Manistee River Trail/North Country Trail Loop
Why it’s great for seasoned backpackers & overnight camping…
This Trail is perfect because it is an ideal overnight or 2 night trip (for the novice backpacker) and you only need one car to be staged. You will experience scenic hikes through the rolling hardwoods of the National forest and along the high bluffs overlooking the Big Manistee River and also visit a hydroelectric dam and cross the longest pedestrian foot bridge in the lower peninsula.
Why it’s great for backcountry XC skiing…
Sections of the MRT (typically from Seaton Creek Campground to Slagle Creek) are great for XC skiing. The terrain is more forgiving and it provides beautiful overlooks of the river below with the Udell hills in the background. Is starting from Red Bridge, we would classify that section of trail on XC skis for experts only, as tight terrain and steep grades will make it a challenge even for those who regularly break winter trails.
Trail Description
The Manistee River Trail segment begins at the “Little Mac” foot bridge that connects the Manistee River Trail to the North Country Trail. The east side of the Manistee River has high banks )125+ feet and is a truly beautiful hike. Seaton Creek Campground to the north is available for water fill-ups and camping if you do not prefer truly rustic camping your first night. Highlights along the MRT is a waterfall, many creeks, and of course, scenic overlooks.
Difficulty: Advanced
Trail Amenities/Quick Look:
- Natural/Hard Pack Surface
- Non-Motorized Only – Hiking and Biking (NCT ONLY)
- Information Stations
- Pedestrian Foot Bridge
- Trailhead markers
- Restrooms (at trailheads)
- Potable Water (at trailheads)
- Fee for parking at trailheads required
Trailhead Locations
Red Bridge Access - MRT
Upper River Road - MRT+NCT
Slagle Creek Access - MRT
Note: Primitive/Seasonal Road, Use Caution
Seaton Creek Campground - MRT
Campground with basic amenities/potable water.
Hodenpyl Dam South Parking Area - MRT
Suspension Bridge Parking- MRT
Note: This is the best location to park and access the pedestrian foot bridge to connect to the Manistee River Trail.
Suspension Bridge - MRT
Note: If parking in the “suspension bridge parking area” proceed northeast along Upper River Rd. until reaching the trail and proceed south. The suspension bridge is approximately .15 miles from Upper River Road.
Unplug. Explore. Michigan's Great Outdoors.
The Michigan's Great Outdoors collaborative consists of five Northern Michigan counties all working together to promote tourism in the region. With so many hiking, biking, winter sports, and ORV trails in the region that dynamically connect these counties, this site is devoted to educate the first-time visitor to the region looking to explore the great outdoors for the first time. We welcome you to browse this site and explore all this region has to offer.
