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. North: 44.3803° Mostly dayhikers I believe. Most Popular Maps. Easily one of the best backpacking trails in Lower Michigan. The nice part of the NCT is you can camp anywhere really, although camping in a ravine isn't too rewarding. WINTER ACTIVITIES. Map Coverage: Manistee River Trail Loop Map. Together those trails can be combined into a 23-mile loop that has become the most popular backpacking trek in the Lower Peninsula. Google search of this trails returns references to 20 miles trail loop, made up of North Country Trail and Manistee River Trail. I would highly recommend the Manistee River Trail even if you are looking for is a 2-mile hike as opposed to 20-mile. An 18+ mile loop trail is formed with the North Country Trail along the Manistee River's western banks with two entrances. Good hills, beautiful scenes of fall in full effect! It's a very scenic trail, I haven't found anyone who has run it, but it's a popular backpacking loop. Hiked north on the North Country Trail. The crowd had thinned out tremendously by Sunday midday and we saw very few people as we finished around 3pm. The Manistee River Trail Map is from MichiganTrailMaps.com, your trusted companion for accurate trail information. Well maintained, could use a little better marking in some spots. Easily made it up to Eddington Creek just before 4, found a great site for the night. Loved everything about it. December 6th, 2020. Headed north on the NCT for about 8-9 miles until reaching Eddington creek to camp for the night. 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 … Into the forest we go to lose our minds and find our souls! Large Campsite on crest slightly off trail. In 20.8 miles we only saw 4 people. 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. An absolutely gorgeous hike, accompanied by the peaceful sound of the river and its offshoots. Camping Rules: No permits are required along the Manistee River Trail Loop. The sound of the river and the proximity of the campsites to water make for an easy night of sleeping. Missed the trail a few times and thus the extra mileage. My wife and I hiked the loop in 1 day. Gorgeous! Loved the woods and the nice elevation change. There’s a map and tips for that . The waterfall site 2 miles south of the suspension bridge is great. 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. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until October. Saturday we headed towards the Manistee River Trail around 10ish. 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. More information... People also love these ideas Pinterest. Hike one of the two national forests in the lower peninsula on this beautiful loop with myriad scenic views. You'll more than likely set up camp with a couple neighbors unless you want to be a loner. Manistee River Trail Loop Combines the Manistee River Trail and North Country Trail to form a loop that is 20 miles long. Busy trail overall, it must be PACKED in summer! Second day, did 10 more mi. Google search of this trails returns references to 20 miles trail loop, made up of North Country Trail and Manistee River Trail. We planned on three days and two nights to backpack the North Country Trail Manistee River Loop in lower Michigan. 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. Near Mesick, MI Difficulty – Moderate for very hilly, uneven terrain Open – All year round Distance – Approx. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. 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. Started near the suspension bridge. Total mileage is about 22 miles. Beautiful fall day, lovely trail but crowded on the river side. West: -85.9119° I promise you will enjoy it! It was late October on a Wednesday. Travel Michigan, MI Economic Development Corporation, 4225 Miller Road, Ste. Would love to take it slower and camp along the MRT side as well since every campsite seemed to have a great view. Sunday we had less than 5 miles back to Upper River. Overall very scenic hike and very doable for first time backpackers (like me). A 23-mile loop trail is formed with the Manistee River Trail along the Manistee River. Even in the summer, the air can by chilly overnight so make sure to pack extra layers and a warm sleeping bag. Along the way there are scattered, designated campsites. Rate this Adventure 23 miles - Loop Trail Save Add Review Get Directions Add Photo. After passing the Marilla trail junction you start heading to the MRT and finally get to see the Manistee River after about 9 miles of hiking in ravines. I promise you will enjoy it! Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. No people in sight from 1 to 5pm!!! 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. From eddington creek clockwise back to upper river road was about 13.5 miles. 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! 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. • Six trail maps and one river map, with nearby amenities for each trail; and • Lists of lodging, dining, shopping and entertainment options. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. The Manistee River Trail segment begins at the “Little Mac” foot bridge that connects the Manistee River Trail to the North Country Trail. The MRT hugs the river for the duration of the southward trip back to red bridge. Started on NCT, did 9mi with a late a start in the day. Sunday finished up the NCT and continued onto the MRT. Sandy decline access to the water, somewhat precarious. Saved this in two sections. Last Updated: June 5th, 2020 8:06am The trail is level and easy hike. 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. Did a 6 mile out and back with teens and a dog, great afternoon hike. Even had a little time to catch a nice brown trout along the way, all the trout streams leading into the Manistee are amazing!! THE WAY: From Grand Rapids, take US 131 north to Cadillac. Parking at the Red Bridge River Access Site on the south side of the loop. MANISTEE RIVER STATE GAME AREA GPS Coordinates at flag points: [ 1 ] Central parking lot Lat.44°16'22.07"N, Long.86°15'40.22"W. [ 2 ] An east side parking lot Lat.44°16'51.53"N, Long.86°11'43.35"W. State Land: Parking: Boating: Roads: Water: Political: Other: Legend: Area Headquarters, with Parking Lakes, Ponds 8 Area headquarters:Wildlife Office in the Cadillac DNR … South: 44.2346°Country: United States We made camp for the night just south of Slagle Creek. 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. Search For Maps. Camped along the river, probably could have just went back to the car but it was too beautiful to not camp another night! 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 … 10 Tips for Winter Backpacking the Manistee River Trail Loop in Michigan. By far the most technical trail I've ever ran, did 10 miles from the suspension bridge south out and back. Here is a good document that includes the Manistee Ranger Station contact information, basic rules, and a trail map. Book a Fly Fishing Trip. 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. Please! Want to get really adventurous and try an overnight, multi-day snowshoe or winter hike along the Manistee River Trail? It’s an amazing place that includes a 245’ pedestrian only wooden suspension bridge, but this year the road bridge that connects the loop on the south end is going to be completely removed. Explore. The east side of the Manistee River has high banks )125+ feet and is a truly beautiful hike. amazing trail! 231-228-7135. Northern to southern ends of the Manistee National Forest. Make a weekend of camping and hiking by taking the 23 mile Manistee River Tail/North Country Trail loop. My Trails-High Quality Trail and POI Maps; Arizona Topo; World Topo - Eastern; Florida Topo; World … River views were amazing and plenty of spots to filter water. Love it! Today. Price: free, Download Garmin Custom Map [7MB] (191 Downloads), © 2007 - 2021 GPSFileDepot.com Follow MI 55 west for 20 miles, then turn right on Warfield Road. 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. Unbelievable trail loop! 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. Once in a while you'll see a mountain biker. The trail is part of the North Country Trail (NCT) so it is well marked with signs leading the way. QUICK TAKE: Manistee River Loop, Michigan. 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. Parking is available at several road crossings. River Reports. Created By: Jeepers-Gasfree 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. East: -85.7997° 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. The hike begins through trees and some rolling hills and you are soon rewarded with incredible views of the Manistee River. Be sure to pack water as it is quite the hike up, down, and around the ravines. This was my first time on the trail, and with the heavy wet snow last night and this morning, it was spectacular. Manistee River Trailhead near the Manist-ee River Trail where you will hike your way through the dense hardwoods high atop the Manistee River bluffs. Walked the MRT first, then back on the NCT. A great trail that is well worth a drive anywhere that you live in Michigan. 23 Miles Awesomeness factors – Manistee river, towering hardwood forests, great views, wildlife, streams and a waterfall, the lil’ mac suspension bridge. It is in a soft sided case. It is almost always busy on the Manistee River Trail side, campsites are often doubled or even tripled up. … Read more. One of our favorite trails. Started Saturday 10/10 on the upper river trailhead which was packed with cars. I would highly recommend the Manistee River Trail even if you are looking for is a 2-mile hike as opposed to 20-mile. Manistee River Trail, Trail Guide and Trail Map, Photos, Maps, Links, Resources for hiking and running,trail maps, trail information, rail trails, Michigan trails 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. This fabulous trail is no exception. 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. Added by Chris Young. Life is what you make it! Explore the best trails in manistee michigan on traillink. This trip is an excellent option for people looking for a quick weekend getaway. Backpack the Manistee River Trail Loop. 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. The Main Loop: Click here for the official site and trail map. 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. In the first couple of miles there are some decent sights in the higher hills especially near reds hill. We took our time and enjoyed the scenery. You can hike this trail from start-to-end if you have a group with multiple vehicles. I look back on that trip as somewhat of a whirlwind, like I do most backpacking trips. Can’t wait to do it again! Going back seemed easier. Date of experience: July 2020. perfect spot. The North Country Trail system is no stranger to gushing praise. Finished in 10 hours. Trail – Manistee River Trail/North Country Trail Loop Where – Huron-Manistee National Forest. 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. Header photo by Eric Moll Just drive to one of the access points, hike for however long you like and come back. Below is a link to a trail map and my splits. High point with small area of level ground. 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. Proceed on O'Rourke Drive for 1.3 miles to the Seaton Creek Campground. Log in. 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