Top Fall Hikes in #MyManistee

Manistee County has no shortage of trails to explore. Whether you hike or bike, we’ve selected 6 trails for you to experience this fall with varying levels of difficulty and off the charts levels of fall beauty.

1. Manistee River Trail & North Country Trail Loop

One of the most picturesque locations in Manistee County is the The Manistee River Trail (MRT) and North Country Trail (NCT) Loop. The MRT is approximately 11 miles long and the NCT will create a loop of around 20 miles total. Follow the link below for a map of access points and scenic photo spots to capture the beautiful fall colors along the Big Manistee River. Please note: the Little Mac Suspension Bridge is closed for maintenance through November 11, 2024.

2. Old Baldy Trail

Enjoy this beautiful trail system as it looks out onto Lake Michigan. The hike begins in the dense hardwoods and ends out on the beautiful dune bluffs of Lake Michigan. This is a great place for a picnic or an outing with the family pet! Hike the Old Baldy trail in the morning and then grab your bike and head out on the St. Pierre trail system (on the other side of M22) in the afternoon.

3. Glen Park & North Point Park

Located in the heart of Onekama, both Glen Park and North Point Park offer 2.5+ miles of scenic trails. Explore the beautiful Mineral Springs at Glen Park which have been said to hold healing properties. North Point Park includes a paved accessible arboretum trail and an “All Abilities Garden” which includes interpretive signs in braille, English, Spanish, and
Anishinaabemowin translations.

4. Magoon Creek Natural Area

With nearly 2 miles of scenic trails, Magoon Creek Natural Area is perfect for casual hiking and biking while observing the beautiful fall colors. Follow the trail all the way down to Lake Michigan and be prepared to sift through beautiful stones, beach glass or search for a Petoskey Stone. Pack a picnic and enjoy the covered pavilions nestled high atop a 150’ bluff for spectacular views.

5. Wellston Arboretum Trail

The Arboretum Trail is a short, easy-to-walk trail that provides an educational experience to visitors. The trail passes through a variety of trees planted in the 1940’s as part of a tree-growth experiment. These tree species come from Europe, Asia and all over the United States. Educational signage along this unique trail identifies individual species so you can learn all about the trees along the way.

6. Big-M Recreation Area

Enjoy 40+ miles of mountain biking trails carved out of the Manistee National Forest. This well- marked, loop trail system sweeps through canopied hardwoods, which connects with the North Country Trail system. The varied elevations along rolling wooded trails makes this trail system a popular year round destination for outdoor adventurers.