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. The wife and I set out on a 3 day/2 night hiking trip through the Manistee National Forest. Below is a link to a trail map and my splits. Dogs are also able to use this trail. You will see white paint head high on the tree trunks and plastic blue diamond trail markers. Bicycling- The trail is open to bicycles south of Udell Trailhead, and north of Dilling Road. Bicycling . It is the largest wooden suspension bridge in the Lower Peninsula and serves to unite the Manistee River Trail with the North Country Trail. This trick will eliminate about a mile of hiking that is less scenic. The Manistee River Trail crosses Number One Road about 100 yards south of Hodenpyl Dam parking. Manistee River Trail; Manistee River overlook. 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. 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. This trick will eliminate about a mile of hiking that is less scenic. The smaller bridge spans the Manistee River. 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. 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. P.O. 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. Soon you cross the pedestrian suspension bridge (pic 3) and hike down the other side. Rental Options. Trail – Manistee River Trail/North Country Trail Loop Where – Huron-Manistee National Forest. the “Little Mac” suspension bridge and through a series of brisk rapids flanked by steep bluffs. Several observation sites along the trail provide hikers with vista views of the Manistee River and surrounding area. Take the Manistee River Trail back to Seaton Creek Campground to complete the loop. 23 Miles Awesomeness factors – Manistee river, towering hardwood forests, great views, wildlife, streams and a waterfall, the lil’ mac suspension bridge. The Manistee River Trail/North Country National Scenic Trail connector is also the site of the largest wooden suspension bridge in Lower Michigan. Our North Woods are in the heart of four-season natural beauty with thrill-a-minute activities. For campground inquiries, please call: 231-723-0141. The wooden suspension bridge is 245 feet long. The famous suspension bridge that crosses the Manistee River at the north end of the loop. The beauty of the Manistee River Trail is that it really is a trail for all skill levels. Your email address will not be published. The Hodenpyl Dam to Red Bridge stretch of the Manistee River is located in eastern Manistee County, MI, near the town of Mesick. Manistee_River_Trail_FKT_.gpx 946.03 KB. Several observation sites along the trail provide hikers with vista views of the Manistee River and surrounding … The Manistee River Trail can be a great fit for many different levels of hikers. 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 . The trail is limited to foot traffic only. I spent Friday night at the Seaton Creek Campground with a few of my friends (Jared and Bob) who were in the area fishing. Standard route; Male Unsupported Nathaniel Orndorf: 2h 35m 1s : 2020-08-04: Charles Hornburg: 2h 53m 23s : 2020 … Then you can cross a suspension bridge and retrace the first 1.5 miles or so of the MRT back to your vehicle. You’ll discover several nice campsites and panaramic views of the river all along the way. 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. until reaching the trail and proceed south. I just hiked the NCT / Manistee River Trail loop. The trail traverses past several wetlands and there are bridges crossing two creeks. Be sure to pack water as it is quite the hike up, down, and around the ravines. If you go on a weekend with perfect weather in peak color season (as I did), you will not be alone. 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. The result is a weekend-size, 20-mile loop that offers some of the best views and most varied hiking in the Lower Peninsula. Picnicking. Backpack the Manistee River Trail. The Manistee River Trail intersects with the North Note: If parking in the “suspension bridge parking area” proceed northeast along Upper River Rd. The Manistee River Trail/North Country National Scenic Trail connector is also the site of the largest wooden suspension bridge in Lower Michigan. All Rights Reserved | Manistee County Visitors Bureau : 310 First Street, Manistee, MI : (877) 626-4783 | Powered by RSDG. If you’re an adventurous explorer, you’ve come to the right place. Bicycling. Hike 1.4 miles from Seaton Creak Campground to a suspension footbridge on the banks of the Manistee River. I cooked up my breakfast, filled up my water, relaxed and dipped my bandana in a feeder stream. It is the largest wooden suspension bridge in the Lower Peninsula and serves to unite the Manistee River Trail with the North Country Trail. 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 . 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. On Monday & Tuesday, June 8-9, 2020 I backpacked the Manistee River Loop Trail in the Manistee National Forest. 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. 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