When you do have elevation changes, they are short in distance so you can move at your own pace. For beginners, we recommend beginning at the Red Bridge Trailhead and hiking along the North Country Trail side first and camping near Eddington Creek. Bicycling. Starting at the Red Bridge River Access Area just off North Coates Hwy (about 8 miles east of Brethren, Michigan) there is a small parking lot opposite of the trailhead where you can leave your car. You will see white paint head high on the tree trunks and plastic blue diamond trail … The wife and I set out on a 3 day/2 night hiking trip through the Manistee National Forest. This means it is closed to bicycles from Udell to Dilling. Four years later, the two trail segments were connected following the construction of the suspension bridge at the Manistee River Trailhead, making the 20-mile loop (minus the 3-mile extension to Seaton Creek Campground) that exists today and saving hikers the hassle of leaving a second car at the end of the trail in order to return to their starting point. This loop begins from the Seaton Creek campground and within a mile you’ll be at the suspension bridge that connects the Manistee River Trail (MRT) with the North Country Trail (NCT). The Manistee River Little Mac suspension bridge is a 245 foot long foot traffic bridge that is really something to see on the Manistee River Trail. The North Country National Scenic Trail can be reached by crossing the suspension bridge over the Manistee River. Suspension Bridge MANISTEE RIVER TRAIL & NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL LOOP This weekend-size, 22-mile loop takes you on some of the best terrain in the Lower Peninsula. Several observation sites along the trail provide hikers with vista views of the Manistee River and surrounding area. Easily one of the best backpacking trails in Lower Michigan. Here I took a long (1 hour) lunch. P.O. Part of the 11-mile trail project to create the Manistee River Trail in 1992, the Suspension Bridge, or “Little Mac” Foot Bridge is a 245’ pedestrian foot bridge completed in 1996. The Manistee River Hiking Trail begins at Seaton Creek Campground and follows the eastern bluff of the river 11-miles to Red Bridge access site and campground. Go in on the right hand side [northwest.] You will see white paint head high on the tree trunks and plastic blue diamond trail markers. Dogs are also able to use this trail. The 11-mile Manistee River Trail was completed in 1992 and the crucial link between the two trails — a 245 feet suspension bridge that spans the Manistee River just below Hodenpyl Dam — wasn’t built until four years later. Experience the Trail The Manistee River Trail is an 18 - 24 inch wide trail that begins near Red Bridge on the North side of Coates Highway. Bicycling- The trail is open to bicycles south of Udell Trailhead, and north of Dilling Road. Here I took a long (1 hour) lunch. The are parking areas on both sides of the river (south side of road). I would then head back to the river so that I could spend Saturday exploring a new trail. The trail path here is a bit quirky. You’ll discover several nice campsites and panaramic views of the river all along the way. 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. Our North Woods are in the heart of four-season natural beauty with thrill-a-minute activities. It's great hiking year round but it can be busy in summer. For beginners, we recommend beginning at the Red Bridge Trailhead and hiking along the North Country Trail side first and camping near Eddington Creek. Bicycling . Enjoy the all new 2020 Manistee County Visitors Guide with maps, tours and more. Using the Manistee River Trail (MRT) from the Seaton Creek Campground and connecting it with the North Country Trail (NCT) makes a 23 mile loop. I cooked up my breakfast, filled up my water, relaxed and dipped my bandana in a feeder stream. It is one of the most popular backpacking trips in MI. The next morning, I departed early to drop my dog off at Meadow Pond Pet Resort. A float trip will also bring you to two unique bridges: an arch timber bridge crossing Slagle Creek and a suspension bridge over the Manistee River linking the north end of the trail with the Marilla segment of the North Country Trail on the west side of the river. The waterfall site 2 miles south of the suspension bridge is great. The Manistee River Trail/North Country National Scenic Trail connector is also the site of the largest wooden suspension bridge in Lower Michigan. There aren’t any rivers on this side except one or two which are extremely close to the suspension bridge side, so you could go quite a long way without seeing water. The trail traverses past several wetlands and there are bridges crossing two creeks. The trail is primarily used for hiking, running, camping, and backpacking. The Hodenpyl Dam to Red Bridge stretch of the Manistee River is located in eastern Manistee County, MI, near the town of Mesick. Check out all of our latest stories on our #MyManistee Blog. On Monday & Tuesday, June 8-9, 2020 I backpacked the Manistee River Loop Trail in the Manistee National Forest. P.O. 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. Picnicking. Each of these trails has a unique character. We planned on three days and two nights to backpack the North Country Trail Manistee River Loop in lower Michigan. The trail follows the east bank of the Manistee River for 10.5 miles to Seaton Creek Campground. Each of these trails has a unique character. The maps lie. You don’t have to hike halfway across the country to visit this bridge, a parking area is on the west side of the river near the bridge. Other points of interest- connection to Manistee River Trail, Manistee River suspension bridge Most recent date this info personally checked on foot- April 2020 Back to map . Your email address will not be published. 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. Which trail should you choose for your weekend adventure? The Manistee River Trail/North Country National Scenic Trail connector is also the site of the largest wooden suspension bridge in Lower Michigan. Manistee River Trail. 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Take the Manistee River Trail back to Seaton Creek Campground to complete the loop. As visitors hike the trail they will pass through a … Quickly after crossing the suspension bridge the trail leads to a boat access site for the west side of the Manistee River. 23 Miles Awesomeness factors – Manistee river, towering hardwood forests, great views, wildlife, streams and a waterfall, the lil’ mac suspension bridge. The bridge was constructed in 1993 as the Manistee River Trail itself came to fruition. Adventures on the Manistee River Trail. Suspension Bridge - MRT. 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. Several observation sites along the trail provide hikers with vista views of the Manistee River and surrounding area. Discover the 19 photos in web Album '2017 Manistee River Trail System Suspension Bridge' by SDNowakowski. until reaching the trail and proceed south. Read about this trail on our blog located on Mansitee.com. The Manistee River Trail is an 11-mile (18 km) linear hiking trail located in Michigan in Manistee County, along the east bank of the Manistee River between Red Bridge River Access and Seaton Creek Campground. This stretch of the hike is quite popular for campsites and makes a great place for you to stop if … After the Manistee River flows out of Hodenpyl Dam, it runs for 12.9 miles before entering Tippy Pond at Red Bridge (Figure 1). One of Michigan’s newest trails, the 11-mile Manistee River Trail was completed in 1992 and linked to a rugged portion of the North Country by the largest wooden suspension bridge in the Lower Peninsula. Sometimes, the best areas to ride, are not the formal trail systems in the region. Be sure to pack water as it is quite the hike up, down, and around the ravines. Then you can cross a suspension bridge and retrace the first 1.5 miles or so of the MRT back to your vehicle. Phone Number A passionate group of entrepreneurs have developed their own visions to share, creating... 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 country ski and snowshoe. I cooked up my breakfast, filled up my water, relaxed and dipped my bandana in a feeder stream. Manistee_River_Trail_FKT_.gpx 946.03 KB. You can access it with your vehicle from Hodenpyl Dam road. The trail traverses past several wetlands and there are bridges crossing two creeks. "This is much more beautiful that I expected," said … There aren’t any rivers on this side except one or two which are extremely close to the suspension bridge side, so you could go quite a long way without seeing water. You don’t have to hike halfway across the country to visit this bridge, a parking area is on the west side of the river near the bridge. Quickly after crossing the suspension bridge the trail leads to a boat access site for the west side of the Manistee River. The North Country National Scenic Trail can be reached by crossing the suspension bridge over the Manistee River. Below is a link to a trail map and my splits. Manistee River Trail; Manistee River overlook. Rated 4.0 /5 based on 4 customer reviews Save Review Directions. Several observation sites along the trail provide hikers with vista views of the Manistee River and surrounding … Trail – Manistee River Trail/North Country Trail Loop Where – Huron-Manistee National Forest. There are several dispersed campsites along the trail. Soon you cross the pedestrian suspension bridge (pic 3) and hike down the other side. The wooden suspension bridge is 245 feet long. It is on the Manistee River Trail which is also part of the 4600 mile North Country Trail from Vermont to North Dakota. Contact Information Default. Part of the 11-mile trail project to create the Manistee River Trail in 1992, the Suspension Bridge, or “Little Mac” Foot Bridge is a 245’ pedestrian foot bridge completed in 1996. The trail path here is a bit quirky. Go claim a campsite and set up for the night or head back down to your car parked at the Red Bridge River Access Area. Throughout the years, outdoor enthusiasts have made the exciting journey across. Manistee River Backwaters Red Bridge River Access Hiking the Trail Float Times Site Hours Hodenpyl Dam to Red Bridge 3.5 Access Sites Plan Ahead and Prepare Bring water or a filtration system with you. From there, you can canoe the Big Manistee. There is a connector trail to the Manistee River Trail from this site. In fact, because we hiked the Manistee River Trail side first, after crossing the river and going onto the NCT side (we had cameled up and carried as much as we could with us), we walked nearly 11 miles without seeing a water s Enjoy this 11+ mile trail system along the high banks of the Big Manistee River between Tippy Dam and Hodenpyle Dam. The Manistee River Trail crosses Number One Road about 100 yards south of Hodenpyl Dam parking. The trail is primarily used for hiking, running, camping, and backpacking. Follow the travelers that love Manistee County, enjoy these stories about our incredible outdoor recreation, things-to-do, dining, shopping and unique experiences you will ONLY find here. Box 69 Manistee MI 49660. This wooden suspension bridge built over the Manistee River connects the Manistee River Trail. The beauty of the Manistee River Trail is that it really is a trail for all skill levels. 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 … The Manistee River Trail intersects with the North The Manistee River Hiking Trail begins at Seaton Creek Campground and follows the eastern bluff of the river 11-miles to Red Bridge access site and campground. We suggest the North... All Rights Reserved | Manistee County Visitors Bureau : 310 First Street, Manistee, MI : (877) 626-4783 | Powered by RSDG, Outdoor Adventure in Manistee’s North Woods, Hiking the Loop: Manistee River Trail & North Country Trail Loop, Direct access to the North Country Trail/Manistee River Trail Loop. Search Search; Exhibit. The suspension bridge is approximately .15 miles from Upper River Road. Manistee River Trail: Seaton Creek to Red Bridge is a 11.4 mile moderately trafficked point-to-point trail located near Mesick, Michigan that features a river and is rated as moderate. Categories: Bridges & Dams Self Guided Tour The river trail closely follows the river for 10 miles so there are numerous viewpoints where you can see the river and the ridge you hiked on the NCT earlier that day (pic 4). The MRT and NCT both play host to a very wide array of flora, fauna, and old-growth perennials. Manistee River Trail: Seaton Creek to Red Bridge is a 11.4 mile moderately trafficked point-to-point trail located near Mesick, Michigan that features a river and is rated as moderate. You can hike this trail from start-to-end if you have a group with multiple vehicles. Then a suspension footbridge opened in 1996, connecting the newly completed Manistee River Trail across the river to the NCT. It is the largest wooden suspension bridge in the Lower Peninsula. From there make your way across the suspension bridge and onto the Manistee River trail, where sweeping views of the Udell Rollways and River will be abundant and beautiful. The river trail closely follows the river for 10 miles so there are numerous viewpoints where you can see the river and the ridge you hiked on the NCT earlier that day (pic 4). Every kind of northern Michigan wildlife abounds. The Manistee River Trail/North Country National Scenic Trail connector is also the site of the largest wooden suspension bridge in Lower Michigan. Manistee River Trail, Mesick Picture: Suspension Bridge at the start of the trail - Check out Tripadvisor members' 44 candid photos and videos. For campground inquiries, please call: 231-723-0141. It is on the Manistee River Trail which is also part of the 4600 mile North Country Trail from Vermont to North Dakota. Anyway, our original plan was to hike the 23-mile loop of the Manistee River Trail and part of the North Country Trail. Okaaay not exactly, but they definitely weren’t as accurate as they should be considering this is one of the most popular backpacking destinations in Michigan. Manistee River Trail hiking trail in Manistee River Trail / NCT, Michigan. This means it is closed to bicycles from Udell to Dilling. The Upper Branch Trailhead is also nearby. P.S. The Manistee River Trail crosses Number One Road about 100 yards south of Hodenpyl Dam parking. If getting out into the fresh air and wide open spaces sounds appealing to you, you are not alone. Other points of interest- connection to Manistee River Trail, Manistee River suspension bridge Most recent date this info personally checked on foot- April 2020 Back to map . And you can leave the extra car at home. 3. At this point, take the Manistee River Trail and follow the Manistee River downstream. Your email address will not be published. The Manistee River Little Mac suspension bridge is a 245 foot long foot traffic bridge that is really something to see on the Manistee River Trail. You can choose to first tackle the challenging elevation that the NCT offers by going straight or to go left and enjoy the technical terrain and beautiful views of the MRT. – Waterfall near Mile Marker 3– Suspension Bridge crossing river near Hodenpyl Dam– Overlook of Manistee River/Primative Camping area near Mile Marker 6/7– Arquilla Creek Crossing Near Mile Marker 9 – Large Log Bridge. Sign in Sign up for FREE Prices and download plans A waterfall near the northern end of the trail is very popular with many hikers.The Manistee River Trail/North Country National Scenic Trail connector is also the site of the largest wooden suspension bridge in Lower Michigan. This relatively new trail was developed in 1992 and offers numerous rustic campsites located throughout the area and many beautiful scenic overlooks. A few things to note: 1. 23 Miles Awesomeness factors – Manistee river, towering hardwood forests, great views, wildlife, streams and a waterfall, the lil’ mac suspension bridge. the “Little Mac” suspension bridge and through a series of brisk rapids flanked by steep bluffs. There are many marked campsites along the MRT and many more locations that will work just fine if you head off the trail into the forest. It is the largest wooden suspension bridge in the Lower Peninsula and serves to unite the Manistee River Trail with the North Country Trail. FKTs. Fresh Photos; Editor's Choice Photos; Photoblogs; Blog; Upgrade ; PRICING; Login; Start Your 14-Day Free Trial Where you store your photos is as … The wooden suspension bridge is 245 feet long. Trail – Manistee River Trail/North Country Trail Loop Where – Huron-Manistee National Forest. If you go on a weekend with perfect weather in peak color season (as I did), you will not be alone. The Manistee River Trail/North Country National Scenic Trail connector is also the site of the largest wooden suspension bridge in Lower Michigan. The trail is level and easy hike. It is the largest wooden suspension bridge in the Lower Peninsula and serves to unite the Manistee River Trail with the North Country Trail. There is a connector trail to the Manistee River Trail from this site. The smaller bridge spans the Manistee River. Rental Options. If you are considering backpacking the Manistee River Loop, I would recommend parking at the Seaton Creek campground ($7 per day parking fee at Seaton Creek, bring cash, honor system) and crossing the suspension bridge to tackle the NCT side first, as it is, as mentioned prior, the most difficult side. I think every backpacker and day hiker in MI was there. The river and trails wind through pines and hardwoods, wetlands and valleys. From Alltrails (https: ... A short walk further Northwest led to a cool suspension foot bridge to get to the East side of the river. This trick will eliminate about a mile of hiking that is less scenic. This trick will eliminate about a mile of hiking that is less scenic. After nearly 9 miles up the trail you'll reach one of Michigan's largest wooden suspension bridges and the turnaround point of the hike. The result is a weekend-size, 20-mile loop that offers some of the best views and most varied hiking in the Lower Peninsula. 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. The trail is limited to foot traffic only. Summer beach rides are a blissful way to go for a ride. Go in on the right hand side[northwest.] With all that is going on in the world right now, it is a perfect opportunity to get out, stretch you legs, and enjoy some scenic fall color from our trails. Soon you cross the pedestrian suspension bridge (pic 3) and hike down the other side. The Manistee River Trail crosses Number One Road about 100 yards south of Hodenpyl Dam parking. It is the largest wooden suspension bridge in the Lower Peninsula. Discover the 19 photos in web Album '2017 Manistee River Trail System Suspension Bridge' by SDNowakowski. Near Mesick, MI Difficulty – Moderate for very hilly, uneven terrain Open – All year round Distance – Approx. Dogs are also able to use this trail. A wooden suspension bridge connects the Manistee River Trail to the North County Trail over the Manistee River. And you can leave the extra car at home. Box 69 Manistee MI 49660. Seaton Creek Campground to Suspension Bridge (1.4 miles) Suspension Bridge to Red Bridge via MRT (9.6 miles) Red Bridge to Suspension Bridge via NCT (10.6 miles) Suspension Bridge to Seaton Creek Campground (1.4 miles) GPS Track. You will see white paint head high on the tree trunks and plastic blue diamond trail markers. Water from the river is never really far away from this trail. If you’re an adventurous explorer, you’ve come to the right place. Hike 1.4 miles from Seaton Creak Campground to a suspension footbridge on the banks of the Manistee River. Hike along the NCT through an expansive old-growth forest for 8.1 miles until you reach the suspension bridge that intersects with Manistee River Trail. Enjoy the all new 2020 Manistee County Visitors Guide with maps, tours and more. Length 11.4 mi Elevation gain 790 ft Route type Point to point. I just hiked the NCT / Manistee River Trail loop. The Manistee River Trail can be a great fit for many different levels of hikers. It's a very scenic trail, I haven't found anyone who has run it, but it's a popular backpacking loop. Get Directions Here. The 11-mile Manistee River Trail was completed in 1992 and the crucial link between the two trails — a 245 feet suspension bridge that spans the Manistee River just below Hodenpyl Dam … Backpack the Manistee River Trail. Manistee River Trail: Amazing views - See 4 traveler reviews, 5 candid photos, and great deals for Mesick, MI, at Tripadvisor. The result is a weekend-size, 20-mile loop that offers some of the best views and most varied hiking in the Lower Peninsula. 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 famous suspension bridge that crosses the Manistee River at the north end of the loop. Many parts are flat along the bluffs overlooking the Manistee River. All Rights Reserved | Manistee County Visitors Bureau : 310 First Street, Manistee, MI : (877) 626-4783 | Powered by RSDG. 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. Make a weekend of camping and hiking by taking the 23 mile Manistee River Tail/North Country Trail loop. The Upper Branch Trailhead is also nearby. Near Mesick, MI Difficulty – Moderate for very hilly, uneven terrain Open – All year round Distance – Approx. 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. I started at Red Bridge at the southern end of the loop. Standard route; Male Unsupported Nathaniel Orndorf: 2h 35m 1s : 2020-08-04: Charles Hornburg: 2h 53m 23s : 2020 … 15.3 km blue singletrack trail. Several observation sites along the trail provide hikers with vista views of the Manistee River and surrounding … Then a suspension footbridge opened in 1996, connecting the newly completed Manistee River Trail across the river to the NCT. A waterfall near the northern end of the trail is very popular with many hikers.The Manistee River Trail/North Country National Scenic Trail connector is also the site of the largest wooden suspension bridge in Lower Michigan. Contact Information Default. When you get down to the dam, you can pause and watch the eagles fly. Camp on Hardened Ground Campsites must be at least 200 feet from water and 100 feet from roads and trails. Google Reviews/Anonymous Person At 245 feet long, Little Mac is the largest wooden suspension bridge in the Lower Peninsula. We planned on three days and two nights to backpack the North Country Trail Manistee River Loop in lower Michigan. Note: If parking in the “suspension bridge parking area” proceed northeast along Upper River Rd. Bicycling- The trail is open to bicycles south of Udell Trailhead, and north of Dilling Road. Phone Number . I spent Friday night at the Seaton Creek Campground with a few of my friends (Jared and Bob) who were in the area fishing. Browse our latest #MyManistee perspectives here, or scroll through these top stories in your category. View great blue herons, kingfishers, red hooded mergansers and other wildlife along the river’s edge. It is almost always busy on the Manistee River Trail side, campsites are often doubled or even tripled up. Required fields are marked *. Hooded mergansers and other wildlife along the way go on a 3 day/2 night hiking trip through the Manistee at. With Manistee River loop in Lower Michigan water as it is the largest wooden bridge... ’ ve come to the NCT.15 miles from Seaton Creak Campground to very... 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