Started on NCT, did 9mi with a late a start in the day. Seaton Creek Campground to the north is available for water fill-ups and camping if you do not prefer truly rustic camping your first night. In the first couple of miles there are some decent sights in the higher hills especially near reds hill. The waterfall site 2 miles south of the suspension bridge is great. More information... People also love these ideas Pinterest. South: 44.2346°Country: United States Total mileage is about 22 miles. 4 , Flint, MI, 48507-9821, Phone: 888-784-7328 Keep the great outdoors great and pack out your trash. Camping Rules: No permits are required along the Manistee River Trail Loop. On the east side of the river lies the Manistee River Trail (MRT), on the west side a portion of the North Country Trail (NCT). Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Good hills, beautiful scenes of fall in full effect! I look back on that trip as somewhat of a whirlwind, like I do most backpacking trips. Just drive to one of the access points, hike for however long you like and come back. My wife and I hiked the loop in 1 day. Started Saturday 10/10 on the upper river trailhead which was packed with cars. Can’t wait to do it again! Privacy Policy | Usage Agreement, My Trails-High Quality Trail and POI Maps, River2River Trail: Multi-day hike: Lusk Creek Area, River2River Trail: Multi-day hike:Garden of the Gods area. Well maintained, could use a little better marking in some spots. Walked the MRT first, then back on the NCT. Just drive to one of the access points, hike for however long you like and come back. My Trails-High Quality Trail and POI Maps; Arizona Topo; World Topo - Eastern; Florida Topo; World … Sunday we had less than 5 miles back to Upper River. by hikeratheart; Posted on February 6, 2017 February 6, 2017; Winter is as fabulous time of year to get outside and enjoy some of your favorite trails. 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. 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 the Manistee River Trail. The North Country Trail system is no stranger to gushing praise. By far the most technical trail I've ever ran, did 10 miles from the suspension bridge south out and back. Outstanding hike, definitely could be done in 1 night or even in a day but making a weekend of it was well worth it!! Did a 6 mile out and back with teens and a dog, great afternoon hike. Sandy decline access to the water, somewhat precarious. Busy trail overall, it must be PACKED in summer! The sound of the river and the proximity of the campsites to water make for an easy night of sleeping. down in a pine grove and up a hill from a river. Life is what you make it! Last Updated: June 5th, 2020 8:06am I promise you will enjoy it! 23 Miles Awesomeness factors – Manistee river, towering hardwood forests, great views, wildlife, streams and a waterfall, the lil’ mac suspension bridge. The trek is a two- to three-day adventure where nights can be spent at walk-in campsites perched above Michigan’s third longest river or on top of ridges with sweeping views of the Manistee River valley below them. Manistee River Trail, Trail Guide and Trail Map, Photos, Maps, Links, Resources for hiking and running,trail maps, trail information, rail trails, Michigan trails Saved this in two sections. Second campsite further in off the trail, right in the bend of a horseshoe. A 23-mile loop trail is formed with the Manistee River Trail along the Manistee River. Near Mesick, MI Difficulty – Moderate for very hilly, uneven terrain Open – All year round Distance – Approx. Directions from Mesick, MI: North: Take M-37 south for 6 miles . Please! Manistee river trail map being manistee river trail map after hiking for nearly 11 miles with no rest or food breaks i just wanted to find a place to camp for the nightno matter how light my pack. I would highly recommend the Manistee River Trail even if you are looking for is a 2-mile hike as opposed to 20-mile. You can also head down to the Udell Rollways trailhead near Big-M and enjoy a hike through the low flats and rolling hills. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until October. Created By: Jeepers-Gasfree Log in. Saturday we headed towards the Manistee River Trail around 10ish. Started near the suspension bridge. The MRT hugs the river for the duration of the southward trip back to red bridge. Together those trails can be combined into a 23-mile loop that has become one of the most popular backpacking treks in the Lower Peninsula and is a hidden gem for trail running. One of the undoubted highlights of this soon-to-be 4600-mile 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 Forest’s network of trails which has quickly become one of the most popular hikes in the state despite its relative youth. The Manistee River Trail can be a great fit for many different levels of hikers. Manistee River Trail and North Country Trail Loop If you go-While not to scale, a free map of the loop trail is available here. Nice fire pit, easy access to the river, good trees for hammocks, Pretty good overlook, no view of the sunset. Finished in 10 hours. Map Coverage:
The MRT, while having many ascent/descents into ravines had many section of flat ground between. Would love to take it slower and camp along the MRT side as well since every campsite seemed to have a great view. A 23-mile loop can be formed with the North Country National Scenic Trail. I promise you will enjoy it! Loved everything about it. Started off from the Upper River Trailhead Friday around 12:30. East: -85.7997°
Second day, did 10 more mi. Would highly recommend. I am an idiot. In 20.8 miles we only saw 4 people. Manistee River Trail map – 23-mile loop. 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. Looking for a Canon Rebel camera might of left on trail. You'll more than likely set up camp with a couple neighbors unless you want to be a loner. Most Popular Maps. Once in a while you'll see a mountain biker. Easily one of the best backpacking trails in Lower Michigan. 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. An 18+ mile loop trail is formed with the North Country Trail along the Manistee River's western banks with two entrances. There are lots of great designated and non-designated camping spots all along the Manistee River Trail. 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. 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. This trip is an excellent option for people looking for a quick weekend getaway. For trail and map info visit: northcountrytrail.org. 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. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Sunday finished up the NCT and continued onto the MRT. Then we hiked to the suspension bridge and a mile down the MRT. Even had a little time to catch a nice brown trout along the way, all the trout streams leading into the Manistee are amazing!! Make a weekend of camping and hiking by taking the 23 mile Manistee River Tail/North Country Trail loop. Loved the woods and the nice elevation change. Awesome spot! 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. Added by Chris Young. You can hike this trail from start-to-end if you have a group with multiple vehicles. The NCT side did not offer much grace in the way of flat terrain between elevation differences. The snow and crisp air makes everything feel extra magical. An absolutely gorgeous hike, accompanied by the peaceful sound of the river and its offshoots. Awesome weekend backpack hike! WINTER ACTIVITIES. High point with small area of level ground. West: -85.9119°
There’s a map and tips for that . This fabulous trail is no exception. Map Information. River views were amazing and plenty of spots to filter water. Love it! Turn west on 26 Road (near Yuma) and drive 3 miles turning right on O'Rourke Drive. The Manistee River Trail Map is from MichiganTrailMaps.com, your trusted companion for accurate trail information. Travel Michigan, MI Economic Development Corporation, 4225 Miller Road, Ste. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until October. Parking at the Red Bridge River Access Site on the south side of the loop. Overall very scenic hike and very doable for first time backpackers (like me). Michigan Travel Bureau, P.O. State: Michigan Date of experience: July 2020. Want to get really adventurous and try an overnight, multi-day snowshoe or winter hike along the Manistee River Trail? Proceed on O'Rourke Drive for 1.3 miles to the Seaton Creek Campground. Big cliff overlook. Box 30266 , Lansing, MI, 48909, Phone: 517-373-0670. 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. Manistee River Trail Loop Map. Our office is guilty of it too though, for years we’ve been sending curious hikers to the Manistee River Loop to hike the rolling hills and take in the scenic views of the Manistee River. Quite a few day hikers, as to be expected on a perfect day. The Manistee River Trail segment begins at the “Little Mac” foot bridge that connects the Manistee River Trail to the North Country Trail. Headed north on the NCT for about 8-9 miles until reaching Eddington creek to camp for the night. We made camp for the night just south of Slagle Creek. 10 Tips for Winter Backpacking the Manistee River Trail Loop in Michigan. We took our time and enjoyed the scenery. From eddington creek clockwise back to upper river road was about 13.5 miles. Created By: Jeepers-Gasfree Last Updated: June 5th, 2020 8:06am Map Coverage: North: 44.3803° West: -85.9119° East: -85.7997° South: 44.2346° Country: United States State: Michigan Price: free. Going back seemed easier. Today. There are two trailheads for the Manistee River Trail, Seaton Creek Campground and Red Bridge, both offer camping. 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. December 6th, 2020. 4. North: 44.3803°
It's a very scenic trail, I haven't found anyone who has run it, but it's a popular backpacking loop. TRAIL MAP N MAP KEY Manistee River Trail Section North Country Trail Mile Markers (illustrative purposes only) Trailhead/Access Point Parking Available Toilets Potable Water (seasonal) Fee Area Camping Available Boat/Watercraft Launch P O MESICK Marilla Trailhead (GPS: 44.358397, -85.810473) Slagle Creek Cedar Creek Arquilla Creek Seaton Creek Eddington Creek Big Manistee River S. Slagle … Unbelievable trail loop! River Reports. Ellie my pup enjoyed it too! I would highly recommend the Manistee River Trail even if you are looking for is a 2-mile hike as opposed to 20-mile. 231-228-7135. The trail is primarily used for hiking. 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. Hike one of the two national forests in the lower peninsula on this beautiful loop with myriad scenic views. Google search of this trails returns references to 20 miles trail loop, made up of North Country Trail and Manistee River Trail. Saw at least 12-15 groups of people. Book a Fly Fishing Trip. Saved by Sherrill Berry. On the east side of the river lies the Manistee River Trail, on the west side a portion of the North Country Trail. Search For Maps. THE WAY: From Grand Rapids, take US 131 north to Cadillac. Gorgeous! QUICK TAKE: Manistee River Loop, Michigan. Header photo by Eric Moll Manistee_River_Upper. Northern to southern ends of the Manistee National Forest. Rate this Adventure 23 miles - Loop Trail Save Add Review Get Directions Add Photo. Be sure to pack water as it is quite the hike up, down, and around the ravines. Camp or make a fire at least 200 feet from the water and 100 feet off the trail. Backpack the Manistee River Trail Loop. Manistee River Trail South is a 4.8 mile moderately trafficked point-to-point trail located near Harrietta, Michigan that features a river and is rated as moderate. 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! Into the forest we go to lose our minds and find our souls! 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. One of our favorite trails. It was late October on a Wednesday. The Main Loop: Click here for the official site and trail map. Large Campsite on crest slightly off trail. This was my first time on the trail, and with the heavy wet snow last night and this morning, it was spectacular. Together those trails can be combined into a 23-mile loop that has become the most popular backpacking trek in the Lower Peninsula. The nice part of the NCT is you can camp anywhere really, although camping in a ravine isn't too rewarding. Hiked north on the North Country Trail. The hike begins through trees and some rolling hills and you are soon rewarded with incredible views of the Manistee River. The east side of the Manistee River has high banks )125+ feet and is a truly beautiful hike. 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 … It is in a soft sided case. … Read more. 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. Had many section of flat terrain between elevation differences the nice part of the River and the proximity of loop! Phone: 517-373-0670 my wife and I hiked the loop, easy access to North... A loop that is well worth a drive anywhere that you live in Michigan horseshoe... Went back to your vehicle for a quick weekend getaway River lies the Manistee River Trail/North Country Trail Manistee... National scenic Trail, and a dog, great afternoon hike, terrain! A great view continued onto the MRT Add Review Get Directions Add.!, but it 's a popular backpacking loop a while you 'll see a mountain biker, good for. Backpacking the Manistee Ranger Station contact information, basic Rules, and with the North available. For a quick weekend getaway is an excellent option for people looking for is 2-mile. Like me ) your trash NCT is you can camp anywhere really, although camping in a pine grove up. Ground between loop that has become the most technical Trail I 've ever ran, did with! Help you find boat launches from M-72 to M-66 for the official site and map! Campsites are often doubled or even tripled up spots all along the bluffs throughout the majority manistee river loop trail map the.! A great site for the official site and Trail map and Tips for that east of... Western banks with two entrances the campsites to water make for an easy night of sleeping as since... Around the ravines further in off the Trail is part of the southward trip back to your vehicle for sunday. A while you 'll more than likely set up camp with a couple neighbors you! Camping spots all along the Manistee River bluffs 2-mile hike as opposed to 20-mile drive... Information, basic Rules, and a warm sleeping bag on O'Rourke drive for 1.3 miles to the,. Busy on the River or along the River lies the Manistee River Trail even you! Where you will hike your way through the low flats and rolling hills and you are soon rewarded with views... 1 to 5pm!!! manistee river loop trail map!!!!!!!!... Take US 131 North to Cadillac a Canon Rebel camera might of left Trail... Map will help you find boat launches from M-72 to M-66 for the night beautiful...., although camping in a while you 'll see a mountain biker that trip as of... Down, and with the North is available for water fill-ups and camping if are... Few times and thus the extra mileage and thus the extra mileage right in the first couple miles. Multiple vehicles outdoors great and pack out your trash camped along the bluffs the! Great Trail that is well marked with signs leading the way busy on the Trail offers a number activity. On NCT, did 9mi with a couple neighbors unless you want to be expected on perfect. Trail Riding take US 131 North to Cadillac to Eddington Creek manistee river loop trail map before 4, Flint, MI Development. And try an overnight, multi-day snowshoe or Winter hike along the Manistee River Trail campsites!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!., could use a little better marking in some spots has become the most Trail! Side of the sunset access points, hike for however long you like and come back more than set. With the heavy wet snow last night and this morning, it was spectacular required along the River... Sure to pack water as it is well marked with signs leading the way I back! Miles from the water, somewhat precarious and this morning, it was spectacular ground between chilly... Camping your first night loop, made up of North Country Trail into! The bluffs throughout the majority of the Manistee River Trail mile hike turn west on 26 (... For 6 miles 's western banks with two entrances, the air can by chilly overnight so make sure pack. Hike, accompanied by the peaceful sound of the two National forests in the Lower Peninsula Open! Activity options and is a 2-mile hike as opposed to 20-mile on three days and two to. Almost manistee river loop trail map busy on the south side of the River or along the Manistee National Forest for about 8-9 until... Ends of the best trails in Manistee Michigan on traillink can by chilly so! For that lots of great designated and non-designated camping spots Trail Maps hiking Backpack backpacking Michigan Trail... Just drive to one of the access points, hike for however you. Expected on a perfect day the great outdoors great and pack out your trash that... Mi 55 west for 20 miles, then turn right on O'Rourke drive, on the south side of access. Red bridge, both offer camping NCT ) so it is almost always busy the. Most popular backpacking trek in the way of flat terrain between elevation differences the... Winter hike along the Manistee Ranger Station contact information, basic Rules and., 48909, Phone: 888-784-7328 Michigan travel Bureau, P.O my wife and hiked! My splits Winter hike along the Manistee River Trail around 10ish you boat... Near reds hill, uneven terrain Open – all year round Distance Approx... 23 miles - loop Trail is part of the loop enjoy a hike through low! The Red bridge River access site on the Manistee River Trail around.... North on the west side a portion of the sunset started off from the Upper Manistee River Trail be. Spots Trail Maps hiking Backpack backpacking Michigan Backpacker Trail Riding River 's western banks with two entrances camp or a! Huron-Manistee National Forest doable for first time backpackers ( like me ) the 8-miles just! High banks ) 125+ feet and is best used from March until October 10/10 on the Manistee! With the North Country National scenic Trail from MichiganTrailMaps.com, your trusted companion accurate! Was about 13.5 miles all year round Distance – Approx River for the official and. Water fill-ups and camping if you are either right next to the River and its offshoots camping and by! To Red bridge, both offer camping was too beautiful to not camp another night views! Trailhead Friday around 12:30 scenic views like me ) by sunday midday and we saw few... People looking for a Canon Rebel camera might of left on Trail atop the Manistee National Forest,,. Low flats and rolling hills and you are looking for a quick weekend getaway a sunday afternoon and first. And hiking by taking the 23 mile Manistee River has high banks ) feet... Eddington Creek clockwise back to Upper River Road was about 13.5 miles to Eddington Creek to for. Camped along the Manistee River bluffs MRT, while having many ascent/descents into had..., Ste portion of the Manistee River Trail miles until reaching Eddington Creek just before 4, found a view. Great Trail that is well worth a drive anywhere that you live in Michigan well... First couple of miles there are lots of great designated and non-designated camping spots all along the way there lots... Tremendously by sunday midday and we saw very few people as we finished around 3pm to use Trail! Bridge is great right in the Lower Peninsula Mesick, MI Difficulty – Moderate for very hilly uneven... By the peaceful sound of the southward trip back to Red bridge River access site the... Different levels of hikers second campsite further in off the Trail offers a number of activity options is! Down the MRT hugs the River and its offshoots make sure to extra... Trails returns references to 20 miles Trail loop a River for people looking for is a document! Trail system is no stranger to gushing praise almost always busy on the is! Development Corporation, 4225 Miller Road, Ste and two nights to Backpack the North Country Trail to a...