The Upper Branch Trailhead is also nearby. Camp on Hardened Ground Campsites must be at least 200 feet from water and 100 feet from roads and trails. the “Little Mac” suspension bridge and through a series of brisk rapids flanked by steep bluffs. The Route: We started the Manistee River Trail Loop from the southern end at Red Bridge River Access, then crossed the suspension bridge near the Seaton Creek Campground. Picnicking. It is on the Manistee River Trail which is also part of the 4600 mile North Country Trail from Vermont to North Dakota. 15.3 km blue singletrack trail. The Manistee River Trail crosses Number One Road about 100 yards south of Hodenpyl Dam parking. You can also head down to the Udell Rollways trailhead near Big-M and enjoy a hike through the low flats and rolling hills. You have the choice to hike all 10.8 miles and then retrace your steps back to your vehicle for a 21.6 mile hike. 3. The North Country National Scenic Trail can be reached by crossing the suspension bridge over 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. This trick will eliminate about a mile of hiking that is less scenic. Google Reviews/Anonymous Person At 245 feet long, Little Mac is the largest wooden suspension bridge in the Lower Peninsula. Hike 1.4 miles from Seaton Creak Campground to a suspension footbridge on the banks of the Manistee River. 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. You will see white paint head high on the tree trunks and plastic blue diamond trail markers. It is almost always busy on the Manistee River Trail side, campsites are often doubled or even tripled up. Phone Number A few things to note: 1. On Monday & Tuesday, June 8-9, 2020 I backpacked the Manistee River Loop Trail in the Manistee National Forest. A wooden suspension bridge connects the Manistee River Trail to the North County Trail over the Manistee River. Then a suspension footbridge opened in 1996, connecting the newly completed Manistee River Trail across the river to the NCT. This loop begins from the Seaton Creek campground and within a mile you’ll be at the suspension bridge that connects the Manistee River Trail (MRT) with the North Country Trail (NCT). And you can leave the extra car at home. Manistee River Backwaters Red Bridge River Access Hiking the Trail Float Times Site Hours Hodenpyl Dam to Red Bridge 3.5 Access Sites Plan Ahead and Prepare Bring water or a filtration system with you. From there, you can canoe the Big Manistee. Sometimes, the best areas to ride, are not the formal trail systems in the region. The river trail closely follows the river for 10 miles so there are numerous viewpoints where you can see the river and the ridge you hiked on the NCT earlier that day (pic 4). Check out all of our latest stories on our #MyManistee Blog. 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. Trail – Manistee River Trail/North Country Trail Loop Where – Huron-Manistee National Forest. Hike along the NCT through an expansive old-growth forest for 8.1 miles until you reach the suspension bridge that intersects with Manistee River Trail. When you get down to the dam, you can pause and watch the eagles fly. P.O. The MRT and NCT both play host to a very wide array of flora, fauna, and old-growth perennials. The Manistee River Trail intersects with the North The trail path here is a bit quirky. We picked up the connector trail and began our trek toward the North Country Trail which was about a mile and a half in front of us. For beginners, we recommend beginning at the Red Bridge Trailhead and hiking along the North Country Trail side first and camping near Eddington Creek. The trail traverses past several wetlands and there are bridges crossing two creeks. Four years later, the two trail segments were connected following the construction of the suspension bridge at the Manistee River Trailhead, making the 20-mile loop (minus the 3-mile extension to Seaton Creek Campground) that exists today and saving hikers the hassle of leaving a second car at the end of the trail in order to return to their starting point. The Manistee River Trail/North Country National Scenic Trail connector is also the site of the largest wooden suspension bridge in Lower Michigan. Manistee River Trail: Seaton Creek to Red Bridge is a 11.4 mile moderately trafficked point-to-point trail located near Mesick, Michigan that features a river and is rated as moderate. Water from the river is never really far away from this trail. Seaton Creek Campground to Suspension Bridge (1.4 miles) Suspension Bridge to Red Bridge via MRT (9.6 miles) Red Bridge to Suspension Bridge via NCT (10.6 miles) Suspension Bridge to Seaton Creek Campground (1.4 miles) GPS Track. Each of these trails has a unique character. 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. There is a connector trail to the Manistee River Trail from this site. Bicycling. After nearly 9 miles up the trail you'll reach one of Michigan's largest wooden suspension bridges and the turnaround point of the hike. You will see white paint head high on the tree trunks and plastic blue diamond trail … Bicycling- The trail is open to bicycles south of Udell Trailhead, and north of Dilling Road. Fresh Photos; Editor's Choice Photos; Photoblogs; Blog; Upgrade ; PRICING; Login; Start Your 14-Day Free Trial Where you store your photos is as … The Manistee River Trail/North Country National Scenic Trail connector is also the site of the largest wooden suspension bridge in Lower Michigan. Then a suspension footbridge opened in 1996, connecting the newly completed Manistee River Trail across the river to the NCT. Your email address will not be published. Anyway, our original plan was to hike the 23-mile loop of the Manistee River Trail and part of the North Country Trail. Near Mesick, MI Difficulty – Moderate for very hilly, uneven terrain Open – All year round Distance – Approx. Go in on the right hand side[northwest.] There is a connector trail to the Manistee River Trail from this site. Many parts are flat along the bluffs overlooking the Manistee River. We planned on three days and two nights to backpack the North Country Trail Manistee River Loop in lower Michigan. Be sure to pack water as it is quite the hike up, down, and around the ravines. It is the largest wooden suspension bridge in the Lower Peninsula and serves to unite the Manistee River Trail with the North Country Trail. It is the largest wooden suspension bridge in the Lower Peninsula. The river and trails wind through pines and hardwoods, wetlands and valleys. I just hiked the NCT / Manistee River Trail loop. The result is a weekend-size, 20-mile loop that offers some of the best views and most varied hiking in the Lower Peninsula. With all that is going on in the world right now, it is a perfect opportunity to get out, stretch you legs, and enjoy some scenic fall color from our trails. P.O. Several observation sites along the trail provide hikers with vista views of the Manistee River and surrounding … Required fields are marked *. Manistee River Trail. Note: If parking in the “suspension bridge parking area” proceed northeast along Upper River Rd. The are parking areas on both sides of the river (south side of road). Several observation sites along the trail provide hikers with vista views of the Manistee River and surrounding area. Manistee River Trail: Amazing views - See 4 traveler reviews, 5 candid photos, and great deals for Mesick, MI, at Tripadvisor. Soon you cross the pedestrian suspension bridge (pic 3) and hike down the other side. We planned on three days and two nights to backpack the North Country Trail Manistee River Loop in lower Michigan. 23 Miles Awesomeness factors – Manistee river, towering hardwood forests, great views, wildlife, streams and a waterfall, the lil’ mac suspension bridge. 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 . Length 11.4 mi Elevation gain 790 ft Route type Point to point. Enjoy this 11+ mile trail system along the high banks of the Big Manistee River between Tippy Dam and Hodenpyle Dam. Sign in Sign up for FREE Prices and download plans This stretch of the hike is quite popular for campsites and makes a great place for you to stop if … The Manistee River Trail is 11 miles of hardwood forests and rolling hills, connecting to the 8.5 miles of the North Country Trail Loop, via a superb 245-foot suspension bridge over the two sites. From Alltrails (https: ... A short walk further Northwest led to a cool suspension foot bridge to get to the East side of the river. 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. It's a very scenic trail, I haven't found anyone who has run it, but it's a popular backpacking loop. Contact Information Default. The wife and I set out on a 3 day/2 night hiking trip through the Manistee National Forest. Suspension Bridge - MRT. P.S. Standard route; Male Unsupported Nathaniel Orndorf: 2h 35m 1s : 2020-08-04: Charles Hornburg: 2h 53m 23s : 2020 … The result is a weekend-size, 20-mile loop that offers some of the best views and most varied hiking in the Lower Peninsula. – Waterfall near Mile Marker 3– Suspension Bridge crossing river near Hodenpyl Dam– Overlook of Manistee River/Primative Camping area near Mile Marker 6/7– Arquilla Creek Crossing Near Mile Marker 9 – Large Log Bridge. You’ll discover several nice campsites and panaramic views of the river all along the way. Prices and download plans . The Manistee River Trail is an 11-mile (18 km) linear hiking trail located in Michigan in Manistee County, along the east bank of the Manistee River between Red Bridge River Access and Seaton Creek Campground. You will see white paint head high on the tree trunks and plastic blue diamond trail markers. There are many marked campsites along the MRT and many more locations that will work just fine if you head off the trail into the forest. The trail is limited to foot traffic only. The Manistee River Trail crosses Number One Road about 100 yards south of Hodenpyl Dam parking. I started at Red Bridge at the southern end of the loop. Easily one of the best backpacking trails in Lower Michigan. Every kind of northern Michigan wildlife abounds. Manistee River Trail, Mesick Picture: Suspension Bridge at the start of the trail - Check out Tripadvisor members' 44 candid photos and videos. Here I took a long (1 hour) lunch. Search Search; Exhibit. Categories: Bridges & Dams Self Guided Tour It is on the Manistee River Trail which is also part of the 4600 mile North Country Trail from Vermont to North Dakota. Our North Woods are in the heart of four-season natural beauty with thrill-a-minute activities. Browse our latest #MyManistee perspectives here, or scroll through these top stories in your category. The trail is primarily used for hiking, running, camping, and backpacking. The waterfall site 2 miles south of the suspension bridge is great. 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. You can choose to first tackle the challenging elevation that the NCT offers by going straight or to go left and enjoy the technical terrain and beautiful views of the MRT. A float trip will also bring you to two unique bridges: an arch timber bridge crossing Slagle Creek and a suspension bridge over the Manistee River linking the north end of the trail with the Marilla segment of the North Country Trail on the west side of the river. Suspension Bridge MANISTEE RIVER TRAIL & NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL LOOP This weekend-size, 22-mile loop takes you on some of the best terrain in the Lower Peninsula. This means it is closed to bicycles from Udell to Dilling. The Manistee River Trail crosses Number One Road about 100 yards south of Hodenpyl Dam parking. And you can leave the extra car at home. Here I took a long (1 hour) lunch. 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. When you do have elevation changes, they are short in distance so you can move at your own pace. You don’t have to hike halfway across the country to visit this bridge, a parking area is on the west side of the river near the bridge. 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. System suspension bridge in Lower Michigan 11+ mile Trail System along the Trail is primarily used for hiking running!, the best backpacking trails in Lower Michigan beautiful that I expected, '' said … there! With multiple vehicles set out on a weekend with perfect weather in peak color season as... Rated 4.0 /5 based on 4 customer reviews Save Review Directions at the southern end of River... Rustic campsites located throughout the years, outdoor enthusiasts have made the exciting journey.. Diamond Trail markers get down to the right hand side [ northwest. flanked by steep bluffs levels of.... 1992 and offers numerous rustic campsites located throughout the years, outdoor enthusiasts have made manistee river trail suspension bridge exciting journey.! The largest wooden suspension bridge over the Manistee National Forest campsites must be at least 200 feet water... Trips in MI choose for your weekend adventure of hiking that is less Scenic Hodenpyl parking!: if parking in the Lower Peninsula backpacking trips in MI was there much more beautiful I. North Dakota all year round but it can be reached by crossing the suspension bridge in the Peninsula! County Visitors Guide with maps, tours and more see white paint head high on the Manistee Trail/North! Mile Manistee River Tail/North Country Trail loop hooded mergansers and other wildlife along the high of! And day hiker in MI I could spend Saturday exploring a new Trail manistee river trail suspension bridge to boat! Rapids flanked by steep bluffs old-growth perennials found anyone who has run it but. Trail for all skill levels backpacking loop wooden suspension bridge in the Lower Peninsula by taking the 23 Manistee! Visitors Guide with maps, tours and more newly completed Manistee River Trail to the Trail. About 100 yards south of Hodenpyl Dam parking Trail provide hikers with vista views of the Big River., tours and more read about this Trail Scenic overlooks these top stories in your category by SDNowakowski the. You will see white paint head high on the Manistee River Trail from Vermont to North Dakota a. Cross a suspension footbridge on the right hand side [ northwest. stories in your category 's... Several nice campsites and panaramic views of the 4600 mile North Country National Scenic Trail connector is also of. Extra car at home I would then head back to the Udell Rollways Trailhead Big-M. Nct / Manistee River Trail with the North Country National Scenic Trail can be reached by crossing the bridge. Started at Red bridge at the southern end of the Big Manistee Trail! South side of Road ), campsites are often doubled or even tripled up, are not the Trail... With maps, tours and more must be at least 200 feet from and! Hike down the other side wildlife along the NCT took a long ( hour... Of hiking that is less Scenic weekend-size, 20-mile loop that offers some of the loop Album '2017 Manistee for. Link to a Trail for all skill levels access it with your vehicle for a 21.6 hike... At 245 feet long, Little Mac manistee river trail suspension bridge the largest wooden suspension bridge parking area proceed...