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. Which trail should you choose for your weekend adventure? We suggest the North Country Trail & Manistee River Trail loop as your introduction to hiking in Manistee County.
This perfect weekend hike offers a varied and dynamic perspective of the natural beauty of Manistee County. 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.
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. It is typically less crowded during the summer months compared to nearby Red Bridge, or Seaton Creek Campground to the north.
As you strap on your pack and set off on your hike, head out on the North Country Trail for your first leg. The terrain is more rugged and it’s best to tackle with a fresh set of legs. If you are starting your hike in the morning or early afternoon, putting in a long hike the first day will be rewarded as you will certainly want to sightsee the second and third day when you are on the Manistee River Trail (where the views and natural terrain are spectacular).
If you are starting out in the evening, get to the NCT overlook and set up camp. The views are breathtaking and the morning light radiates across the terrain assuring you that you are encircled by the natural landscape of Manistee County.
For this trip we decided to drop in at the Upper River Trailhead and proceed north along the North Country Trail camping just south of the Suspension Bridge for night 1. Day two we made it just south of the Slagle Creek Parking Area on the Manistee River Trail side (near mile marker 7) for night 2. It made for a quick hike out the next day.
Taking a break at the Red Hill Lookout.
Setting out on Day 2 (depending where exactly you called home for the first night) you should make it onto the Manistee River Trail by midday/early afternoon. Once you are on the MRT you will quickly see the famed suspension bridge which crosses to the east bank of the Manistee River. Once you cross the bridge, you should consider continuing east towards Seaton Creek Campground. You will be able to check out the Hodenpyl Dam, which is a great sight tucked away in the heart of the Manistee National Forest. This is also a great time to refill the water bottles at the Seaton Creek Campground (it is the only place to fill up with potable water on the hike, so it may be a must if you do not have any water purification gear with you.)
After a quick stop at the Dam and campground, continue on the MRT and head out south along the east river banks. The views are absolutely spectacular and you will frequently see fishing boats, canoes, kayaks and tubes meandering down the river. You will feel on top of the world as you are perched 200 feet above the river below.
Heading south along the trail, between mile marker two and three, you will come upon a small waterfall, spilling over into the Manistee River. This is a great spot to grab a quick bite to eat as you push on a few more miles before setting up camp for the night. If you can make it to Slagle Creek Road, you will find a set of great primitive campsites that are perched high atop the banks overlooking the Manistee River. If you don’t make it that far, there is a great campsite near mile marker 5 that is right on the water’s edge. This is a great spot for that early morning swim (if the water’s not too cold).
Setting out on your final day, you will frequently head up and down in elevation along the most undulating part of the MRT as you make your way into the backwaters and wetlands.
This area of the trail is magnificent and you will surely see the most wildlife along this stretch of the river. Just before you hike out onto Coates Highway and back to civilization near Red Bridge, you will make one final ascent to what feels like the top of the world at mile marker 10. Here you will be able to look out for miles across the marshes and rolling terrain you crossed on your first day on the North Country Trail.
As you make your way back to the Upper River Trailhead and pack up the car, your entire ride home will inevitably be spent talking about your weekend hiking trip on one of the most spectacular hiking trails in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan.
The view along the east side of the river (on the Manistee River Trail side)
Our home for night #2
ONE NIGHT HIKE OR A WEEKEND BIKE:
If you can only get away for a single night, you should certainly set out on the Manistee River Trail right from the beginning. If you can drop a car at the Seaton Creek Campground, you can take your time and really explore the east banks of the Manistee River as you hike north.
Another great weekend trip is a hike and bike. Pack the bikes and the camping gear and set up at Red Bridge and head out on the North Country Trail for a great weekend biking. You can bike north or south along the NCT on day one, and camp at Red Bridge for the night. When you wake up set out on a day hike on the MRT.
No matter which direction you hike, or which season you go in, the NCT and MRT will quickly be one of your favorite weekend hikes in Michigan. The terrain diversity and views rival some of the stretches along the Appalachian Trail. Get off the couch and put Manistee County and our trails your list of things to do this year.
Upper River Trailhead Kiosk
I think the map on this article has an incorrectly labeled road. According to other maps that I’m looking at, Sheep Ranch Rd is further south than shown on this map. I believe what’s marked as Sheep Ranch Rd here is actually W Sweets Ravine.
Hello. Thinking of doing this hike later in June, but wondering if anyone has suggestions on where we can add some miles in? Looking for offshoots or other loops to add to MRT/ NCT loop?
Thank you!
Planning to do the loop here in 2weeks. May start off on the North River trail first, then do the loop ending on the Manistee River trail. I did the loop back in 2020 going the other way. I noticed another site stating that a permit was needed to camp on the North River Trail. However, I don’t recall hearing about this 3 years ago when I did it. Has something changed?
Is there an overnight place to park along the trail where I don’t have to be concerned about my vehicle?
When you are backpacking, do you need to hang your food back up for bears?
Yes it can. I did it today in 9 hours with a 30 pound pack and a little over 1 hour for stops. I am definitely feeling it though. In retrospect I would just pack needed food and leave most of the camping gear at home. Go ultralight! Good luck, it’s about the nicest trail in the lower peninsula!
Where exactly is the nct overlook, About how many miles from upper river trailhead? I’m planning a trip and would probably be starting in the afternoon
Planning to sleep out of my jeep. Is there are place to park my car for dispersed camping nearby?
Hi Craig, Seaton Creek is a great place to set out from. The trail along the River heading south is a great stretch for first timers. The terrain along the entire route is rolling and you will only encounter a few areas that have some elevation change. We recommend you check out the Suspension Bridge crossing on the Big Manistee River, it is a really cool feature along the trail. Another great section of trail is about 6 miles south from Seaton Creek at the end of Slagle Creek Road. The views are spectacular from this location and the hike north through the high pines are great. The terrain in this section is a little more difficult though. Have a great time along the trail!
Looking to do a day hike out from Seaton Creek. First time hikers age range 50’s and only doing an overnight. What is the trail like out 3 or 4 miles from a difficulty level and are there good camp sites along that section of the trail?
Sorry I missed this comment a while back. If you have yet to go on this trip yet – here are a few pointers: you can do the NCT on the first day, yes, but it will be a good challenge if you have never done an overnight backpacking trip. There is quite a bit of elevation change, and with an isolation from pump water, you need to pack heavy that first day. Hope you enjoyed (or will enjoy it) if you have yet to venture out – We are seeing some great fall color up there in the river basin right now so even for a day hike, it will be worth it!
So glad you found this helpful! The NCT overlook is marked by a sign on the trail as the “Red Hill Lookout” it is about a mile and a half from the Upper River Trailhead. It is a trek to get to the top, but you can see the entire Udell Rollways, a great view! — There is no pump water sources on the NCT side no. Hope you have a great time if you find yourself on the trail!
My daughter did just that Labor Day. Her and I are leaving Thursday to repeat her adventure. Go Hike!
Thank you for posting this article, I find it very helpful. If you have time I have two questions for you. First, when you say “If you are starting out in the evening, get to the NCT overlook and set up camp.”, where is that? On the map I have I don’t see any “overlook” marked. Second, it does not look like there are any water sources on the North Country side of the trail except for Eddington Creek. Is that correct?
Planning a overnight trip with my daughter, first overnight backpacking trip…is the NCT section be done in the first day? I would like to camp on the River side.
Hi Shawn, rustic camping along the Manistee River Trail and North Country Trail loop is free and on a first come basis. There is a fee for parking in the USFS lots, and that information is available at the parking lot. Click on the trail map link for parking locations noted by P$.
Is this something you have to pay to reserve a spot or anything like that? And also can you bring your dog?
Hi Carla, we have a few ‘kid friendly’ trails in the Manistee County region. Magoon Creek, Orchard Beach State Park, Arcadia Marsh and Old Baldy at Arcadia Dunes are all good choices. For more information and maps, check out our Trails page: https://www.visitmanisteecounty.com/what-to-do/trails-manistee
What is the best trail for a family with little kids or what is a good pace to visit? ( short hike since they don’t last much)
My boy Shaun and I did the entire loop and then some (got off trail a bit just past the suspension bridge. 25 miles for us total this was our first hike. The East side trail much harder then the west. Bugs not bad at all. Beautiful challenge from Mother Earth. Enjoy! #Trump2020
Get your Manistee River Trail map here: https://www.visitmanisteecounty.com/project/manistee-river-trail
This is the most comprehensive information you’ll find for hiking the Manistee River Trail loop. The map indicates parking lots, parking fees, campsites and points of interest. Download the map here: https://www.visitmanisteecounty.com/project/manistee-river-trail
No permit for the trail, but there are parking fees as indicated by a $ on the map.
Where can I download the map? Thanks!
I am looking to plan a 3 or 4 day hike for my wife and myself. I have done several hikes and canoe trips during my time as a scout, but have not done any series trips in a while, and my wife, though very athletic is fairly inexperienced with this type of hiking. Is there anywhere I can find out more about this trail. I am looking for rules and regulations on any permits I might need, and which part of the trail/s would be good for us. Any help with pointing me in the right direction would be much appreciated.
Is a permit required to hike this trail?
The Big Manistee River is open to fishing along the Manistee River Trail. Tippy Dam Recreation Area is still closed. #RespectOurRivers #LeaveNoTrace
Is fishing accessible off the trail if I wanted to backpack the loop?
The Manistee River Trail is open.
Is the Manistee River Loop Trail open for backpacking?
To those wondering, the Manistee river trail is very doable as an out and back in one day depending on your level of fitness and endurance. Our group did so last year in a little over 5 hours. The scenery is different on the way back, and it’s a fair bit shorter than hopping on the NCT for the full loop (18ish miles as opposed to 24, almost a marathon!) Everyone in my group are cyclists and runners though.
I’m curious to hear if anyone has hiked from Red bridge to Mini Mac or vice versa and kayaked or tubed back.
Hi Rachel, the loop is 23 miles of hiking. It’s not recommended, but if you do, share your story with us!
Hello! Do you think this full loop could be done in one very long day?
Hi Amy, For information about hunting along the Manistee River Trail, please contact the US Forest Service at 231.723.2211 or the MDNR at michigan.gov/dnr. Remember, it’s always a good plan to wear hunter orange in the woods at this time of year.
We are thinking of hiking the last weekend of October. Is there a problem with bow hunters near the trails?
Hello, the Manistee County Road Commission should be able to answer your question. They can be reached at 231.889.0000
Happy Trails to You!
I’m planning on hiking the loop the end of August weekend of the 24th -26th. What’s the progress of the bridge, does it look like it will be reopened by then. First time hiking this trail. I’d like to park at the Red Bridge and head north on the NCT.
I’m thinking about kayaking/camping this stretch of the Manistee River. Are any of the campsites down close to the river?
This is a great idea! Yes, the Manistee River Trail can be done as an overnight. If you download the map the legend shows trailheads, rustic campsites (first come basis), fee areas, and more! Here’s the link to the map: https://www.visitmanisteecounty.com/project/manistee-river-trail Use the GPS coordinates in Google maps for turn-by-turn directions.
Hi!
I’m looking for an easy night out so I can take my 4 year old with my wife and I. Rather than doing this as a loop would it work as a short out and back? Pack in to a campsite, setup camp and enjoy a day, then head back the next morning? Would I need to a reserve a site or can we setup camp anywhere? I’d say his range is probably 4 miles or less of easy terrain in a day without me having to carry him. Not looking to complete a lot of mileage, just craft a little adventure for my little guy.
Thanks for any advice!
Hi Jason, Thank you for contacting Visit Manistee County. The Grand Traverse Land Conservancy and the Spirit of the Woods chapter of the North Country Trail offer guided hikes. Some of them can be found on our calendar, or you can explore the conservancy at http://www.gtrlc.org/recreation-events/events and the North Country Trail at https://northcountrytrail.org/volunteers/local-contacts/spirit-of-the-woods-chapter.
Hope this helps. Happy Trails!
I’m wondering as a newbie to hiking trails and to Michigan is there a good resource to find groups that are going on multi day hikes to,join up with?
Hello,
My husband and I are planning on hiking the manistee river trail this week but I just saw that the bridge is out. Are we able to complete the trail still?
Hey Beth, glad to hear you loved the loop! You do not need a permit to park at the Upper River Trailhead. We haven’t heard any news of LYFT coming to our county but we will keep an ear out for it. Unfortunately we can’t recommend wading through the river near Red Bridge because of its strong current. Here is a link to the road commission’s detour map for Red Bridge: https://bit.ly/2IOJKjW
Hi! Where on the map is the NCT Overlook? We’re getting in late at night and I’m curious how close it is from the Upper River TH. Thanks!
Is there a place to park a car overnight on the East side of Red Bridge? I think I remember the Red Bridge parking lot was on the West side of the bridge. I’m trying to stage a kayak at the north end of the MRT, park down by Red Bridge, hike North on the MRT, hop in my kayak and float back to my car. Thoughts?
HI,
I did this loop last year and loved it. Going back this year with the kids. Do you have to have a permit to park at the upper river trail head? Thinking of there instead of parking at Seatons Creek. With the red bridge out, we have another concern but I hear there may be a LYFT option coming about after Memorial Day. Thoughts about wading through the river at the red bridge area to complete the loop?
thanks!
Hey there Corey! Hiking and biking are both allowed on the North County Trail, but only hiking is allowed on the Manistee River Trail. There are plenty of camping spaces along the Manistee River Trail. I’d suggest downloading the map of both for a more comprehensive guide. Cheers!
Hello, I am a first time hiker and wouldn’t mind spending a weekend up here hiking or trailing with my bike. Are you able to tent up here and camp out at different locations? Please let me know!
Hi Joshua, There really isn’t a spot for “staging” your kayak for any period of time. There is a primitive parking area near the suspension bridge on the north side of the river. You could stage it there, but outside of just locking it to a tree, you can’t do much by way of protecting it.
I recommend you contact the U.S. Forest Service for more information. They can be reach at 231.723.2211 Monday-Friday 9am-4pm.
I am looking to hike then float back down in my kayak. Do you know where I would be able to drop kayak off and then start my hike? Email me jsouthwell@mcc.edu
Planning on hiking/backpacking here this month- where are dogs allowed to hike and what campsites can we have them?
I’m looking to do the loop the middle of October. There will be about 7 other guys with me and we were going to try and stretch this out to a 3.5 day 3 night trip. Do you think that is manageable? The experience level ranges from Beginner to Expert.
Do you need a pass to hike this loop?
Do I need reservations to tent camp along the trail or can I ENO / tent anywhere?
I’d like to start in the middle at the Slagel Creek parking area and head toward the waterfalls. Do you know if we can you park and get right on the trail from there or will we need to hike in a bit to get to the trail from where we park?
My favorite way to do this hike is a hike/float trip. You start by dropping a canoe or kayaks at the north end of the trail, on the west side of the river. There’s a parking area near the dam where you can stash your boats in the woods (bring a cable lock and lock them to a tree for security). Then drive down Upper River road (a dusty affair which is really just a maintenance access for the power lines from the dam, with a few soft, sandy spots – so be prepared) to the NCT Upper River Trailhead. You can’t park overnight at Red Bridge. From there, you hike down along the road to the MRT terminus at Red Bridge, pick up the trail just beyond, and hike north to the Suspension Bridge. It’s a pretty easy one-day hike, maybe 6 hours.
Then you camp overnight, pick up your boats, and float down to Red Bridge, which is about a 4-hour float with some very mild class-1 rapids. There’s a place to put the boats in near the parking area mentioned above.
When you get to Red Bridge, you take out, hike the mile or so up to the car at Upper River, and load up for a short and fun day 2.
Excited to hike this trail on Monday! Thanks for your insight and awesome POV 🙂
Leaving tomorrow morning to hike the loop with my husband. I did it last year but he is new to backpacking. The forecast looks great, can’t wait to get on the trail!!
Hi Melissa, the Manistee region has a lot of opportunity for a day hike. First on my list would be Magoon Creek or Arcadia Dunes. Both of these trails are day hikes, have beautiful views of Lake Michigan, and the potential to see wildlife. Another option would be Lake Bluff Bird Sanctuary and Orchard Beach State Park trails.
For more information and downloadable maps of our hiking trails: VisitManisteeCounty.com/outdoors/hiking-biking If you have more questions, call us at the Visitors Center: 877.626.4783
Going back in the spring of 2017. Last May, after a thunderstorm, my son and I witness the coolest firefly show ever! We need to see it again.
Any recommendations for a non-overnight hike? We will be staying in Irons, MI for a week this summer. We are looking for a hike that would have beautiful scenery as well as a lot of potential to see wildlife.
This is perfect for a first-time hiker – I was the contributing writer on this piece. I have hiked (day-trip and overnight) many times on this trail, but this was actually the first trail I ever really backpacked on. We did this exact trip I outlined here. There are many great spots to stop and the terrain has areas that are challenging in terms of elevation changes, but you will have areas of flat, easier terrain, to relax on and just enjoy the awesome views.
Would you consider this a good first-time backpacking trip for those of us (me) with no experience?
Good to hear!! Feel free to share your trail story with us; we’d love to hear from you.
Planning on hitting up the trail next weekend. Thanks for the insight on what to expect!