By far the most technical trail I've ever ran, did 10 miles from the suspension bridge south out and back. Saved this in two sections. The trail along the River heading south is a great stretch for first timers. No permit for the trail, but there are parking fees as indicated by a $ on the map. TRAILS: Huron-Manistee National Forest contains 120 miles of the North Country Trail. FIFTH FALLS AND SUPERIOR HIKING TRAIL LOOP Distance: 4.8km Duration: 1-2 hours Difficulty: Easy More info. As you strap on your pack and set off on your hike, head out on the North Country Trail for your first leg. Thank you for posting this article, I find it very helpful. I did it last year but he is new to backpacking. Going back seemed easier. You can hike this trail from start-to-end if you have a group with multiple vehicles. 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. Saturday we headed towards the Manistee River Trail around 10ish. This stretch of the hike is quite popular for campsites and makes a great place for you to stop if you start the hike late in the day. 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. Is fishing accessible off the trail if I wanted to backpack the loop? 4 , Flint, MI, 48507-9821, Phone: 888-784-7328 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. We suggest the North Country Trail & Manistee River Trail loop as your introduction to hiking in Manistee County. Awesome spot! 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. Once in a while you'll see a mountain biker. After a quick stop at the Dam and campground, continue on the MRT and head out south along the east river banks. Missed the trail a few times and thus the extra mileage. Do you think this full loop could be done in one very long day? Jul 29 3. Get off the couch and put Manistee County and our trails your list of things to do this year. 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. Well maintained, could use a little better marking in some spots. It is nestled in the Manistee National Forest between the small towns of Brethren and Mesick. Sandy decline access to the water, somewhat precarious. On the east side of the river lies the Manistee River Trail, on the west side a portion of the North Country Trail. What’s the progress of the bridge, does it look like it will be reopened by then. 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. After passing the Marilla trail junction you start heading to the MRT and finally get to see the Manistee River after about 9 miles of hiking in ravines. Are you able to tent up here and camp out at different locations? Start and end at Seton Creek Campground. 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. For those planning to skip the established campg… A great trail that is well worth a drive anywhere that you live in Michigan. 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. Pack in to a campsite, setup camp and enjoy a day, then head back the next morning? You will feel on top of the world as you are perched 200 feet above the river below. First Solo Overnight: Hiking the Manistee River Loop. There’s a place to put the boats in near the parking area mentioned above. 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. For beginners, we recommend beginning at the Red Bridge Trailhead and hiking along the North Country Trail side first and camping near Eddington Creek. We haven’t heard any news of LYFT coming to our county but we will keep an ear out for it. A 23-mile loop can be formed with the North Country National Scenic 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.). The 8-miles was just right for a Sunday afternoon and our first wilderness hike. Have a great time along the trail! Michigan Travel Bureau, P.O. 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. 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! Keep the great outdoors great and pack out your trash. Nice fire pit, easy access to the river, good trees for hammocks, Pretty good overlook, no view of the sunset. 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. Sorry I missed this comment a while back. Here is a link to the road commission’s detour map for Red Bridge: https://bit.ly/2IOJKjW. Then we hiked to the suspension bridge and a mile down the MRT. From there, you hike down along the road to the MRT terminus at Red Bridge, pick up the trail just beyond, and hike north to the Suspension Bridge. 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. Excited to hike this trail on Monday! We were first timers and not familiar with the trail, so we ended up starting at the Marilla trailhead and hiking to the NCT. Is there a problem with bow hunters near the trails? Can’t wait to do it again! 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. Heading south along the trail, between mile marker two and three, you will come upon a small waterfall, spilling over into the Manistee River. Magoon Creek, Orchard Beach State Park, Arcadia Marsh and Old Baldy at Arcadia Dunes are all good choices. 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. The experience level ranges from Beginner to Expert. Easily made it up to Eddington Creek just before 4, found a great site for the night. 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. Beautiful fall day, lovely trail but crowded on the river side. It is a trek to get to the top, but you can see the entire Udell Rollways, a great view! Hi Craig, Seaton Creek is a great place to set out from. Would I need to a reserve a site or can we setup camp anywhere? We are thinking of hiking the last weekend of October. THE MANISTEE RIVER LOOP TRAIL Distance: 31.1km Duration: 8-10 hours Difficulty: Moderate More info. I think I remember the Red Bridge parking lot was on the West side of the bridge. Busy trail overall, it must be PACKED in summer! The crowd had thinned out tremendously by Sunday midday and we saw very few people as we finished around 3pm. At this point, take the Manistee River Trail and follow the Manistee River downstream. While the Manistee River Trail is extremely busy the NCT portion is very lightly traveled. Finished in 10 hours. The terrain diversity and views rival some of the stretches along the Appalachian Trail. These trails span multiple counties and are perfect for those who really take outdoor hiking and rustic camping seriously. 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. Do you know if we can you park and get right on the trail from there or will we need to hike in a bit to get to the trail from where we park? 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. Where on the map is the NCT Overlook? ( short hike since they don’t last much), Hi Carla, we have a few ‘kid friendly’ trails in the Manistee County region. 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. It is a lot harder of a trail and has only one (I believe) access to water along the whole 8.5 mile section. Walked the MRT first, then back on the NCT. The terrain is more rugged and it’s best to tackle with a fresh set of legs. 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 … They can be reached at 231.889.0000. Do I need reservations to tent camp along the trail or can I ENO / tent anywhere? 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. perfect spot! Email me jsouthwell@mcc.edu. 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). You could stage it there, but outside of just locking it to a tree, you can’t do much by way of protecting it. Parking at the Red Bridge River Access Site on the south side of the loop. Get your Manistee River Trail map here: https://www.visitmanisteecounty.com/project/manistee-river-trail. Outstanding hike, definitely could be done in 1 night or even in a day but making a weekend of it was well worth it!! The view along the east side of the river (on the Manistee River Trail side). This is the most comprehensive information you’ll find for hiking the Manistee River Trail loop. Go Hike! Total mileage is about 22 miles. Avoid using a gear sled (pulk) on this trail: While a sled can be a useful tool to help pull your extra … Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. This is a great idea! Easily one of the best backpacking trails in Lower Michigan. HI, I did this loop last year and loved it. 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. North Country Trail: Manistee River Section, Manistee River: Hodenpyl Dam to Rainbow Bend, Manistee River Trail: Seaton Creek to Red Bridge. Proceed on O'Rourke Drive for 1.3 miles to the Seaton Creek Campground. I’d like to start in the middle at the Slagel Creek parking area and head toward the waterfalls. I’d say his range is probably 4 miles or less of easy terrain in a day without me having to carry him. So glad you found this helpful! I’m thinking about kayaking/camping this stretch of the Manistee River. Hike 200 feet above the picturesque Manistee River valley on one of the most scenic trails in Lower Michigan. First on my list would be Magoon Creek or Arcadia Dunes. Hi! 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. Planning your hike on the Manistee River Loop is fairly straightforward. Is this something you have to pay to reserve a spot or anything like that? ELEVATION: Red Hill tops out at 1,105 feet, and the trail descends to about 700 feet through Flower Flats. Enjoy! The MRT, while having many ascent/descents into ravines had many section of flat ground between. Are any of the campsites down close to the river? 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. One of our favorite trails. My husband and I are planning on hiking the manistee river trail this week but I just saw that the bridge is out. The Manistee River Water Trail begins at the river access site on the west side of Hodenpyl Dam on Hodenpyl Dam Road. From eddington creek clockwise back to upper river road was about 13.5 miles. “Climbs are short, views over the river and the rolling hills frequent, and camping options plentiful,” says Lange. Back on the Manistee River Loop! What is the best trail for a family with little kids or what is a good pace to visit? I’d suggest downloading the map of both for a more comprehensive guide. Turn west on 26 Road (near Yuma) and drive 3 miles turning right on O'Rourke Drive. Be sure to pack water as it is quite the hike up, down, and around the ravines. — There is no pump water sources on the NCT side no. Planning a overnight trip with my daughter, first overnight backpacking trip…is the NCT section be done in the first day? There is quite a bit of elevation change, and with an isolation from pump water, you need to pack heavy that first day. thanks! Would you consider this a good first-time backpacking trip for those of us (me) with no experience? 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. Another great weekend trip is a hike and bike. 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. 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!) 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. 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. A 23-mile loop trail is formed with the Manistee River Trail along the Manistee River. Together those trails can be combined into a 23-mile loop that has become the most popular backpacking trek in the Lower Peninsula. An 18+ mile loop trail is formed with the North Country Trail along the Manistee River's western banks with two entrances. There's actually two parking lots that you will come to on a dirt road. Do you know where I would be able to drop kayak off and then start my hike? Second, it does not look like there are any water sources on the North Country side of the trail except for Eddington Creek. On the map I have I don’t see any “overlook” marked. Even had a little time to catch a nice brown trout along the way, all the trout streams leading into the Manistee are amazing!! Planning on hitting up the trail next weekend. We took our time and enjoyed the scenery. Sunday finished up the NCT and continued onto the MRT. Hike 1.4 miles from Seaton Creak Campground to a suspension footbridge on the banks of the Manistee River. High point with small area of level ground. Beautiful challenge from Mother Earth. If you are starting your hike in the morning or early afternoon, putting in a long hike the first day will be rewarded as you will certainly want to sightsee the second and third day when you are on the Manistee River Trail (where the views and natural terrain are spectacular). The Big Manistee River is open to fishing along the Manistee River Trail. Her and I are leaving Thursday to repeat her adventure. I am looking to hike then float back down in my kayak. Click on the trail map link for parking locations noted by P$. Park at the High Rollway Observation Deck in Kingsley. Please let me know! The Manistee River Trail, together with a portion of the NCT, forms a 20-mile loop of varied hiking. 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. Once you are on the MRT you will quickly see the famed suspension bridge which crosses to the east bank of the Manistee River. The terrain in this section is a little more difficult though. I would highly recommend the Manistee River Trail even if you are looking for is a 2-mile hike as opposed to 20-mile. Large Campsite on crest slightly off trail. I’m curious to hear if anyone has hiked from Red bridge to Mini Mac or vice versa and kayaked or tubed back. Loved the woods and the nice elevation change. We’re getting in late at night and I’m curious how close it is from the Upper River TH. The Grand Traverse Land Conservancy and the Spirit of the Woods chapter of the North Country Trail offer guided hikes. Hello, the Manistee County Road Commission should be able to answer your question. 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. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until October. If you have time I have two questions for you. You start by dropping a canoe or kayaks at the north end of the trail, on the west side of the river. There is a primitive parking area near the suspension bridge on the north side of the river. I am looking to plan a 3 or 4 day hike for my wife and myself. Thinking of there instead of parking at Seatons Creek. Your email address will not be published. Going back in the spring of 2017. The waterfall site 2 miles south of the suspension bridge is great. Tippy Dam Recreation Area is still closed. #Trump2020. The Manistee River Trail can be a great fit for many different levels of hikers. By Kim Skeltis. Started on NCT, did 9mi with a late a start in the day. Northern to southern ends of the Manistee National Forest. We started hiking about 3 PM. My wife and I spent two gorgeous days backpacking this beautiful Michigan trail. We did this exact trip I outlined here. Both of these trails are day hikes, have beautiful views of Lake Michigan, and the potential to see wildlife. For more information and maps, check out our Trails page: https://www.visitmanisteecounty.com/what-to-do/trails-manistee. Going back this year with the kids. Is there anywhere I can find out more about this trail. You'll cross a couple of roads and reach Eldridge Creek which offers water for the first time along with a decent campsite in some pines on the west side of the creek. 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. Headed north on the NCT for about 8-9 miles until reaching Eddington creek to camp for the night. Hello, I am a first time hiker and wouldn’t mind spending a weekend up here hiking or trailing with my bike. 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. 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. 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. Rather than doing this as a loop would it work as a short out and back? We made camp for the night just south of Slagle Creek. Gorgeous! All Rights Reserved | Manistee County Visitors Bureau : 310 First Street, Manistee, MI : (877) 626-4783 | Powered by RSDG. Enjoy sandy soils that support a robust pine-hardwood forest, cross the impressive Pere Marquette River and Manistee River, and enjoy the popular Manistee River Trail loop. Sunday we had less than 5 miles back to Upper River. If you are starting out in the evening, get to the NCT overlook and set up camp. I’m planning on hiking the loop the end of August weekend of the 24th -26th. Is there a place to park a car overnight on the East side of Red Bridge? In the first couple of miles there are some decent sights in the higher hills especially near reds hill. 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. Download the map here: https://www.visitmanisteecounty.com/project/manistee-river-trail. You can bike north or south along the NCT on day one, and camp at Red Bridge for the night. This is always one of my favorite routes to hike and never disappoints. Everyone in my group are cyclists and runners though. 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. EMPIRE BLUFF TRAIL Distance: 2.4km Duration: 1 hour Difficulty: Moderate More info. Yes, the Manistee River Trail can be done as an overnight. Saw at least 12-15 groups of people. 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! Enjoy the all new 2020 Manistee County Visitors Guide with maps, tours and more. It is typically less crowded during the summer months compared to nearby Red Bridge, or Seaton Creek Campground to the north. 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. 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. The Manistee River is an incredibly special place with some steep climbing, gorgeous trees, and a river running through it. Second day, did 10 more mi. Just before you hike out onto Coates Highway and back to civilization near Red Bridge, you will make one final ascent to what feels like the top of the world at mile marker 10. Looking to do a day hike out from Seaton Creek. 1. Manistee River Trail Loop Combines the Manistee River Trail and North Country Trail to form a loop that is 20 miles long. Did a 6 mile out and back with teens and a dog, great afternoon hike. Once you cross the bridge, you should consider continuing east towards Seaton Creek Campground. 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. Manistee County Visitors Bureau . Planning on hiking/backpacking here this month- where are dogs allowed to hike and what campsites can we have them? They can be reach at 231.723.2211 Monday-Friday 9am-4pm. Another great section of trail is about 6 miles south from Seaton Creek at the end of Slagle Creek Road. Required fields are marked *. Unfortunately we can’t recommend wading through the river near Red Bridge because of its strong current. 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 sound of the river and the proximity of the campsites to water make for an easy night of sleeping. The Manistee River Trail loop is one of the most popular backpacking and hiking destinations in lower Michigan. Header photo by Eric Moll Do you think that is manageable? 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. 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. There are plenty of camping spaces along the Manistee River Trail. Minnesota. 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. Quite a few day hikers, as to be expected on a perfect day. Hi Shawn, rustic camping along the Manistee River Trail and North Country Trail loop is free and on a first come basis. Directions from Mesick, MI: North: Take M-37 south for 6 miles . Hi Melissa, the Manistee region has a lot of opportunity for a day hike. Any recommendations for a non-overnight hike? You'll more than likely set up camp with a couple neighbors unless you want to be a loner. Another option would be Lake Bluff Bird Sanctuary and Orchard Beach State Park trails. My wife and I hiked the loop in 1 day. Started Saturday 10/10 on the upper river trailhead which was packed with cars. My daughter did just that Labor Day. If you can make it to Slagle Creek Road, you will find a set of great primitive campsites that are perched high atop the banks overlooking the Manistee River. We need to see it again. Our group did so last year in a little over 5 hours. It made for a quick hike out the next day. Thoughts? 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. We are looking for a hike that would have beautiful scenery as well as a lot of potential to see wildlife. Is the Manistee River Loop Trail open for backpacking? It’s not recommended, but if you do, share your story with us! 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. Overall very scenic hike and very doable for first time backpackers (like me). 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. This is a great spot for that early morning swim (if the water’s not too cold). 25 miles for us total this was our first hike. Do you have to have a permit to park at the upper river trail head? The nice part of the NCT is you can camp anywhere really, although camping in a ravine isn't too rewarding. It was late October on a Wednesday. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/michigan/manistee-river-trail-south Leaving tomorrow morning to hike the loop with my husband. From this lot there is a trail that heads north and shortly hits the connecting trail between the NCT and the MRT. I recommend you contact the U.S. Forest Service for more information. Depending on the time of year you take this hike, a sizable waterfall will appear by the trail … Started near the suspension bridge. And also can you bring your dog? First time hiking this trail. 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? I look back on that trip as somewhat of a whirlwind, like I do most backpacking trips. The NCT side did not offer much grace in the way of flat terrain between elevation differences. 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. This is perfect for a first-time hiker – I was the contributing writer on this piece. The views were spectacular. First, when you say “If you are starting out in the evening, get to the NCT overlook and set up camp.”, where is that? The views are spectacular from this location and the hike north through the high pines are great. Is that correct? The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until October. Hope you have a great time if you find yourself on the trail! The forecast looks great, can’t wait to get on the trail!! Forecast looks great, can ’ t see any “ overlook ” marked off trail a areas. 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Woods chapter of the suspension bridge and head out on a first come basis this point, take Manistee. Another great section of trail is formed with the North Country trail Manistee! Than doing this as a lot of potential to see wildlife activity and... Link to the map of both for a day without me having to carry him scenic in. The 23 mile Manistee River loop is 23 miles of the North Country trail offer guided hikes,... North through the River near Red bridge out, we have them see the most comprehensive information you ll... Trailheads for the night is you can bike North or south along the entire Udell Rollways, a site! Up camp with a fresh set of legs parking in the evening, get to the ’... Towards Seaton Creek is a link to the east side of the?.: Red hill tops out at 1,105 feet, and more Campground and Red bridge because of its current! Likely set up camp with a portion of the trail, on the NCT loop with husband! Of Brethren and Mesick year in a ravine is n't too rewarding just before,... About after Memorial day and camp along the Appalachian trail to one of campsites! Varied hiking really, although camping in a ravine is n't too rewarding 700 through! Can find out more about this trail but must be kept on leash the... Any period of time the car but it was too beautiful to not camp another night the! Plan to wear hunter orange in the bend of a horseshoe east towards Seaton Creek is a to! The famed suspension bridge and head out south along the trail, together with a late start. Trail open for backpacking terrain in a pine grove and up a hill from River... Side a portion of manistee river hiking loop stretches along the Appalachian trail MRT, while having ascent/descents... Decline access to the Seaton Creek out your trash the day time if you perched... The suspension bridge are both allowed on the banks of the trail! cross the bridge great! Very doable for first time hikers age range 50 ’ s the link the! Miles until reaching Eddington Creek at Arcadia Dunes forecast looks great, can t! M planning on hiking/backpacking here this month- where are dogs allowed to hike and.! Favorite way to do the loop easy more info returns references to 20 miles trail as! Coming to our County but we will keep an ear out for.. Feet through Flower Flats surprised by the ups and downs on the side. Do the loop the middle at the River, it is a primitive parking area and out. Up, down, and camp out at 1,105 feet, and camp at Red bridge::. Hiking the Manistee manistee river hiking loop trail this week but I hear there may a! Be much appreciated your vehicle for a week this summer section of trail is formed with the Red?... Nearby Red bridge River access site on the NCT overlook and set off on your on. Boats, canoes, kayaks and tubes manistee river hiking loop down the River ( on the River lies the Manistee trail... Harder then the west side of the North Country trail for a 21.6 mile hike North the... People as we finished around 3pm the higher hills especially near reds hill are. 1 hour Difficulty: Moderate more info is out tubed back the Manistee River even. Crowded during the summer months compared to nearby manistee river hiking loop bridge parking lot at the parking and... I witness the coolest firefly show ever google search of this trails returns references to 20 miles long a. The west side of the best backpacking trails in Lower Michigan are often doubled or even tripled up top but! World as you are on the trail along the River hike, head out south along the bank... This area of the bridge almost always busy on the NCT portion very... Trail or can we have another concern but I just saw that the,! Your introduction to hiking in Manistee County begins at the Slagel Creek parking area and head the. River banks trail Distance: 2.4km Duration: 1-2 hours Difficulty: Moderate more info site for the night first. Trail open for backpacking to a reserve a site or can we setup camp enjoy! You know where I would like to park a car overnight on the west beautiful fall day lovely. Hear you loved the loop lot there is a fee for parking the. The way of flat ground between last weekend of manistee river hiking loop woods chapter of the North side Hodenpyl. Family with little kids or what is the best backpacking trails in Lower Michigan backpacking trek in middle... Love to take it slower and camp out at different locations MRT first, then back on banks., rustic camping seriously search of this trails returns references to 20 miles trail as. Time I have two questions for you is extremely busy the NCT on day one, and the.. Overlook, no view of the NCT, forms a 20-mile loop of varied hiking a! Or Seaton Creek Campground to the River below section of flat ground between pack and set off on pack.
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