But on one weekend in may in manistee, at dawn and again at noon, there are spectacular sights of a different variety to be witnessed. The loop is about 23 miles so we decided to do it in 3 days, with a short hike out to the car. Mar 27, 2015 trail manistee river trailnorth country trail loop where huronmanistee national forest. There are not designated campsites along the north country segment we will hike, but plenty of them along the manistee river segment. Ive hiked the manistee river trail a handful of times and i absolutely love it. The big manistee river is a 190 mile river running through 4 michigan counties. Take the manistee river trail back to seaton creek campground to complete the loop. Hike along the nct through an expansive oldgrowth forest for 8. We started at the upper trailhead from red bridge and ended up completing the 23. 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. Manistee river trailnorth country trail loop cadillac. Manistee river topo map in manistee county, michigan. 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.
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. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from march until october. The manistee wild and scenic river is well known for beautiful scenery, excellent fishing and a variety of recreational activities. Easily one of the best backpacking trails in lower michigan. Backpacking michigans manistee river trail and north. Besides a brand new bridge and local jobs, it may cut down on the crowds. Water is plentiful, terrain is moderately challenging, and you cant beat the views. Manistee river trailnorth country trail loop northern michigan. Unmolested by bridges, cottages and dams, this wild stretch of michigans thirdlongest river appeals not only to paddlers and anglers looking for trophy trout but also to hikers. The north country trail passes through it, and connects with the 11mile manistee river trail to form a 23mile loop. Follow mi 55 west for 20 miles, then turn right on warfield road.
Reviews of north country trailmanistee river trail loop. North country trail manistee loop overnight backpacking. Trails shown on this map are an approximate representation of the trail system a th ei m o fpub l cnd y r current ground conditions. Backpack the manistee river trail loop, seaton creek camp ground. Manistee river trailnorth country trail loop cadillac, michigan. Backpacking the manistee river trailnct 20 mile loop in michigan. Backpacking the north country trail manistee river trail. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
The manistee river trail loop michigan made and marvelous. Youll discover several nice campsites and panaramic views of the river all along the way. Hiked the manistee river trail on a late august weekend. Backpacking michigans manistee river trail and north country. Mar 24, 2020 the north country trail system is no stranger to gushing praise. From hodenpyl dam pond the manistee river winds south uninhibited and free in the manistee national forest for miles before a road crosses it. In the spring and fall, high numbers of anglers are attracted to the superb salmon and steelhead runs. The best views are along the nct between marilla trailhead and red hill. To limit the spread of the coronavirus, attractions may be closed or have partial closures. They are available by regional series, meaning there are maps of multiple trail sections included in each file. The manistee river trail intersects with the north. Manistee river trail loop red bridge closing a plan. One of the undoubted highlights of this soontobe 4600mile beast, however, comes in the form of a slight but altogether sumptuous diversion comprised in the manistee river loop a fairly new addition the huronmanistee national forests network of trails which has quickly become one of the most popular hikes in the state. This is a good pdf that includes a map and summary information of the.
Its a beautiful river and likely very beautiful year round we were there in august. I look back on that trip as somewhat of a whirlwind, like i do most backpacking trips. The loop can be done in either direction, and we chose to first complete the white blazed manistee river trail, cross the manistee river at red bridge, and then head back on the north country trail, completing the loop by crossing the river again at the suspension bridge about a mile away from the campground. Youd think id learn to slow the pace a bit but every time. Manistee river trail the manistee river trail is a 8. If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the faq by clicking the link above. Backpack the manistee river trail, manistee river trail. Below are weather averages from 1971 to 2000 according to data gathered from the nearest official weather station. The manistee river trail is a prime example of accessible backcountry hiking. By combing the nct with the manistee river trail, the backpacker can create a nice 2 or 3 day trip that includes plenty of climbing, gorgeous views of. During the summer, walleye and pike fishing become the primary recreational activity.
Manistee rivernorth country trail loop hike meetup. 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 and seaton creek accesses for. It is considered, like the nearby au sable river, to be one of the best trout fisheries east of the rockies the river rises in the sand hills in southeastern. The north country trail system is no stranger to gushing praise.
There are two trailheads for the manistee river trail, seaton creek campground and red. Feb 08, 2017 the route begins at the upper river trailhead. The manistee national forest is not one continuous mass, but is a mosaic broken by private property and towns. Backpacking the manistee river trailnct 20 mile loop in. Though there are established campsites along the trail, you may set any camp. Make a weekend of camping and hiking by taking the 23 mile manistee river tailnorth country trail loop. After 5 miles, turn left on coates highway, and the. On the east side of the river lies the manistee river trail, on the.
Whether day hiking or mulit day backpacking this is an amazing hike with awesome scenery. Fall manistee rivernorth country trail loop hike meetup. These maps are pdf files, designed to be printed on a home printer or at a local print shop. Were hoping to get in the entire loop and do some fishing too. May 10, 2017 we planned on three days and two nights to backpack the north country trail manistee river loop in lower michigan. A new suspension footbridge across the manistee river below hodenpyl dam links the manistee river trail on the east side of the river with a section of the national north country trail on the west side.
Oct 28, 2019 this is a hiking and xc skiing only trail. The hike begins through trees and some rolling hills and you are soon rewarded with incredible views of the manistee river. Its cool to see such a great hiking partner in your dog. Trail maps and downloads north country trail association. Though fairly isolated, the path is well marked and maintained. The hodenpyle dam was built by consumers energy in the 1920s to harness the power of the manistee river and supply electricity to the surrounding area.
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. It is almost always busy on the manistee river trail side, campsites are often. Manistee river trailmanistee national forest michigan trail maps. Manistee river trailnorth country trail loop northern.
The piers at the mouth of the manistee river are most often used for watching spectacular sunsets over lake michigan. 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. For beginners, we recommend beginning at the red bridge trailhead and hiking along the north country trail side. Backpack the manistee river trail loop, seaton creek camp. 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. The manistee river trail is located in michigans lower peninsula, about 270 miles 5 hours northwest of detroit, and 300 miles 512 hours northeast of chicago. North country trail manistee river loop there are several sections of the north country trail nct open in michigan, but this is only one of two that we know of that is worthy backpacking loop. Backpacking the north country trail manistee river trail loop 2009 north country trail manistee river trail loop hike, may 2009. Plan your hike at north country trailmanistee river trail loop or other mesick, michigan hiking trails. Be sure to pack bug repellant, plenty of water and. Made it a 2 and 12 day trip just to enjoy the beauty of the whole loop. You are either right next to the river or along the bluffs throughout the majority of the hike.
Many of the most scenic and accessible stretches of river may be found in the cadillac and manistee areas. Feb 14, 2017 the manistee river trail, together with a portion of the nct, forms a 20mile loop of varied hiking. We planned on three days and two nights to backpack the north country trail manistee river loop in lower michigan. You will experience scenic hikes through the rolling hardwoods of the national forest and along the high bluffs overlooking the big manistee river and also visit a. Feb 18, 2016 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. Manistee river trail loop red bridge closing a plan i think it is crazy to close this during the hiking season but hey maybe it is a good thing after all. One of the undoubted highlights of this soontobe 4600mile beast, however, comes in the form of a slight but altogether sumptuous diversion comprised in the manistee river loop a fairly new addition the huron manistee national forests network of trails which has quickly become one of the most popular hikes in the state. Manistee river loop trail, michigan 526528 backcountry post. We docked at the municiple marina along the river downtown. In fact, i am leaving in about 5 hours to hit the trail again this weekend. Manistee river trail manistee county tourism manistee. 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. By combing the scenic manistee river trail with a portion of the north country trail, hikers can enjoy a 23mile, multiday trek with backcountry campsites, ridgetop views of the manistee river and even a waterfall or two. The highest point in the lower peninsula, briar hill 1,706 ft, is located here.
North country trailmanistee river trail loop hiking trail. North central michigan lower peninsula, manisteehuron national forest route. Manistee river trail backpacking guide my open country. A 23mile loop trail is formed with the manistee river trail along the manistee river. What i refer to as the manistee river trail 34 day loop is actually half the manistee river trail and half the north country trail. Trail manistee river trailnorth country trail loop where huronmanistee national forest. Near mesick, mi difficulty moderate for very hilly, uneven terrain open all year round distance approx. The north country trail takes you west of the manistee river, and the manistee river trail takes you along the east side of the river. North country trailmanistee river loop there are several sections of the north country trail nct open in michigan, but this is only one of two that we know of that is worthy backpacking loop. Tips for the first time backpacker april 2, 2017 by caitlynwithoutacompass 5 comments what i refer to as the manistee river trail 34 day loop is actually half the manistee river trail and half the north country trail. Red hill tops out at 1,105 feet, and the trail descends to about 700 feet through flower flats. Apr 28, 2016 backpacking the manistee river trail nct 20 mile loop in michigan. Sep 14, 2015 the manistee river trail is a prime example of accessible backcountry hiking.
Manistee river 2020 all you need to know before you go. Big manistee river northern michigan trail maps first. The trail is part of the north country trail nct so it is well marked with signs leading the way. The trail features gorgeous views of manistee river, plenty of dispersedprimitive campsites to stay at campfires permitted, and easy access to water. Trail map and guide classic trails of michigan map series by combing the scenic manistee river trail with a portion of the north country trail, hikers can enjoy a 23mile, multiday trek with backcountry campsites, ridgetop views of the manistee river and even a waterfall or two. Continue along the river, which is runoff from the tippy. Please consult government travel advisories before booking. This creates a 20mile loop hiking experience where numerous wildlife and bird species are common sites. North country trail manistee loop overnight backpacking youtube.
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