My First Solo Cabin Adventure: How Crosscut Cabin Changed Everything
Some adventures aren’t just about the places you go—they’re about the person you become along the way. When I packed my gear and set off solo for Crosscut Cabin in the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness, I wasn’t just walking into the woods—I was stepping into the unknown.
Getting to Crosscut Cabin
Located in Michigan’s Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Crosscut Cabin offers the perfect balance of seclusion and adventure.
- Summer access: A 1.5-mile hike from the trailhead
- Winter access: Since South Boundary Road is closed, hikers must park at the park headquarters and trek 3.5 miles to reach the cabin.
On my way in, I misread the map and accidentally veered onto the wrong trail. That brief moment of feeling lost tested my confidence—but finding my way again was the first of many challenges I overcame during this trip.
Inside Crosscut Cabin
The cabin is tiny but efficient, providing everything needed for a rustic escape:
🔥 A compact wood stove (which I may have overfed, turning my cozy retreat into an unexpected sauna)
🪑 A high table with two stools, perfectly positioned to overlook the creek
🚽 A rustic outhouse, keeping the essentials covered
In winter months, the cabin is stocked with firewood, but in summer, visitors can gather their own from the surrounding woods.
Hiking to Trap Falls: Pushing Past My Limits
The next morning, my hesitation turned into determination as I set off to hike Trap Falls.
Spring conditions added unexpected challenges:
🌲 Punchy thawing snow, making footing tricky
🪵 Downed trees blocking the trail, requiring careful navigation
💦 A bridgeless water crossing, forcing me to test my balance and problem-solving skills
Instead of turning back, I adapted, figured it out, and kept going. When I finally reached Trap Falls, I sat on a snow-buried bench, soaking in the sun, listening to the cascading water, and letting it all sink in.
This wasn’t just a hike—it was proof that I was ready for anything.
Union Spring: A Hidden Gem Nearby
Just over half a mile from Crosscut Cabin lies Union Spring, Michigan’s second-largest natural spring.
💧 A crystal-clear water source, bubbling up from underground
🚰 Filtered drinking water—I ran all my collected water through a water filtration system
🥾 A short hike away, making it a practical stop for solo adventurers
Throughout my stay, I mainly sourced water from Union Spring, running it through a filter for safe drinking. On my last day, I collected water directly from the creek in front of the cabin, filtering it before use.
Wildlife Encounters & Magical Moments
Crosscut Cabin wasn’t just about survival—it was about quiet, awe-inspiring moments in nature.
🦉 A barred owl called out on my first night, its hoots echoing through the trees.
🦢 A pair of swans soared directly over me on my last morning, a breathtaking farewell to my adventure.
Leaving Crosscut Cabin—And Planning What’s Next
The hardest part wasn’t the hike, the fire, or the unexpected obstacles.
The hardest part was leaving.
Because Crosscut Cabin wasn’t just a place—it was a turning point. By the time I hiked out, I wasn’t thinking about heading home—I was already planning my 30-mile solo backpacking trek through the Porkies, a challenge I now felt fully prepared for.
This trip proved that sometimes, the greatest adventure isn’t the place—it’s realizing what you’re truly capable of.
Related Cozy Cabin Adventures
⛺ White Birch Cabin: A Remote Retreat in the Porcupine Mountains
🏡 Cotten Cabin: Lake Superior’s Off-Grid Escape
🌲 Little Presque Isle Cabins: A Hiker’s Hidden Gem
Watch My full Crosscut Cabin Adventure on YouTube!
Why This Solo Stay Changed Everything
Crosscut Cabin wasn’t just an escape—it was a transformation. Every step, from misreading the map to conquering the trail challenges, built a deeper confidence in my own abilities. What started as uncertainty turned into accomplishment, and by the time I left, I wasn’t thinking about the hike back—I was planning my next adventure.
This solo stay proved that fear and doubt don’t have to be roadblocks; they can be stepping stones to something greater. If you’ve ever considered taking on an off-grid journey, let this be your sign. Embrace the unknown, trust yourself, and take the leap—you might just discover the adventurer you were always meant to be.
Want to see more of my stay at the Crosscut Cabin? Check out the short video on Instagram as part of the Cozy Cabin Chronicles! If you own a cabin or rental and would love to have it featured, drop me a message or reach out via email at theangelajoy@outlook.com. I’d love to highlight your space in an upcoming adventure!
