Spring Trails in #MyManistee

Spring hiking in Manistee County is an exhilarating experience that awakens the senses and
rejuvenates the soul. As the snow melts and the forests come back to life, the county’s
extensive trail system offers an escape into a world of fresh greenery, rushing rivers and the
sounds of nature shaking off winter’s chill.

We’ve identified 5 trails you must experience this spring!

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 greenery along the Big Manistee River. The Little Mac Suspension Bridge was closed for the winter season for repairs and is officially open!

2. Arcadia Dunes & Arcadia Marsh

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. A visit in spring will allow you to be surrounded by trilliums along Chestnut and Dry Hill.

The Arcadia Marsh Nature Preserve is known as one of the top birding observation areas in the state. A ¼ mile section in the central portion of the boardwalk trail is closed each year from April 15 – July 15 to avoid disturbing several species of sensitive wetland birds during their peak nesting season.

3. Lake Bluff Farms

This jewel on Lake Michigan’s shore boasts over 1500 feet of Lake Michigan Frontage on its 76 acres in Manistee County and is home to over 170 bird species. You can also find two Michigan Champion Trees – a Giant Sequoia and Sycamore.

4. 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.

5. Biking the Big-M 

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.