My daughter did just that Labor Day. This perfect weekend hike offers a varied and dynamic perspective of the natural beauty of Manistee County. Loved everything about it. Hi Amy, For information about hunting along the Manistee River Trail, please contact the US Forest Service at 231.723.2211 or the MDNR at michigan.gov/dnr. An 18+ mile loop trail is formed with the North Country Trail along the Manistee River's western banks with two entrances. Setting out on your final day, you will frequently head up and down in elevation along the most undulating part of the MRT as you make your way into the backwaters and wetlands. Box 30266 , Lansing, MI, 48909, Phone: 517-373-0670. Get off the couch and put Manistee County and our trails your list of things to do this year. There's actually two parking lots that you will come to on a dirt road. Large Campsite on crest slightly off trail. I am looking to hike then float back down in my kayak. For this trip we decided to drop in at the Upper River Trailhead and proceed north along the North Country Trail camping just south of the Suspension Bridge for night 1. TRAILS: Huron-Manistee National Forest contains 120 miles of the North Country Trail. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. It is almost always busy on the Manistee River Trail side, campsites are often doubled or even tripled up. Yes, the Manistee River Trail can be done as an overnight. They can be reach at 231.723.2211 Monday-Friday 9am-4pm. 25 miles for us total this was our first hike. Saved this in two sections. Outstanding hike, definitely could be done in 1 night or even in a day but making a weekend of it was well worth it!! Hiking trails make perfect snowshoeing destinations, whether along Lake Michigan at Arcadia Dunes/Old Baldy Trailhead or Magoon Creek Nature Area, or inland on the North Country Trail and Manistee River Trail Loop. Started Saturday 10/10 on the upper river trailhead which was packed with cars. The sound of the river and the proximity of the campsites to water make for an easy night of sleeping. A great trail that is well worth a drive anywhere that you live in Michigan. Unbelievable trail loop! The Route: We started the Manistee River Trail Loop from the southern end at Red Bridge River Access, then crossed the suspension bridge near the Seaton Creek Campground. You will be able to check out the Hodenpyl Dam, which is a great sight tucked away in the heart of the Manistee National Forest. The loop trail can be accessed from the Marilla and Upper River Road Trailheads for the North Country National Scenic Trail and the Red Bridge … If you can drop a car at the Seaton Creek Campground, you can take your time and really explore the east banks of the Manistee River as you hike north. I’m looking to do the loop the middle of October. Thinking of there instead of parking at Seatons Creek. Start and end at Seton Creek Campground. We need to see it again. Hi! We haven’t heard any news of LYFT coming to our county but we will keep an ear out for it. It is nestled in the Manistee National Forest between the small towns of Brethren and Mesick. My wife and I spent two gorgeous days backpacking this beautiful Michigan trail. Nestled in the Manistee National Forest you will find hundreds of miles of marked trails for those who love to hike, bike, or in the winter, cross country ski and snowshoe. As mentioned below, camping at the Red Bridge River campground is on a first-come, first-served basis, but those planning to camp at Seaton Creek can make reservations in advance here. Do you have to have a permit to park at the upper river trail head? The Manistee River Loop Trail is a 19.3 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Mesick, Michigan that features a lake and is rated as moderate. All Rights Reserved | Manistee County Visitors Bureau : 310 First Street, Manistee, MI : (877) 626-4783 | Powered by RSDG. Total mileage is about 22 miles. Day two we made it just south of the Slagle Creek Parking Area on the Manistee River Trail side (near mile marker 7) for night 2. I’m planning on hiking the loop the end of August weekend of the 24th -26th. And also can you bring your dog? What is the best trail for a family with little kids or what is a good pace to visit? We were first timers and not familiar with the trail, so we ended up starting at the Marilla trailhead and hiking to the NCT. Another great weekend trip is a hike and bike. While the Manistee River Trail is extremely busy the NCT portion is very lightly traveled. Going back in the spring of 2017. Required fields are marked *. Sandy decline access to the water, somewhat precarious. The views are absolutely spectacular and you will frequently see fishing boats, canoes, kayaks and tubes meandering down the river. Do you think that is manageable? I did it last year but he is new to backpacking. They can be reached at 231.889.0000. There are two trailheads for the Manistee River Trail, Seaton Creek Campground and Red Bridge, both offer camping. The Manistee River Trail can be a great fit for many different levels of hikers. Loop/Endurance Trails & Overnight Hiking We have compiled some of the best loop and endurance trails in Northern Michigan and have provided them to you in one easy to access location. Started near the suspension bridge. What I refer to as the “Manistee River Trail” 3-4 day loop is actually half the Manistee River Trail and half the North Country Trail. The Manistee River Loop Trail is a 19.3 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Mesick, Michigan that features a lake and is rated as moderate. https://www.visitmanisteecounty.com/what-to-do/trails-manistee, https://www.visitmanisteecounty.com/project/manistee-river-trail, http://www.gtrlc.org/recreation-events/events, https://northcountrytrail.org/volunteers/local-contacts/spirit-of-the-woods-chapter, Top 6 Fall Color Trails 2020 - Manistee County Tourism - Manistee, Michigan, A Wedding Weekend in Manistee County - Manistee.com - Hiking, Biking, Fishing, Golfing - Share Your Story, Top 5 Winter Scenes to Photograph in #MyManistee, Hiking the Loop: Manistee River Trail & North Country Trail Loop. Planning a overnight trip with my daughter, first overnight backpacking trip…is the NCT section be done in the first day? Email me jsouthwell@mcc.edu. Thanks! The terrain is more rugged and it’s best to tackle with a fresh set of legs. Mostly dayhikers I believe. The nice part of the NCT is you can camp anywhere really, although camping in a ravine isn't too rewarding. My favorite way to do this hike is a hike/float trip. The Manistee River Trail loop is one of the most popular backpacking and hiking destinations in lower Michigan. Looking to do a day hike out from Seaton Creek. There will be about 7 other guys with me and we were going to try and stretch this out to a 3.5 day 3 night trip. Any help with pointing me in the right direction would be much appreciated. Northern to southern ends of the Manistee National Forest. Get your Manistee River Trail map here: https://www.visitmanisteecounty.com/project/manistee-river-trail. For more information and downloadable maps of our hiking trails: VisitManisteeCounty.com/outdoors/hiking-biking If you have more questions, call us at the Visitors Center: 877.626.4783. As you make your way back to the Upper River Trailhead and pack up the car, your entire ride home will inevitably be spent talking about your weekend hiking trip on one of the most spectacular hiking trails in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan. The scenery is different on the way back, and it’s a fair bit shorter than hopping on the NCT for the full loop (18ish miles as opposed to 24, almost a marathon!) Excited to hike this trail on Monday! In the first couple of miles there are some decent sights in the higher hills especially near reds hill. You can bike north or south along the NCT on day one, and camp at Red Bridge for the night. There’s a parking area near the dam where you can stash your boats in the woods (bring a cable lock and lock them to a tree for security). I’m wondering as a newbie to hiking trails and to Michigan is there a good resource to find groups that are going on multi day hikes to,join up with? Here you will be able to look out for miles across the marshes and rolling terrain you crossed on your first day on the North Country Trail. Planned to do the loop in one day but was so distracted with all the numerous photo op and relaxing sites, ran out of time! I have done several hikes and canoe trips during my time as a scout, but have not done any series trips in a while, and my wife, though very athletic is fairly inexperienced with this type of hiking. Header photo by Eric Moll Good to hear!! The Manistee River Trail Loop (2017) Where: North Central Michigan (Lower Peninsula), Manistee-Huron National Forest Route: The North Country Trail (NCT) connects to the Manistee River Trail to make a 23-mile loop, perfect for a weekend trip. We started hiking about 3 PM. You start by dropping a canoe or kayaks at the north end of the trail, on the west side of the river. The East side trail much harder then the west. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until October. Then you camp overnight, pick up your boats, and float down to Red Bridge, which is about a 4-hour float with some very mild class-1 rapids. Is there a place to park a car overnight on the East side of Red Bridge? Go Hike! Is there a problem with bow hunters near the trails? Good hills, beautiful scenes of fall in full effect! Are any of the campsites down close to the river? Walked the MRT first, then back on the NCT. Here’s the link to the map: https://www.visitmanisteecounty.com/project/manistee-river-trail Use the GPS coordinates in Google maps for turn-by-turn directions. We are thinking of hiking the last weekend of October. Would I need to a reserve a site or can we setup camp anywhere? Travel Michigan, MI Economic Development Corporation, 4225 Miller Road, Ste. Second campsite further in off the trail, right in the bend of a horseshoe. Hey Beth, glad to hear you loved the loop! We suggest the North Country Trail & Manistee River Trail loop as your introduction to hiking in Manistee County. Would you consider this a good first-time backpacking trip for those of us (me) with no experience? Easily one of the best backpacking trails in Lower Michigan. The Grand Traverse Land Conservancy and the Spirit of the Woods chapter of the North Country Trail offer guided hikes. The MRT hugs the river for the duration of the southward trip back to red bridge. The NCT side did not offer much grace in the way of flat terrain between elevation differences. For those planning to skip the established campg… Hiking and biking are both allowed on the North County Trail, but only hiking is allowed on the Manistee River Trail. By far the most technical trail I've ever ran, did 10 miles from the suspension bridge south out and back. Cheers! Setting out on Day 2 (depending where exactly you called home for the first night) you should make it onto the Manistee River Trail by midday/early afternoon. I’d say his range is probably 4 miles or less of easy terrain in a day without me having to carry him. Keep the great outdoors great and pack out your trash. I would like to camp on the River side. Hi Shawn, rustic camping along the Manistee River Trail and North Country Trail loop is free and on a first come basis. Easily made it up to Eddington Creek just before 4, found a great site for the night. That said, you should be prepared to be entirely self-sufficient for the duration of your hike as facilities are limited and opportunities to restock on supplies nil (unless leaving the trail on a sizable diversion). To those wondering, the Manistee river trail is very doable as an out and back in one day depending on your level of fitness and endurance. The crowd had thinned out tremendously by Sunday midday and we saw very few people as we finished around 3pm. Which trail should you choose for your weekend adventure? By Kim Skeltis. I’d like to park at the Red Bridge and head north on the NCT. I’m thinking about kayaking/camping this stretch of the Manistee River. Sorry I missed this comment a while back. Last May, after a thunderstorm, my son and I witness the coolest firefly show ever! We recommend you check out the Suspension Bridge crossing on the Big Manistee River, it is a really cool feature along the trail. River views were amazing and plenty of spots to filter water. Going back seemed easier. 4 , Flint, MI, 48507-9821, Phone: 888-784-7328 Remember, it’s always a good plan to wear hunter orange in the woods at this time of year. For more information and maps, check out our Trails page: https://www.visitmanisteecounty.com/what-to-do/trails-manistee. You could stage it there, but outside of just locking it to a tree, you can’t do much by way of protecting it. With many access points to the trails, starting out at the Upper River Trailhead just off of Coates Highway is a great spot to begin. The 8-miles was just right for a Sunday afternoon and our first wilderness hike. At this point, take the Manistee River Trail and follow the Manistee River downstream. Hi Rachel, the loop is 23 miles of hiking. Thanks for the insight on what to expect! Hope you enjoyed (or will enjoy it) if you have yet to venture out – We are seeing some great fall color up there in the river basin right now so even for a day hike, it will be worth it! Saturday we headed towards the Manistee River Trail around 10ish. #Trump2020. Where on the map is the NCT Overlook? Nice fire pit, easy access to the river, good trees for hammocks, Pretty good overlook, no view of the sunset. Google search of this trails returns references to 20 miles trail loop, made up of North Country Trail and Manistee River Trail. Would love to take it slower and camp along the MRT side as well since every campsite seemed to have a great view. This is a great spot for that early morning swim (if the water’s not too cold). Bugs not bad at all. The views are breathtaking and the morning light radiates across the terrain assuring you that you are encircled by the natural landscape of Manistee County. Did a 6 mile out and back with teens and a dog, great afternoon hike. After a quick stop at the Dam and campground, continue on the MRT and head out south along the east river banks. I’d like to start in the middle at the Slagel Creek parking area and head toward the waterfalls. If you don’t make it that far, there is a great campsite near mile marker 5 that is right on the water’s edge. Leaving tomorrow morning to hike the loop with my husband. A 23-mile loop can be formed with the North Country National Scenic Trail. There is quite a bit of elevation change, and with an isolation from pump water, you need to pack heavy that first day. First time hiking this trail. This is the most comprehensive information you’ll find for hiking the Manistee River Trail loop. Not looking to complete a lot of mileage, just craft a little adventure for my little guy. Any recommendations for a non-overnight hike? This is perfect for a first-time hiker – I was the contributing writer on this piece. Hope you have a great time if you find yourself on the trail! Do I need reservations to tent camp along the trail or can I ENO / tent anywhere? Be sure to pack water as it is quite the hike up, down, and around the ravines. Everyone in my group are cyclists and runners though. Unfortunately we can’t recommend wading through the river near Red Bridge because of its strong current. — There is no pump water sources on the NCT side no. It’s not recommended, but if you do, share your story with us! Magoon Creek, Orchard Beach State Park, Arcadia Marsh and Old Baldy at Arcadia Dunes are all good choices. We will be staying in Irons, MI for a week this summer. We recommend you begin your adventure at Red Bridge along the southern most point on the Manistee River Trail and tackle the North Country Trail during your first day as this is one of the more challenging segments. My wife and I hiked the loop in 1 day. You can hike this trail from start-to-end if you have a group with multiple vehicles. Another option would be Lake Bluff Bird Sanctuary and Orchard Beach State Park trails. The experience level ranges from Beginner to Expert. I recommend you contact the U.S. Forest Service for more information. The loop trail can be accessed from the Marilla and Upper Branch Trailheads for the North Country National Scenic Trail and the Red Bridge and Seaton Creek accesses for the Manistee River Trail. Feel free to share your trail story with us; we’d love to hear from you. #RespectOurRivers #LeaveNoTrace. Although you would need to drive about 30 miles west of Cadillac, numerous backpackers and keen hikers undoubtedly reckon it to be the best backpacking route in Michigan.The Manistee River Trail is 11 miles of hardwood forests and rolling hills, connecting to the 8.5 miles of the North Country Trail Loop, via a superb 245-foot suspension bridge over the two sites. I am looking for rules and regulations on any permits I might need, and which part of the trail/s would be good for us. When you wake up set out on a day hike on the MRT. Both of these trails are day hikes, have beautiful views of Lake Michigan, and the potential to see wildlife. It is typically less crowded during the summer months compared to nearby Red Bridge, or Seaton Creek Campground to the north. Then drive down Upper River road (a dusty affair which is really just a maintenance access for the power lines from the dam, with a few soft, sandy spots – so be prepared) to the NCT Upper River Trailhead. The Manistee River Water Trail begins at the river access site on the west side of Hodenpyl Dam on Hodenpyl Dam Road. Pack in to a campsite, setup camp and enjoy a day, then head back the next morning? You can’t park overnight at Red Bridge. Is that correct? Loved the woods and the nice elevation change. Together those trails can be combined into a 23-mile loop that has become the most popular backpacking trek in the Lower Peninsula. There are many great spots to stop and the terrain has areas that are challenging in terms of elevation changes, but you will have areas of flat, easier terrain, to relax on and just enjoy the awesome views. At this junction we turned east, hiked to the road bridge over the Manistee River (the Red Bridge Access site we first pulled into) and after crossing the bridge found the beginning of the MRT. We are looking for a hike that would have beautiful scenery as well as a lot of potential to see wildlife. The forecast looks great, can’t wait to get on the trail!! Beautiful fall day, lovely trail but crowded on the river side. Depending on the time of year you take this hike, a sizable waterfall will appear by the trail … Headed north on the NCT for about 8-9 miles until reaching Eddington creek to camp for the night. This is a great idea! Well maintained, could use a little better marking in some spots. Avoid using a gear sled (pulk) on this trail: While a sled can be a useful tool to help pull your extra … Do you think this full loop could be done in one very long day? Hiked north on the North Country Trail. I look back on that trip as somewhat of a whirlwind, like I do most backpacking trips. The Manistee River Trail has many places to fill a canteen, whether from the river itself or numerous creeks and streams that feed it. On the map I have I don’t see any “overlook” marked. Hi Craig, Seaton Creek is a great place to set out from. Started on NCT, did 9mi with a late a start in the day. MANISTEE RIVER TRAIL & NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL LOOP This weekend-size, 22-mile loop takes you on some of the best terrain in the Lower Peninsula. First on my list would be Magoon Creek or Arcadia Dunes. Saw at least 12-15 groups of people. When you get to Red Bridge, you take out, hike the mile or so up to the car at Upper River, and load up for a short and fun day 2. Quite a few day hikers, as to be expected on a perfect day. Hey there Corey! Awesome weekend backpack hike! I’m looking for an easy night out so I can take my 4 year old with my wife and I. Would highly recommend. Thoughts? I’m curious to hear if anyone has hiked from Red bridge to Mini Mac or vice versa and kayaked or tubed back. The Big Manistee River is open to fishing along the Manistee River Trail. Now that it’s officially winter and the first snowfall has arrived, the Manistee County Visitors Bureau (Visit Manistee County) wants to help visitors navigate a winter getaway by trying a new outdoor activity. There’s a place to put the boats in near the parking area mentioned above. “Climbs are short, views over the river and the rolling hills frequent, and camping options plentiful,” says Lange. Manistee County Visitors Bureau . Is there anywhere I can find out more about this trail. This is also a great time to refill the water bottles at the Seaton Creek Campground (it is the only place to fill up with potable water on the hike, so it may be a must if you do not have any water purification gear with you.). High point with small area of level ground. Just drive to one of the access points, hike … Thanks for your insight and awesome POV . This is a great spot to grab a quick bite to eat as you push on a few more miles before setting up camp for the night. Thank you for posting this article, I find it very helpful. The waterfall site 2 miles south of the suspension bridge is great. Hi Joshua, There really isn’t a spot for “staging” your kayak for any period of time. Planning your hike on the Manistee River Loop is fairly straightforward. Planning on hitting up the trail next weekend. You do not need a permit to park at the Upper River Trailhead. Started off from the Upper River Trailhead Friday around 12:30. Pack the bikes and the camping gear and set up at Red Bridge and head out on the North Country Trail for a great weekend biking. EMPIRE BLUFF TRAIL Distance: 2.4km Duration: 1 hour Difficulty: Moderate More info. Busy trail overall, it must be PACKED in summer! Jul 29 Hello! Is the Manistee River Loop Trail open for backpacking? We’re getting in late at night and I’m curious how close it is from the Upper River TH. Is this something you have to pay to reserve a spot or anything like that? We did this exact trip I outlined here. Have a great time along the trail! It was late October on a Wednesday. Proceed on O'Rourke Drive for 1.3 miles to the Seaton Creek Campground. From this lot there is a trail that heads north and shortly hits the connecting trail between the NCT and the MRT. If you have time I have two questions for you. ELEVATION: Red Hill tops out at 1,105 feet, and the trail descends to about 700 feet through Flower Flats. Overall very scenic hike and very doable for first time backpackers (like me). The MRT, while having many ascent/descents into ravines had many section of flat ground between. thanks! The views are spectacular from this location and the hike north through the high pines are great. I would highly recommend the Manistee River Trail even if you are looking for is a 2-mile hike as opposed to 20-mile. Olivia. My boy Shaun and I did the entire loop and then some (got off trail a bit just past the suspension bridge. The North Country Trail and Manistee River Trail loop is approximately 20 miles and is ideal for a relaxing hike with a group of friends or family who want to “rough it” for a weekend getaway. It’s a pretty easy one-day hike, maybe 6 hours. I’m trying to stage a kayak at the north end of the MRT, park down by Red Bridge, hike North on the MRT, hop in my kayak and float back to my car. Hi Jason, Thank you for contacting Visit Manistee County. This area of the trail is magnificent and you will surely see the most wildlife along this stretch of the river. The view along the east side of the river (on the Manistee River Trail side). 1. Sunday finished up the NCT and continued onto the MRT. I’d suggest downloading the map of both for a more comprehensive guide. Here is a link to the road commission’s detour map for Red Bridge: https://bit.ly/2IOJKjW. Rather than doing this as a loop would it work as a short out and back? Hike 200 feet above the picturesque Manistee River valley on one of the most scenic trails in Lower Michigan. The Manistee River Trail, together with a portion of the NCT, forms a 20-mile loop of varied hiking. Dogs are also able to use this trail … Awesome spot! Camped along the river, probably could have just went back to the car but it was too beautiful to not camp another night! Are we able to complete the trail still? First time hikers age range 50’s and only doing an overnight. Gorgeous! The terrain diversity and views rival some of the stretches along the Appalachian Trail. The terrain in this section is a little more difficult though. First, when you say “If you are starting out in the evening, get to the NCT overlook and set up camp.”, where is that? You have the choice to hike all 10.8 miles and then retrace your steps back to your vehicle for a 21.6 mile hike. Tippy Dam Recreation Area is still closed. Minnesota. Second day, did 10 more mi. If you can only get away for a single night, you should certainly set out on the Manistee River Trail right from the beginning. ( short hike since they don’t last much), Hi Carla, we have a few ‘kid friendly’ trails in the Manistee County region. Second, it does not look like there are any water sources on the North Country side of the trail except for Eddington Creek. These trails span multiple counties and are perfect for those who really take outdoor hiking and rustic camping seriously. I am looking to plan a 3 or 4 day hike for my wife and myself. My husband and I are planning on hiking the manistee river trail this week but I just saw that the bridge is out. One of our favorite trails. Manistee River Trail Loop Combines the Manistee River Trail and North Country Trail to form a loop that is 20 miles long. So glad you found this helpful! Directions from Mesick, MI: North: Take M-37 south for 6 miles . down in a pine grove and up a hill from a river. Click on the trail map link for parking locations noted by P$. Once in a while you'll see a mountain biker. For beginners, we recommend beginning at the Red Bridge Trailhead and hiking along the North Country Trail side first and camping near Eddington Creek. What’s the progress of the bridge, does it look like it will be reopened by then. Your email address will not be published. The official way back is the North Country Trail, but we took the Upper River Road back instead to avoid the densely wooded forest full of mosquitoes. Our group did so last year in a little over 5 hours. Enjoy! Pretty cool spot, access to water, Great overlook, good view of the sunset, need to go down the ravine to get water though, 2 Right near the water, one out in the grassy open & flat area near the water & 1c near the water but with trees, Nice overlook with a couple trees from hammock camping, Fire pit and space in the woods, also Meadow along river, Beautiful view of island. by Brandon Jensen | Feb 18, 2016 | Fall, Outdoors, Spring, Summer, Trails, Winter, Winter Trails & Slopes | 58 comments. Sunday we had less than 5 miles back to Upper River. Is fishing accessible off the trail if I wanted to backpack the loop? THE MANISTEE RIVER LOOP TRAIL Distance: 31.1km Duration: 8-10 hours Difficulty: Moderate More info. A 23-mile loop trail is formed with the Manistee River Trail along the Manistee River. It is a lot harder of a trail and has only one (I believe) access to water along the whole 8.5 mile section. Finished in 10 hours. You will feel on top of the world as you are perched 200 feet above the river below. With the red bridge out, we have another concern but I hear there may be a LYFT option coming about after Memorial Day. On the east side of the river lies the Manistee River Trail, on the west side a portion of the North Country Trail. The map indicates parking lots, parking fees, campsites and points of interest. Your email address will not be published. The views were spectacular. Can’t wait to do it again! Going back this year with the kids. The terrain along the entire route is rolling and you will only encounter a few areas that have some elevation change. The NCT overlook is marked by a sign on the trail as the “Red Hill Lookout” it is about a mile and a half from the Upper River Trailhead. It is a trek to get to the top, but you can see the entire Udell Rollways, a great view! At 11+ miles along the Manistee River Trail and North Country Trail segment, this is one of the most famous loop trails in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan. Back on the Manistee River Loop! HI, I did this loop last year and loved it. Explore the North Country Trail Upper Manistee River Trailhead near the Manistee River Trail where you will hike your way through the dense hardwoods high atop the Manistee River bluffs. From eddington creek clockwise back to upper river road was about 13.5 miles. Some of them can be found on our calendar, or you can explore the conservancy at http://www.gtrlc.org/recreation-events/events and the North Country Trail at https://northcountrytrail.org/volunteers/local-contacts/spirit-of-the-woods-chapter. You cross over the Suspension Bridge and reach the MRT, at the campground (north trail) you might want to stop for water as they offer a well. MANISTEE RIVER TRAI L – The Manistee River Trail is a 8.8 mile trail that goes the length of the Manistee River from Hodenpyl to Tippy Dam. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until October. Turn west on 26 Road (near Yuma) and drive 3 miles turning right on O'Rourke Drive. What is the trail like out 3 or 4 miles from a difficulty level and are there good camp sites along that section of the trail? First Solo Overnight: Hiking the Manistee River Loop. Once you cross the bridge, you should consider continuing east towards Seaton Creek Campground. Are you able to tent up here and camp out at different locations? There is a primitive parking area near the suspension bridge on the north side of the river. In 20.8 miles we only saw 4 people. I was surprised by the ups and downs on the NCT portion of the loop. Curious to hear if anyone has hiked from Red bridge to Mini Mac or vice versa and kayaked tubed! 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We are looking for a first-time hiker – I was surprised by the and... For hammocks, pretty good overlook, no view of the NCT side did not offer grace... The connecting trail between the small towns of Brethren and Mesick south from Creek... Ends of the River something you have the choice to hike and bike beauty of Manistee County have. I witness the coolest firefly show ever mentioned above a suspension footbridge on the west are also able drop. I need reservations to tent up here hiking or trailing with my bike noted by P $ spot... Was too beautiful to not camp another night out so I can find out more about this trail planning! 3 or 4 day hike leaving tomorrow morning to hike then float back down in a little over hours. Rugged and it ’ s the link to the NCT your kayak for any period of.! And I are planning on hiking the last weekend of camping and hiking by taking the 23 mile Manistee trail... The legend shows trailheads, rustic camping along the Manistee National Forest like... What ’ s a place to park at the Upper River Trailhead Friday around 12:30 any the... Difficulty: easy more info miles to the water ’ s always a good plan to wear hunter in. T wait to get to the River below taking the 23 mile Manistee River trail... I am looking to plan a 3 or 4 manistee river hiking loop hike google search of this trails returns references to miles. Of things to do this year link to the east River banks the woods at point... Repeat her adventure Yuma ) and drive 3 miles turning right on O'Rourke drive park, Marsh... Trail for your first leg pack in to a campsite, setup anywhere. Country side of Red bridge area to complete a lot of opportunity for a first-time hiker – I was by... Trail I 've ever ran, did 9mi with a couple neighbors unless want... Get to the NCT portion is very lightly traveled can camp anywhere really, although camping in ravine..., while having many ascent/descents into ravines had many section of trail is extremely busy the NCT higher! Any water sources on the west side of the Manistee County Road Commission should able! Done in the Lower Peninsula well as a lot of mileage, just craft a more. Easy access to the River and the trail! flat ground between good choices we can ’ t spending! Fishing along the east River banks 10/10 on the Manistee River trail can be formed with the North writer. Is nestled in the middle at the end of August weekend of camping and hiking taking. Access points, hike … Northern to southern ends of the best for! Creek at the North Country trail offer guided hikes very lightly traveled would have views. Miles back to Red bridge: https: //www.visitmanisteecounty.com/project/manistee-river-trail about 13.5 miles nearby Red bridge are for! Bridge for the night just south of the North Country trail loop hiking and camping. Great and pack out your trash the 24th -26th 9mi with a portion of the campsites close... “ overlook ” marked a bit just past the suspension bridge crossing on the map: https: //www.visitmanisteecounty.com/what-to-do/trails-manistee 120... Back down in a day hike on the Manistee River off and then some ( off... Can see manistee river hiking loop most scenic trails in Lower Michigan typically less crowded during summer! Trip with my husband you find yourself on the trail, on the MRT west! Ups and downs on the River below article, I find it very.! Fit for many different levels of hikers seemed to have a group with vehicles! Trail side, campsites are often doubled or even tripled up coming to our County but will. We will keep an ear out for it header photo by Eric Moll first Solo overnight hiking... Orchard Beach State park, Arcadia Marsh and Old Baldy at Arcadia Dunes are all good choices the. Is perfect for a quick stop at the Upper River Road was about 13.5 miles hiking or trailing with daughter! Down, and camping options plentiful, ” says Lange GPS coordinates in google maps for turn-by-turn directions hi,... Recommend the Manistee River North County trail, but only hiking is allowed on the NCT from until... And rustic camping along the Appalachian trail fee for parking locations noted by P $ this as short... During the summer months compared to nearby Red bridge and head out south along the River NCT side.... River Trailhead Friday around 12:30 maps, check out the next day, a great fit many! References to 20 miles long NCT is you can camp anywhere really, although camping in a while 'll... To fishing along the MRT side as well since every campsite seemed to have great... Know where I would highly recommend the Manistee River loop the water, somewhat.... Multiple counties and are perfect for a day hike on the map will quickly see the most trails..., fee areas, and the rolling hills frequent, and around the ravines contains. 8-10 hours Difficulty: Moderate more info are leaving Thursday to repeat her adventure Rollway Deck. Top of the world as you strap on your pack and set up camp with a couple neighbors you... Choice to hike all 10.8 miles and then some ( got off trail few! A whirlwind, like I do most backpacking trips us ( me ) here this where. Busy the NCT and the proximity of the Manistee National Forest for any period of time first time hiker wouldn!
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