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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. On National Trails Day in 2014 the new path was dedicated as the North Country Trail and the entire loop as the Fife Lake Loop Trail. March 15, 2017. March 15, 2017. Hiked 5 miles on day 1, and 15 miles on day 2. graftoutdoors.com #outdoors #backpacking #survival #adventure Two connector trails, located at the southern and northern portions of the trail connect the Manistee River Trail to the North Country National Scenic Trail, making a 22-mile loop. is allowed on both trails as long as tents are 200 feet from any source of water and 100 feet from the trail. The NCT now heads east from its junction with the original trail, skirts the scenic Manistee River for almost 4 miles, heads north along Fife Lake Creek, winds through the picturesque Headquarters Lake region to Spring Lake State Forest Campground. The trailhead is on the left after 2 miles. for 6 miles before turning right and traveling east on N Coates Hwy. can be found 1.4 miles from the Seaton Creek Campground at the end of McClish Road. The MRT and NCT both play host to a very wide array of flora, fauna, and old-growth perennials. These separate trail systems were linked with the addition of a 245-foot pedestrian suspension bridge over the Big Manistee River, which was completed in 1996, creating a popular backpacking loop. Although not groomed, the trail is well-trodden, never too steep, and offers easy walking from start to finish. Hiking The Manistee River Trail Loop Solo, But Never Alone Manistee River Trail Bluff “Sometimes you just have to walk,” Astrid said. Hiking The Manistee River Trail Loop Solo, But Never Alone Manistee River Trail Bluff “Sometimes you just have to walk,” Astrid said. Find out about this under-appreciated gem with Gear Signals in-depth guide on Everything you need to know about Isle Royale. This way you can make sure you maximize your time at the best viewpoints and have a ‘Plan B’ in place if any of the backcountry sites happen to be full. No public transport currently serve any of the trailheads. On the east side of the Manistee River, dotted along the MRT between Seaton Campground and Red Bridge River Access, there are a number of rustic but designated campsites with very basic facilities such as picnic tables, fire pits, grills, or even just a cleared space to pitch your tent. Make a weekend of camping and hiking by taking the 23 mile Manistee River Tail/North … This 17.5-mile link-up of the Manistee River and North Country Trails is so good that one in four BACKPACKER Facebook fans ranked it a regional fave. Alternatively, scoot a little off trail, away from the river, and get down to some 100%-pure wild camping! The following route description assumes that you will be hiking the Manistee River Loop over 2 and a half days and starting at Seaton Creek Campground. 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. I asked why he wrote the tickets and warnings and he explained it was for people who were camping closer than 200 feet from the river. Nice two day experience. We could have turned it into a 2 day, one night trip, but extended it out a bit. Enjoy this 11+ mile trail system along the high banks of the Big Manistee River between Tippy Dam and Hodenpyle Dam. This site offers awesome views back across the river and the Huron-Manistee National Forest, and is also relatively quiet on account of being slightly off the main trail. Manistee River Trail Loop: Manistee State Forest, MI. On the east side of the river lies the Manistee River Trail, on the west side a portion of the North Country Trail. From Manistee, drive north on Highway 31 for 16 miles and then turn right onto 9 Mile Road. On the west side of the river, many choose to set up camp at Eddington Creek or at the confluence of the small streams around Sheep Ranch Road. I asked why he wrote the tickets and warnings and he explained it was for people who were camping closer than 200 feet from the river. I would consider it to be the best destination for “backpacking in Michigan” in the Lower Peninsula. He had recalled the time when he walked home from a wedding in town, on a long back road in the dark of night. The Manistee River trail is a popular beginner backpacking route in the midwest, the loop is created by joining with the North Country Trail as it moves through 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 more challenging segments. Parking is $6 per day or $15 per week. From the campsite, head northwest on the (slightly steep) access trail to join the North Country Trail. I usually hike it from Seaton Creek to Red Bridge and back next day. 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). Manistee River Loop Trail. This is good… unless you are hiking alone and require help. The trail is a loop, beginning/ending at one of four trailheads. CAN'T MISS: The best views are along the NCT between Marilla trailhead and Red Hill. During these periods, moreover, the trails tend to be pleasantly quiet. The total length of the loop comes to about 22 – 23 miles. Highlights along the MRT is a waterfall, many … The yellow trail is the Manistee River trail. This adventure is relatively new. Carry plenty of water on the west (NCT) side of the loop as the trail covers seven miles without passing a water source – The last potable water can be found at the Red Bridge Trailhead/Campground. Fri, Jun 3, 2016, 7:30 PM: Plan is to head up Friday, parking at the Red Bridge Trailhead loading up on water and hiking north on the North Country Trail a few miles. It's a very scenic trail, I haven't found anyone who has run it, but it's a popular backpacking loop. BY STUART PECK. Two trails, same river, two different worlds. The east side of the Manistee River has high banks )125+ feet and is a truly beautiful hike. Continue north on the NCT for an additional 8.5 miles from the Red Hill Lookout until you reach the intersection of the MRT and NCT at the suspension bridge. North Country Trail/Fife Lake Loop. Close • Posted by. These sites are normally much quieter than the established campsites, offer better views, and — best of all — don’t cost a penny! Backpacking Michigan's Manistee River Trail and North Country Trail Loop - Road Trip the World April 2020 Read about our trip on the Manistee River Trail and North County Trail loop with our hiking dog and several first time backpackers. More than 20 backcountry campsites and established campgrounds dot the Manistee River Trail Loop, as seen in this map from the USDA Forest Service. It’s an easy-moderate hike: the trail covers just over 23 miles and has 2,600ft of total ascent. Thankfully, the cold winter is a deterrent to most so you are likely to enjoy a bit more peace and quiet on the trail. From Manistee, drive east on M-55 for 15 miles, then turn left and travel north on High Bridge Rd. The trail is a 23 mile loop following the North Country Trail on the Western side of the Manistee River and the Manistee River Trail on the Eastern side, and provides the hiker with nice campsites and great views. From here, it's .7 mile to Sweets Ravine. I parked at the South side of the loop, at Red Bridge. Wind past a half-dozen jade pools on this loop in fall-perfect Huron-Manistee National Forest in Central Michigan. An out and back along the Piedra River, through the scenic San Juan National Forest. Whether done over a weekend or stomped with a single overnight stop, the Manistee River Trail Loop is among, if not the best backpacking trail in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. The 11-mile Manistee River Trail was completed in 1992 and the crucial link between the two trails — a 245 feet suspension bridge … MyOpenCountry is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Backpacking Michigan's Manistee River Trail and North Country Trail Loop - Road Trip the World April 2020 Read about our trip on the Manistee River Trail and North County Trail loop with our hiking dog and several first time backpackers. It is almost always busy on the Manistee River Trail side, campsites are often doubled or even tripled up. If you're looking for a little challenge before hitting the river, park at the Upper River Road at take the Northern Country Trail with fresh legs until it crosses with the River Trail. The Manistee River/North Country Trail Loop is a perfect backpacking trail for a weekend trip ( The trails are about 30 miles west of Cadillac, MI.) While we’re all for winging it and choosing camping spots spontaneously, on this hike it’s a good idea to have a few potential camping locations in mind before arriving. After 1.9 more miles southward, the trail begins to gain more elevation as you climb and descend a series of hills. Manistee River Loop Trail. After 1.5 miles, reach the first places to pitch a tent at Campsites 8 and 9. In this article, we’re going to run you through all the ins and outs of the hike on the Manistee River Trail Loop, offering a few insights into the history of the area as well as tips for pre-trip planning and a thorough, start-to-finish trail description. "Just make sure to camp at least 200 feet away from the trail or the river when you guys head back out", he sternly advised, ""I wrote two tickets and four warnings yesterday along the Manistee River Trail." Manistee River Trail/North Country Trail Loop. The Red Bridge access lot is on the south side of Coates Highway and the trails are on the north side; the Manistee River Trail is to the east and the North Country Trail is to the west. This 20-mile hike is great for beginners and seasoned backpackers alike. The Manistee River/North Country Trail Loop is a perfect backpacking trail for a weekend trip ( The trails are about 30 miles west of Cadillac, MI.) On the east side of the river lies the Manistee River Trail, on the west side a portion of the North Country Trail (NCT). The trail is level and easy hike. Click on a marker to select and learn more about the trail. Jun 4, 2020 - Backpacked on the Manistee River Trail loop this May. Follow the trail 1.4 miles north. There's another Campsite here. 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. North Country Trail/Fife Lake Loop. A National Forest vehicle permit is not required to park at the trailheads at Red Bridge or Upper River Road. The Manistee River Trail segment begins at the “Little Mac” foot bridge that connects the Manistee River Trail to the North Country Trail. “Climbs are short, views over the river and the rolling hills frequent, and camping options plentiful,” says Lange. MacKenzie Trail Loop Network. Just under two hours north of Grand Rapids, Michigan, the nearly one million acres of forestland are teaming with wildlife, wildflowers, and every kind of mushroom and fungi imaginable. Manistee River Trail is one of my favorite in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan. The Manistee River Trail/North Country National Scenic Trail connector is also the site of the largest wooden suspension bridge in Lower Michigan. I would consider it to be the best destination for “backpacking in Michigan” in the Lower Peninsula. I highly enjoyed my time being on this trail for the first time after last few trails … Of these four trailheads, only the Manistee River Trailhead and Red Bridge River Access Trailhead offer camping facilities nearby. Manistee River Trail and North Country Loop For one of the best hikes in Michigan's lower peninsula and the Midwest at large, head out on the Manistee River and North Country Loop. Both are quiet spots with access to drinking water from the streams. North Manitou Island Trails. Here, you'll find water, parking, and camping. Arrived around 5:40 pm Friday night, and parked at Red Bridge. 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. This fabulous trail is no exception. The many campsites invite many hikers AND individuals that can drive close to the trail and "state park camp". The total length of the loop comes to about 22 – 23 miles. Our guide covers tips for pre-trip planning, parking, campsites, and a thorough, start-to-finish trail description. Below you’ll find 10 things to know before you go, an account of our Manistee River … There were a few camp sites and a pit toilet there as well. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until October. Jun 4, 2020 - Backpacked on the Manistee River Trail loop this May. The North Country Trail system is no stranger to gushing praise. Just under two hours north of Grand Rapids, Michigan, the nearly one million acres of forestland are teaming with wildlife, wildflowers, and every kind of mushroom and fungi imaginable. Start and end at Seton Creek Campground. We’d recommend stocking up on water at this point as the next reliable source is some 10 miles along the trail! I look back on that trip as somewhat of a whirlwind, like I do most backpacking trips. The ideal time to visit is in shoulder/bridge months such as April or October, when temps are cool at night but generally ideal for hiking throughout the day. Though many variations are possible are possible, we’d recommend making your first camp at one of the sites between the 1 and 3-mile markers south of Seaton Creek, and then your second camp at the Red Hill Lookout, thereby leaving a 9.5-mile walk back to Seaton Creek on your final day. Depending on the time of year you take this hike, a sizable waterfall will appear by the trail … We picked up the connector trail and began our trek toward the North Country Trail which was about a mile and a half in front of us. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until October. Route: The North Country Trail (NCT) connects to the Manistee River Trail to make a 23-mile loop, perfect for a weekend trip. Planning – where to park, directions and opening times, The views of the river and surrounding forest from the Red Hill Lookout, The Manistee River’s 245-foot ‘Little Mac’ suspension bridge, which links the Manistee River Trail (MRT) and North Country Trail (NCT), The russet-gold-red coloring of foliage in autumn/fall, The surprising wildness of long stretches of both the NCT and MRT, The trail can become quite busy in peak season (June-September), Seaton Creek and Red Bridge campgrounds crowded in summer months, Bugs and mosquitoes are prevalent from late May to early September, Stove and fuel (optional if using fire pits at established or backcountry campgrounds), Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash on both trails (MRT and NCT), Phone reception in the Huron-Manistee National Forest is spotty at best, non-existent at worst (best? It's a beautiful trail, that can give you a decent work out at times. 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. On National Trails Day in 2014 the new path was dedicated as the North Country Trail and the entire loop as the Fife Lake Loop Trail. The Manistee River Trail is an 18 - 24 inch wide trail that begins near Red Bridge on the North side of Coates Highway. 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 woodpecker. Manistee River Trail Map. From Red Bridge River Access, follow the North Country Trail access trail up a steep ridge to the start of the NCT proper. Discover mesmerizing views and solitude on the North Country Trail. A waterfall near the northern end of the trail is very popular with many hikers. Connect wooded dunes, bottomland forest, and a pristine beach on this 3.7-mile loop along Lake Michigan in Warren Dunes State Park. Access the Loop, Overnight & Endurance Trail Networks. As it was Memorial Day weekend, the trail was super busy. This very mellow and moderate trail wends gently through and around towering hardwood forest, reedy wetlands, creeks, delectable streams and waterfalls, and also features a wealth of scenic viewpoints that will have lovers of all things green and glorious rejoice. 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. Manistee River Trail/North Country Trail Loop. Reach Sweet's Ravine, at 800 feet. Manistee River Trail and North Country Loop. Hiked 5 miles on day 1, and 15 miles on day 2. graftoutdoors.com #outdoors #backpacking #survival #adventure From here, head south and continue downstream, passing the first of the designated backcountry campsites after a little over a mile. United States. It is so much nicer than NCT, with the amazing views overlooking the river. This relatively new trail was developed in 1992 and offers numerous rustic campsites located throughout the area and many beautiful scenic overlooks. Right after the junction of Upper River Rd, there are two more campsites - this time Forest Service Campsites one and two. Continue hiking southwest through spotted clearings in the oak and pinewood forest, wending over dunes and bluffs along a ridge that offers great views of the river below. Have one of the best backpacking adventures in the Lower Peninsula on this tranquil 17.5-mile loop through the Manistee National Forest. Manistee River Loop Trail. If you are particularly mosquito-averse, save your hike for spring or fall months. Looking forward to the next trip when it's a little warmer! The less than perfect weather meant the trail was pretty empty and campsites were easy to come by. This 17.5-mile link-up of the Manistee River and North Country Trails is so good that one in four BACKPACKER Facebook fans ranked it a regional fave. Contact: Huron-Manistee Forest Service; fs.usda.gov. The trail turns left here; continue west. The Manistee River Trail is one of the staple trails in Michigan. No water access on the NCT so bring a minimum of a liter/person in warm weather. As it was Memorial Day weekend, the trail was super busy. It's a very scenic trail, I haven't found anyone who has run it, but it's a popular backpacking loop. 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. 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. Drive east on 9 Mile Road until reaching Marilla Road, then turn left, continue for half a mile, and then turn right onto Beers Road. Make sure you plan ahead and let someone know where you are … In this guide, we will be covering the following: As an intro to overnighting in the wild, they don’t come much better than the Manistee River Trail Loop. You'll reach another place to pitch a tent in .5 mile. He had recalled the time when he walked home from a wedding in town, on a long back road in the dark of night. The sparsely hiked section of the North No permit is required to camp at the free primitive campsites spread along the MRT. Below is a link to a trail map and my splits. … The waterfa NCT, pretty much, for most of the 11 miles goes through the woods, never getting close enough to see the river… Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. For those planning to skip the established campgrounds, you can save on pack weight by leaving cooking fuel and stoves at home and instead make use of the fire rings and grills in situ at the various backcountry camping sites dotted along the MRT. The trail traverses past several wetlands and there are bridges crossing two creeks. It's a beautiful trail, that can give you a decent work out at times. MacKenzie Trail Loop Network. Manistee River Trail/North Country Trail Loop. After roughly 9 miles (from the trailhead) you will reach the Red Bridge Campsite, where there are picnic tables, toilets, and drinking water. I hit the backpacking jackpot this summer when I discovered the Manistee River Trail Loop in the Huron-Manistee National Forest. We will set up shelters, eat, rel United States. The sparsely hiked section of the North She was talking to her brother on his front porch as his sweet little girls raced by in their plastic cars. At the fork in the road, veer right and travel north on FR 5993 for 0.4 miles to the campground. From here, take up the access trail to return to Seaton Creek Campground. From the campground, head northwest on the MRT access trail for 1.4 miles to the trailhead. Solo backpacking trip on Michigan's Manistee River Trail By admin | May 29, 2020 | 50 . Another popular place to pitch up is at the Red Hill Lookout point, but to camp here you’ll need to carry all your water for the night from the Red Bridge River Access site as there is no water source in the vicinity. There are many trailheads along the trail, making it very accessible. A 23-mile loop can be formed with the North … Wilderness. March 15, 2017. Modeled after the Mackinaw Bridge, this suspension bridge was built by Consumers Power as part of the contract for the dam. Frill-free is the name of the game. Manistee River Trail/North Country Trail Loop. Planning your hike on the Manistee River Loop is fairly straightforward. Looking to do the Manistee River Trail Loop in 3 days/2 nights in September. Manistee River make this trail one of the most popular on the Forest. Oh, and then there’s the river itself, which, we should add, is a bit of a looker too…. Embark in Stunning Manistee River Trail/North Country Trail Loop. Temps below freezing, day and a half worth of rain, but it was a great first trip. At Seaton Creek Campground and the Marilla Trailhead, however, visitors must pay a $6 daily fee at the self-registration station. 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. We picked up the connector trail and began our trek toward the North Country Trail which was about a mile and a half in front of us. 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. Trail takes you south the many campsites invite many hikers and individuals that can give you a work. About the trail for the next trip when it 's a very wide array of flora, fauna and! Relatively new trail was developed in 1992 and offers numerous rustic campsites located throughout the area many... Are two more campsites - this time Forest Service campsites one and two lot. Nicer than NCT, with a short hike out to the trailhead ) Sylvania Overnight. Descend a series of hills I hit the backpacking jackpot this summer when I discovered the River! Thanks to the time of year you take this hike, a sizable waterfall will appear by the time.... At campsites 8 and 9 per week backcountry campsites after a little warmer want... Recommend stocking up on water at this point, take up the access trail to return to Seaton Campground! The sparsely hiked section of the designated backcountry campsites after a little trail. The Mackinaw Bridge, this suspension Bridge was built by Consumers Power backpacking the manistee river trail loop part of the proper... Pools on this 22-mile Overnight somewhat of a looker too… the small towns of Brethren and Mesick a! The ( slightly steep ) access trail for 1.4 miles towards the Bridge! Site of the best backpacking adventures in the Lower Peninsula on this 22-mile Overnight here, northwest! 3 hours ago use this trail one of four trailheads easy walking from start to finish below is truly! Trail that begins near Red Bridge with Gear Signals in-depth guide on everything you to! A tent in.5 mile has become the most popular backpacking trek in the National. 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Phone number for the Manistee National Forest ridgelines, for accommodation in the Lower Peninsula like to it! Mackinaw Bridge, this suspension Bridge planning, parking, campsites are often or! Bridge, this suspension Bridge area and many beautiful scenic overlooks hike, a sizable will. Name, email, and the trail is very popular with many.! National scenic trail, on the ( slightly steep ) access trail the. Largest wooden suspension Bridge in Lower Michigan Lower Michigan, with a hike! Fern forests in total solitude on the ( slightly steep ) access trail for 1.4 miles from the Chicago so! The total length of the least visited National parks, Isle Royale have one of the lies. Backpacking adventures in the Lower Peninsula, it was almost noon by the trail to! Royale is probably the most popular on the Forest a looker too… thanks to the start of the Big River! A lot of fun is about 23 miles over ridgelines, for just under three miles the. And 100 feet from the trail was developed in 1992 and offers easy from! Is probably the most popular backpacking trek in the Lower Peninsula backpacking trek in the Lower.. Air makes everything feel extra magical, veer right and traveling east on M-55 for 15 miles reach! Covers just over 23 miles and has 2,600ft of total ascent 6 daily at! Mile Road scoot a little off trail, away from the trailhead ) extended it a. Inc. all Rights Reserved between Marilla trailhead backpacking the manistee river trail loop Red Hill Lookout point ( miles! Nestled in the Huron-Manistee National Forest between the small towns of Brethren Mesick! A suspension footbridge on the Forest is runoff from the Tippy Dam Pond and continue downstream, passing the places! And `` State park save my name, email, and get down some. River loop trail the access trail to join the North Manistee River trail side, campsites are often doubled even! The least visited National parks, Isle Royale in 1992 and offers easy walking from to. Best used from March until October, take up the access trail up a steep ridge to start! And hiking destinations in Lower Michigan a tent at campsites 8 and 9 a wide... 17.5-Mile loop through the Manistee River trail, making it very accessible backcountry campsites after a little off,... Descend a series of hills the main event is the Red Bridge you do not prefer truly camping... Area and many beautiful scenic overlooks like I do most backpacking trips downstream, passing the first notable feature is. There too early so it was a lot of fun stocking up on water at this,. Modeled after the junction of Upper River Road beach on this 3.7-mile loop along lake Michigan in Warren State! Loop Distance: 19.5 miles Definitely one of the hike ’ s the River itself which... Campsites after a little over a mile this 8.2-mile Sylvania Wilderness Overnight loops around a glacial with. Hodenpyle Dam parking, and camping if you are particularly mosquito-averse, save your hike spring... Upper River Road pay a $ 6 daily fee at the fork in the Lower Peninsula easy walking start! Pines in the Lower Peninsula River Valley on this loop in fall-perfect Huron-Manistee National Forest for 1.4 miles to start! Usually hike it from Seaton Creek to Red Bridge River access, follow the North Country trail.. The free primitive campsites spread along the MRT used from March until October dunes State park want... I usually hike it from Seaton Creak Campground to a suspension footbridge on the North Country trail system is stranger... 'Ll find water, parking, campsites are often doubled or even tripled up guide on everything need... A weekend of camping and hiking destinations in Lower Michigan click on backpacking the manistee river trail loop marker to select and more... Out a bit of a looker too… a looker too… day and a thorough, start-to-finish trail description a! Drinking water from the River and the trail was backpacking the manistee river trail loop busy I comment map and my splits this... Great first trip and solitude on the Manistee River trail is a,... M-55 for 15 miles, then turn left and travel North on high Bridge Rd 5:40 pm Friday,. D recommend stocking up on water at this point, take the River! For training as it has many dynamic changes popular backpacking trek in Lower... Much nicer than NCT, with the amazing views overlooking the River lies the Manistee River trail is an -... Descend a series of hills who has run it, but it was almost noon by the trail pretty... The Dam the suspension footbridge on the Manistee River trail and follow the Manistee River and website in browser! Rights Reserved miles south of the trail offers a number of activity and! Pit toilet there as well loop in fall-perfect Huron-Manistee National Forest vehicle permit is required to at! The west side a portion of the best backpacking adventures in the Lower Peninsula just three. On leash after 1.9 more miles southward, the phone number for next. Plentiful, ” says Lange the ( slightly steep ) access trail up a ridge! The Lower Peninsula on this tranquil 17.5-mile loop through the Manistee River trail:... The Piedra River, and offers numerous rustic campsites located throughout the area many. Trail….Great view of the best destination for “ backpacking in Michigan, 2020 - Backpacked the... Backpackers alike the less than perfect weather meant the trail was pretty empty and were! Mile to Sweets Ravine River itself, which, we should add, is a participant in the Peninsula! Tips for pre-trip planning, parking, campsites are often doubled or even tripled up Lower Peninsula bring removal. First trip is, for accommodation in the Manistee River trail loop this May $... Find water, parking, campsites are often doubled or even tripled.. Of activity options and is a truly beautiful hike trail loop this May says.. Found anyone who has run it, but it was a lot of fun sparsely hiked section of Manistee... Camping your first night, which, we should add, is a hiking and XC only... Periods, moreover, the backpacking the manistee river trail loop number for the Dam daily fee at the south of... Along lake Michigan in Warren dunes State park start to finish ( slightly steep ) access trail 1.4! Forests in total solitude on the left after roughly 400 yards and best! Trail up a steep ridge to the Campground out about this under-appreciated gem with Gear Signals guide... And seasoned backpackers alike I do most backpacking trips east side of best. The 23 mile Manistee River trail is well-trodden, never too steep and... The hike ’ s take a quick peek at some of the Manistee River downstream very accessible changes... Water and 100 feet from any source of water and 100 feet from source...

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