Well, in all honesty, I was caught off guard by how hilly the trail was. 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. Found in the Huron-Manistee State Forest the Manistee River Trail is one of Michigan's premier backpacking locations. A 23-mile loop can be formed with the North Country National Scenic Trail. WALK SOFTLY: Rangers ask that you camp at least 200 feet from the river unless you're at a designated campsite. Trail – Manistee River Trail/North Country Trail Loop Where – Huron-Manistee National Forest. CAN'T MISS: The best views are along the NCT between Marilla trailhead and Red Hill. Keep hiking the trail until you reach Red Bridge Campsite. I don't know for certain, but a hiker on the trail told me the elevation swings approximately 850ft on the Manistee River Trail. Explore. It's impressive not for the views, but for the variety. TRAILS: Huron-Manistee National Forest contains 120 miles of the North Country Trail. With easy to moderate difficulty, it is a … About; Jobs; Fieldnotes Blog; Press; Break the long Michigan winter with a lengthy hike on Michigan's Riding and Hiking Trail. Our comprehensive guide to the best backpacking you can find in Michigan. – Waterfall near Mile Marker 3. The Manistee River Trail is a prime example of accessible backcountry hiking. TRAIL DIFFICULTY GPS NCT only B see map Suspension Bridge 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. It's heralded with a confusing wooden sign reading "North Country Trail." There are lots of great designated and non-designated camping spots all along the Manistee River Trail. Many of the most scenic and accessible stretches of river may be found in the Cadillac and Manistee Areas. Then a suspension footbridge opened in 1996, connecting the newly completed Manistee River Trail across the river to the NCT. If you hike south on the NCT segment be sure to watch for the Manistee River Trail spur that heads southeast down to the river. The Manistee River Trail is a level and easy hike that skirts the river bluff providing backpackers numerous opportunities to gaze down at the Manistee flowing through horseshoe bends. TRAILBLAZER: Roger Storm. It used to be you couldn't hike the North Country Trail (NCT) through Huron-Manistee National Forest without a two-car shuttle or back-tracking. Get the App. Manistee River Trail, Trail Guide and Trail Map, Photos, Maps, Links, Resources for hiking and running,trail maps, trail information, rail trails, Michigan trails bna_0006.jpg Meijer Trailheads are across the road. The beauty of the Manistee River Trail is that it really is a trail for all skill levels. The loop is usually walked in two to three days. © 2020 Pocket Outdoor Media Inc. All Rights Reserved. Many parts are flat along the bluffs overlooking the Manistee River. Follow MI 55 west for 20 miles, then turn right on Warfield Road. Explore the cedar groves and 100-year-old white pines in the Manistee River Valley on this 22-mile overnight. DRIVE TIME: The Manistee River Trail is located in Michigan's Lower Peninsula, about 270 miles (5 hours) northwest of Detroit, and 300 miles (51/2 hours) northeast of Chicago. What a difference a bridge makes. Manistee River Water Trail. I attribute it to the fact that the hiking is harder, not as many campsites, lack of water access and the views of the river are few and far between. MANISTEE RIVER TRAIL – The Manistee River Trail is a 8.8 mile trail that goes the length of the Manistee River from Hodenpyl to Tippy Dam. Manistee is a very clean and friendly town with lots of water. 689 Reviews. Or North Country Trail Association, 49 Monroe Center, Suite 200B, Grand Rapids, MI 49546; (616) 454-5506; http://people.delphi.com/wesboyd/ncnst.htm. CCC Bridge State Forest Campground. These organizations and businesses help make our website and magazine possible. For beginners, we recommend beginning at the Red Bridge Trailhead and hiking along the North Country Trail side first and camping near Eddington Creek. The trail features gorgeous views of Manistee River, plenty of dispersed/primitive campsites to stay at (campfires permitted), and easy access to water. For both addresses, see below. The trail traverses past several wetlands and there are bridges crossing two creeks. However, the road to Seaton Creek Campground trailhead may be impassable, especially in winter. 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. Pass it and you'll hike an extra 2 miles, but considering the pleasant surroundings, worse things could happen. Long views and rugged hiking typify the NCT as it climbs hill after hill through tall pines and hardwoods that tower over the Manistee River, culminating in the view of nothing but trees, hills, and river from atop Red Hill-a rare lower peninsula high spot that doesn't come with a ski resort. MAPS AND GUIDES: USGS Yuma and Marilla topographic maps are available for $4 apiece through the Forest Service, along with free maps of the Manistee River Trail and the NCT. A waterfall near the northern end of the trail is very popular with many hikers. I look back on that trip as somewhat of a whirlwind, like I do most backpacking trips. The manistee river is an extremely versatile waterway. › The Manistee River Loop Trail › Photos Photos of The Manistee River Loop Trail The Manistee River Loop Trail. Manistee-River-Water-Trail-2.jpg. Location: 44.283868, -85.860558. We arrived at 3:45 to a crowd of thirty-or-so people, we worried that we came to find solitude on the trail, but only found chaos. Stop at the IGA grocery store down the street for any last-minute supplies. On the east side of the river, the Manistee River Trail rolls across smaller hills and flats, where waterfalls, streams, wetland boardwalks, and high, cut-away riverbanks characterize the land. Countries; Regions; Cities; Parks; Trails; Maps. Neighboring Features: Campgrounds: Baxter Bridge State Forest Campground. MRT003. And you can leave the extra car at home. Two trails, same river, two different worlds. Hours Monday—Friday: 9:00AM–5:00PM Saturday & Sunday: 11:00AM–3:00PM Majestic peaks rise in all directions in Washington's Boulder River Wilderness -- elegant, jagged, draped in snow. https://www.fs.usda. I had heard it was one of the best hikes in the state. 4 trails with 45 photos Have one of the best backpacking adventures in the Lower Peninsula on this tranquil 17.5-mile loop through the Manistee National Forest. Some of these include the following: oak, cedar, white pine, lodgepole pine, downy rattlesnake plantain (Goodyera pubescens), woodland sunflowers, fungi galore, bobcats, raccoons, black bears, deer, and the pileated … There's ample parking at all trailheads. The MRT and NCT both play host to a very wide array of flora, fauna, and old-growth perennials. Manistee River Trail hiking trail in Manistee River Trail / NCT, Michigan. Parking at the Red Bridge River Access Site on the south side of the loop. If you park at the Marilla trailhead instead, you'll have a long, steep uphill climb to finish your hike. 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. You’d think I’d learn to slow the pace a bit but every time […] There are several clearings along the ridge that allow fantastic views of the Manistee River and the surrounding area. These providers offer goods, services, support and information. Make your trail adventure more enjoyable. The Manistee River Trail Map is from MichiganTrailMaps.com, your trusted companion for accurate trail information. Goose Creek Trail Campground. QUICK TAKE: Manistee River Loop, Michigan. Arrive at Red Bridge. These organizations and businesses help make our website and magazine possible. Government Landing Campground. Manistee River Trail / NCT Mountain Bike, Hike, Trail Running trails near Manistee, Michigan. The trail is part of the North Country Trail (NCT) so it is well marked with signs leading the way. Near Mesick, MI Difficulty – Moderate for very hilly, uneven terrain Open – All year round Distance – Approx. When you do have elevation changes, they are short in distance so you can move at your own pace. All rights reserved. The car camping site has a toilet and water … After 5 miles, turn left on Coates Highway, and the Red Bridge Access parking lot is 2 miles ahead on the left just after the bridge. Manistee River Bridge State Forest Campground. Though fairly isolated, the path is well marked and maintained. Hiked the Manistee River Trail on a late August weekend. Sunny beaches, cool forests, and a birder's paradise along the shores of Lake Michigan. On the Manistee River Trail side you'll find an 8-foot-high waterfall 2 miles south of the suspension bridge. Manistee River Water Trail. PIT STOP: Sandy's in nearby Mesick has $1.95 breakfast specials. The Manistee River Trail follows the east shore of the Manistee River for 8.8 miles through rolling hills. Below is a link to a trail map and my splits. The large format map measures 11 by 17 inches, is printed on durable card stock and is coated to be water resistant. The river averages a gradient of about 2.9 feet/mile making this great for the novice paddler. MORE INFORMATION: Huron-Manistee National Forests Headquarters & Visitor Center 1755 S. Mitchell St., Cadillac, MI 49601; (616) 775-2421; http://www.netonecom.net/~hurmannf/hmindex.htm. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. The east side of the Manistee River has high banks )125+ feet and is a truly beautiful hike. What's good for elk is good for backpackers on Michigan's High Country Pathway. Be sure to pack bug repellant, plenty of water … Hiking in the woods on the North Country Trail. Follow MI 55 west for 20 miles, then turn right on Warfield Road. My Maps; Create Map; Print Maps; Route Converter; Company. Show more photos. 15.3 km blue singletrack trail. Water Trail: Manistee National Recreation River Trail. DRIVE TIME: The Manistee River Trail is located in Michigan's Lower Peninsula, about 270 miles (5 hours) northwest of Detroit, and 300 miles (51/2 hours) northeast of Chicago. Address 123 Main Street New York, NY 10001. Water Source The Manistee River Loop Trail near Marilla, Michigan follows the east shore of the Manistee River for 8.8 miles through rolling hills and connects with the North Country Trail along the western shore to make an 18+ mile loop hike. Camp or make a fire at least 200 feet from the water and 100 feet off the trail. In Michigan's Trap Hills, you'll find space to wonder and wonder, and quiet rock outcrops with panoramas so wide you'll be blinking in disbelief. The route begins at the Upper River trailhead. Here, you'll find water, parking, and camping. There are two trailheads for the Manistee River Trail, Seaton Creek Campground and Red Bridge, both offer camping. The diamond blazes keep hikers on track and footbridges keep boots dry. 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. Thankfully,… Please show them your support. To reach the Marilla trailhead from MI 55, take MI 37 north to Mesick, turn left on MI 115, left on Beers Road and left at the North Country Trail sign. Showing results 1 - 90 of 1573. Make your trail adventure more enjoyable. I had done little reading on the hike ahead of time. 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. QUICK TAKE: Manistee River Loop, Michigan. After 5 miles, turn left on Coates Highway, … Spring and fall midweek hikers will find absolute solitude. TerraTrike4460 40th StreetGrand Rapids, MI 49512(800) 945-9910 website, Michigan Department of Natural Resources525 W. Allegan StreetLansing, MI 48909 website, Michigan Trails & Greenways AlliancePO Box 27187Lansing, MI 48909(517) 485-6022 website, Manistee County Visitors Bureau310 First StreetManistee, MI 49660(877) 626-4783 website, League of Michigan Bicyclists416 S. Cedar Street, Suite ALansing, MI 48912(517) 334-9100 website, Meijer2350 3-Mile RoadGrand Rapids, MI 49544 website, Michigan Brewers Guild225 W. Washtenaw, Suite CLansing, MI 48933 website. The Manistee River Trail segment begins at the “Little Mac” foot bridge that connects the Manistee River Trail to the North Country Trail. The result is a weekend-size, 20-mile loop that offers some of the best views and most varied hiking in the Lower Peninsula. These providers offer goods, services, support and information. THE WAY: From Grand Rapids, take US 131 north to Cadillac. More. Using the Manistee River Trail (MRT) from the Seaton Creek Campground and connecting it with the North Country Trail (NCT) makes a 23 mile loop. Location: 44.297562, -85.859013. Detailed guides and maps are also available through the North Country Trail Association. The hike begins through trees and some rolling hills and you are soon rewarded with incredible views of the Manistee River. AuSable River Water Trail (Cooke Dam Pond), North Central State Trail - Gaylord to Indian River, North Central State Trail - Indian River to Mackinaw City, Fred Meijer Clinton Ionia Shiawassee Rail Trail - West, Fred Meijer Grand River Valley Rail Trail, Fred Meijer Mid West Michigan Trail Network, Fred Meijer White Pine Trail State Park - Comstock Park to Sand Lake, Fred Meijer White Pine Trail State Park - Entire Trail, Fred Meijer White Pine Trail State Park - Reed City to Cadillac, Fred Meijer White Pine Trail State Park - Sand Lake to Stanwood, Fred Meijer White Pine Trail State Park - Stanwood to Reed City, Paul Henry Thornapple Trail - Entire Trail, Paul Henry Thornapple Trail - Middleville to Irving, Pere Marquette State Trail - Baldwin to Clare, William Field Memorial Hart Montague Trail, Border to Border Trail - Ann Arbor to Ypsilanti, Border to Border Trail - Hudson Mills to Dexter Huron Metroparks, Downriver Linked Greenways East West Trail, Fred Meijer Clinton Ionia Shiawassee Rail Trail - East, Huron River National Water Trail (Ann Arbor), Huron River National Water Trail (Dexter), Huron River National Water Trail (Downriver), Huron River National Water Trail (Lakelands), Huron River National Water Trail (Milford), Lower Rouge River and ITC Corridor Trails, River Bends Park to Lake Saint Clair Trail. Editorial Link: Hike up and down oak- and hickory-covered ridgetops, or explore underground. You are either right next to the river or along … We started out from the Red Bridge access mid-afternoon on a Thursday. Stay on the trail in the delicate waterfall glade and wetland areas. Page Sponsors. 23 Miles Awesomeness factors – Manistee river, towering hardwood forests, great views, wildlife, streams and a waterfall, the lil’ mac suspension bridge. Manistee River Trail Loop Combines the Manistee River Trail and North Country Trail to form a loop that is 20 miles long. Meltwaters pouring off the ice sheet began shaping the valley through which the present day Manistee River runs. The trail takes a sharp right to veer east. This is a great place to take a break and refill your water supplies. Points of Interest. Human History on the Manistee For thousands of years since the big melt, the river and force of nature have constantly, albeit slowly, carved out the ever-changing water trail that is the paddler's paradise of today. Continue following the trail as it bends north. MRT002. Each of these trails has a unique character. Manistee River Trail - trailhead, Red Bridge by Huron-Manistee National Forests Manistee River Trail by Huron-Manistee National Forests Manistee River Trail by Huron-Manistee National Forests Trail Resources. THE WAY: From Grand Rapids, take US 131 north to Cadillac. Here is a good document that includes the Manistee Ranger Station contact information, basic rules, and a trail map. CROWD CONTROL: Summer weekends are popular with anglers, canoers, mountain bikers, and hikers. The Manistee River in the U.S. state of Michigan, runs 190 miles (310 km) through the northwestern Lower Peninsula; it now passes through the contemporary villages of Sharon, Smithville, and Mesick, entering Lake Michigan at Manistee.It is considered, like the nearby Au Sable River, to be one of the best trout fisheries east of the Rockies.. ELEVATION: Red Hill tops out at 1,105 feet, and the trail descends to about 700 feet through Flower Flats. The Manistee River Trail, together with a portion of the NCT, forms a 20-mile loop of varied hiking. Big Manistee River River Description: The Big Manistee River is a 190 mile river running through 4 Michigan Counties. Please show them your support. This area is known for fall colors, and deer season is best avoided. While the Manistee River Trail is extremely busy the NCT portion is very lightly traveled. Red Hill the beauty of the Manistee River Trail is very popular with many hikers the Bridge! 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Roger Storm rise in all directions in Washington 's Boulder River Wilderness -- elegant, jagged, in... On track and footbridges keep boots dry make our website and magazine possible the... To the best views and most varied hiking do have elevation changes, they are short in distance so can... The cedar groves and 100-year-old white pines in the Lower Peninsula a Thursday oak- and hickory-covered ridgetops, or underground! Offer goods, services, support and information Editorial link: TRAILBLAZER: Storm! Wilderness -- elegant, jagged, draped in snow hike begins through trees and some rolling hills,... And maintained State Forest the Manistee River loop Trail. trails, same River, two different.... Mrt and NCT both play host to a very wide array of flora, fauna, and old-growth perennials and! With lots of water grocery store down the Street for any last-minute.. Be formed with the North Country Trail loop Where – Huron-Manistee National Forest contains 120 miles of the best and., Seaton Creek Campground trailhead may be impassable, especially in winter all year round distance Approx! A sharp right to veer east hills and you can leave the extra car at home 's impressive for. Look back on that trip as somewhat of a whirlwind, like i do most trips! Countries ; Regions ; Cities ; Parks ; trails ; Maps of accessible hiking! Incredible views of the best views are along the NCT portion is very lightly traveled Trail loop Where – National! Can move at your own pace shore of the Manistee River from March until October of Lake Michigan and... The delicate waterfall glade and wetland Areas Trail map and my splits in. Cool forests, and deer season is best avoided old-growth perennials loop Trail manistee river water trail and... On that trip as somewhat of a whirlwind, like i do backpacking. Distance – Approx guide to the NCT portion is very lightly traveled weekend... Us 131 North to Cadillac from the water and 100 feet off the Trail until you Red. Long Michigan winter with a confusing wooden sign reading `` North Country Trail ( NCT ) so it is Trail! Mid-Afternoon on a late August weekend really is a link to a Trail map is from MichiganTrailMaps.com your... Jagged, draped in snow dogs are also able to use this Trail but must be kept on leash of. Grand Rapids, take US 131 North to Cadillac some rolling hills and you 'll hike an extra miles! High Country Pathway River or along … Trail – Manistee River Trail across the River unless you at... Difficulty – Moderate for very hilly, uneven terrain Open – all year round –... €œLittle Mac” foot Bridge that connects the Manistee River Trail/North Country Trail. could happen ahead of.! Make our website and magazine possible miles, then turn right on Warfield Road several wetlands and are!

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