I'm wondering if anyone on here has been into the newly reopened Two Hearted River airstrip in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. I'm looking to go in there in my straight tail 172 on 8.00's, I'm not worried about the length but I'm a little worried about the roughness. The Safety Briefing on the RAF website says this:

"Special Considerations or Operations
Winds are normally strong and change direction frequently.

Airstrip high on bluff near Lake Superior

Recommend early or late arrivals and departures when winds speeds are lower

Fly approaches and land at minimum safe airspeed

This is a challenging airstrip,not for the low time or beginner pilot

This airstrips surface is rough and undulating, minimum safe landing airspeed is necessary, be prepared for more than one touchdown and landing per attempt. Throw in some serious winds and crosswinds and your piloting skills will be tested."



Does anyone who has actually been in there think that a Nose dragger on 8.00's will be ok??

I was in there last fall in my Husky with Bushwheels. As I recall, the first 600’ or so of Runway 25 are a bit rougher. I think it is flatter and smoother beyond that. For your first time, you might just want to plan on not using the rougher section if you are comfortable with that.

I don’t remember anything alarming but Bushwheels soak up a bunch of bumps that might give others pause.

I think you will be OK there. If I were you, I would contact Brad Frederick directly. Brad is the MI state liaison for the RAF, the person responsible for getting Two Hearted reopened, and likely your most current source for info. His contact info is on the RAF website.

It is a pretty spot. A short walk takes you to a very nice Lake Superior beach and it’s worth spending some time there.

Hope this helps,
Joe

I would agree with twflyer on the condition of the east end of 25. I was there in July for the flyin. There were 15 airplanes, including a 182 and a tri gear glasair. Your avitar looks like you have a big tire on the nose so that will help. The official airport manager is the airport manager in Newberry, he was at the Two Hearted strip for the flyin, seemed like a nice guy, you could probably call him for current conditions also. Great to have the strip reopenned.

Tim

Thanks for the information guys! I will call brad prior to making the trip. I suppose I will plan on avoiding the rough end until I've had a chance to walk it.

Are you allowed to land on the neighboring beaches, along Lake Superior? It looks like a mix of private property in some places, and State land the rest? Thanks.