/bow.