Trails in Manistee County
Manistee River Trail
Part of the Manistee National Forest – Connected to the North Country Trail System
Enjoy this 11+ mile trail system along the high banks of the Big Manistee River between Tippy Dam and Hodenpyle Dam. This relatively new trail was developed in 1992 and offers numerous rustic campsites located throughout the area and many beautiful scenic overlooks. The trail is level and easy hike. Make a weekend of camping and hiking by taking the 23 mile Manistee River Tail/North Country 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. You can also head down to the Udell Rollways trailhead near Big-M and enjoy a hike through the low flats and rolling hills.
Difficulty/Hiking Tips
The beauty of the Manistee River Trail is that it really is a trail for all skill levels. Many parts are flat along the bluffs overlooking the Manistee River. When you do have elevation changes, they are short in distance so you can move at your own pace.
Points of Interest
– Waterfall near Mile Marker 3
– Suspension Bridge crossing river near Hodenpyl Dam (Please note: the suspension bridge will be closed for maintenance through November 11, 2024)
– Overlook of Manistee River/Primative Camping area near Mile Marker 6/7
– Arquilla Creek Crossing Near Mile Marker 9 – Large Log Bridge
Not to be Missed
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. It is the largest wooden suspension bridge in the Lower Peninsula and serves to unite the Manistee River Trail with the North Country Trail.
Trailhead Locations
Red Bridge Trailhead
- Trailhead Marker/Map
- Parking Area : Fee (USFS)
- Boat Launch to Manistee River
- Vault Toilets
- Potable Water
- Campsites
Upper River Road Trailhead
- Trailhead Marker/Map
- Parking Area : Fee (USFS)
- Direct access to the North Country Trail/Manistee River Trail Loop
Seaton Creek Campground
- Trailhead Marker/Map
- Parking Area : Fee (USFS)
- Direct access to the North Country Trail/Manistee River Trail Loop
- Potable Water
- Vault Toilets
- Campsites
- Access to Hodenpyl Dam Viewing Area
Suspension Bridge Crossing
- Primitive Parking Area
- Parking Area : Fee (USFS)
- Direct access to the North Country Trail/Manistee River Trail Loop
- Access the Bridge (if visiting for the day) from the north along Upper River Road.
Marilla Trailhead
- Primitive Parking Area
- Parking Area : Fee (USFS)
- Direct access to the North Country Trail/Manistee River Trail Loop
- Vault Toilets
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