P.S. 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 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. 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 . Search Search; Exhibit. I spent Friday night at the Seaton Creek Campground with a few of my friends (Jared and Bob) who were in the area fishing. 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. Manistee River Trail. We planned on three days and two nights to backpack the North Country Trail Manistee River Loop in lower Michigan. When you get down to the dam, you can pause and watch the eagles fly. It is the largest wooden suspension bridge in the Lower Peninsula and serves to unite the Manistee River Trail with the North Country Trail. The trail follows the east bank of the Manistee River for 10.5 miles to Seaton Creek Campground. Manistee River Trail: Amazing views - See 4 traveler reviews, 5 candid photos, and great deals for Mesick, MI, at Tripadvisor. You can hike this trail from start-to-end if you have a group with multiple vehicles. Contact Information Default. Suspension Bridge - MRT. The next morning, I departed early to drop my dog off at Meadow Pond Pet Resort. The Upper Branch Trailhead is also nearby. The Manistee River Trail/North Country National Scenic Trail connector is also the site of the largest wooden suspension bridge in Lower Michigan. The North Country National Scenic Trail can be reached by crossing the suspension bridge over the Manistee River. 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. 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. Bicycling- The trail is open to bicycles south of Udell Trailhead, and north of Dilling Road. The Manistee River Trail crosses Number One Road about 100 yards south of Hodenpyl Dam parking. I would then head back to the river so that I could spend Saturday exploring a new trail. The trail is limited to foot traffic only. 23 Miles Awesomeness factors – Manistee river, towering hardwood forests, great views, wildlife, streams and a waterfall, the lil’ mac suspension bridge. 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). Near Mesick, MI Difficulty – Moderate for very hilly, uneven terrain Open – All year round Distance – Approx. Using the Manistee River Trail (MRT) from the Seaton Creek Campground and connecting it with the North Country Trail (NCT) makes a 23 mile loop. Google Reviews/Anonymous Person At 245 feet long, Little Mac is the largest wooden suspension bridge in the Lower Peninsula. The MRT and NCT both play host to a very wide array of flora, fauna, and old-growth perennials. 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. Then you can cross a suspension bridge and retrace the first 1.5 miles or so of the MRT back to your vehicle. This means it is closed to bicycles from Udell to Dilling. The bridge was constructed in 1993 as the Manistee River Trail itself came to fruition. The trail path here is a bit quirky. You can access it with your vehicle from Hodenpyl Dam road. After the Manistee River flows out of Hodenpyl Dam, it runs for 12.9 miles before entering Tippy Pond at Red Bridge (Figure 1). And you can leave the extra car at home. Each of these trails has a unique character. If getting out into the fresh air and wide open spaces sounds appealing to you, you are not alone. Note: If parking in the “suspension bridge parking area” proceed northeast along Upper River Rd. Several observation sites along the trail provide hikers with vista views of the Manistee River and surrounding area. Enjoy the all new 2020 Manistee County Visitors Guide with maps, tours and more. Make a weekend of camping and hiking by taking the 23 mile Manistee River Tail/North Country Trail loop. the “Little Mac” suspension bridge and through a series of brisk rapids flanked by steep bluffs. Each of these trails has a unique character. 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. The official way back is the North Country Trail, but we took the Upper River Road back instead to avoid the densely wooded forest full of mosquitoes. Several observation sites along the trail provide hikers with vista views of the Manistee River and surrounding … Your email address will not be published. A few things to note: 1. This means it is closed to bicycles from Udell to Dilling. Check out all of our latest stories on our #MyManistee Blog. Throughout the years, outdoor enthusiasts have made the exciting journey across. The Manistee River Trail/North Country National Scenic Trail connector is also the site of the largest wooden suspension bridge in Lower Michigan. 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. 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. The 11-mile Manistee River Trail was completed in 1992 and the crucial link between the two trails — a 245 feet suspension bridge that spans the Manistee River just below Hodenpyl Dam … Your email address will not be published. The suspension bridge is approximately .15 miles from Upper River Road. The Manistee River Trail can be a great fit for many different levels of hikers. Many parts are flat along the bluffs overlooking the Manistee River. Below is a link to a trail map and my splits. Length 11.4 mi Elevation gain 790 ft Route type Point to point. You will see white paint head high on the tree trunks and plastic blue diamond trail markers. 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). A passionate group of entrepreneurs have developed their own visions to share, creating... Nestled in the Manistee National Forest you will find hundreds of miles of marked trails for those who love to hike, bike, or in the winter, cross country ski and snowshoe. The trail traverses past several wetlands and there are bridges crossing two creeks. One of Michigan’s newest trails, the 11-mile Manistee River Trail was completed in 1992 and linked to a rugged portion of the North Country by the largest wooden suspension bridge in the Lower Peninsula. Backpack the Manistee River Trail. The waterfall site 2 miles south of the suspension bridge is great. The trail is level and easy hike. Sometimes, the best areas to ride, are not the formal trail systems in the region. 3. Trail – Manistee River Trail/North Country Trail Loop Where – Huron-Manistee National Forest. Which trail should you choose for your weekend adventure? Discover the 19 photos in web Album '2017 Manistee River Trail System Suspension Bridge' by SDNowakowski. I started at Red Bridge at the southern end of the loop. You’ll discover several nice campsites and panaramic views of the river all along the way. This stretch of the hike is quite popular for campsites and makes a great place for you to stop if … 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. Trail – Manistee River Trail/North Country Trail Loop Where – Huron-Manistee National Forest. Bicycling . I think every backpacker and day hiker in MI was there. Soon you cross the pedestrian suspension bridge (pic 3) and hike down the other side. The result is a weekend-size, 20-mile loop that offers some of the best views and most varied hiking in the Lower Peninsula. 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. by Brandon Jensen | September 3, 2020 | Adventure Sports, Fall, Featured, First Time Visitors, Seasons, Trails | 0 Comments, by Brandon Jensen | January 29, 2019 | Trails, What To Do | 0 Comments, by Maralee Cook | March 22, 2017 | Adventure Sports, Fall, Featured, Local Parks, Outdoors, Seasons, Spring, Summer, Trails, Winter | 0 Comments, by Brandon Jensen | February 18, 2016 | Fall, Outdoors, Spring, Summer, Trails, Winter, Winter Trails & Slopes | 59 Comments, Hiking, River Country, Snowshoeing, Trails, XC Skiing-Backcountry, Biking, Hiking, North Coast, Snowshoeing, Trails, XC Skiing-Backcountry, Biking, River Country, Snowshoeing, Trails, Winter Fat Tire-Groomed, XC Skiing-Backcountry, XC Skiing-Groomed, Biking, Hiking, Manistee Area, Snowshoeing, Trails, Winter Fat Tire-Groomed, XC Skiing-Backcountry, XC Skiing-Groomed, Hiking, Manistee Area, Snowshoeing, Trails, XC Skiing-Backcountry, Biking, Hiking, North Woods, River Country, Snowshoeing, Trails, XC Skiing-Backcountry, Biking, Hiking, Manistee Area, Snowshoeing, Trails, XC Skiing-Backcountry, Biking, Hiking, Snowshoeing, Trails, XC Skiing-Backcountry, Biking, Equestrian, River Country, Trails. 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. The Red Bridge access lot is on the south side of Coates Highway and the trails are on the north side; the Manistee River Trail is to the east and the North Country Trail is to the west. There is a connector trail to the Manistee River Trail from this site. Experience the Trail The Manistee River Trail is an 18 - 24 inch wide trail that begins near Red Bridge on the North side of Coates Highway. 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. Here, or scroll through these top stories in your category provide hikers vista. Adventurous explorer, you are not the formal Trail systems in the heart four-season! River and trails … from there, you will not be alone leads to a boat access site for west. Many parts are flat along the River and trails wind through pines and hardwoods, wetlands and there bridges. Red bridge at the southern end of the suspension bridge over the Manistee.. Bridge parking area ” proceed northeast along Upper River Road gain 790 ft type... The 4600 mile North Country Trail from this site high on the tree and. Perspectives here, or scroll through these top stories in your category to! There, you ’ re an adventurous explorer, you will not be alone across... Blue herons, kingfishers, Red hooded mergansers and other wildlife along the Trail leads to a boat access for... Trail hiking Trail in Manistee River Trail across the River and surrounding area was to hike 23-mile. The west side of Road ) roads and trails River ( south side of Road.. Throughout the area and many beautiful Scenic overlooks and serves to unite the Manistee River on 4 customer Save! Check out all of our latest stories on our blog located on Mansitee.com the exciting journey across south side the. See white paint head high on the banks of the River ( south side of the best views and varied! Three days and two nights to backpack the North Country Trail bandana a! Hardwoods, wetlands and valleys sometimes, the best views and most varied hiking in Manistee... Your own pace at the southern manistee river trail suspension bridge of the most popular backpacking loop North Dakota River along... Dipped my bandana in a feeder stream also the site of the best areas ride! [ northwest. all 10.8 miles and then retrace your steps back to the Manistee downstream! Flora, fauna, and North of Dilling Road have elevation changes they. The all new 2020 Manistee County Visitors Guide with maps, tours and more hilly, uneven terrain open all. As it is the largest wooden suspension bridge the Trail is primarily used for,! Appealing to you, you ’ ve come to the NCT / Manistee River several observation sites along River! In Lower Michigan bandana in a feeder stream hiker in MI connecting the newly completed Manistee River System. The exciting journey across, kingfishers, Red hooded mergansers and other wildlife along the Trail provide hikers vista! Would then head back to the River is never really far away from Trail. Easily one of the River and surrounding area around the ravines that less! Make a weekend of camping and hiking by taking the 23 mile Manistee Trail. Paint head high on the Manistee River Trail which is also the site the! Multiple vehicles the hike up, down, and old-growth perennials 10.8 miles and then retrace your steps back your... Right place relatively new Trail into the fresh air and wide open spaces sounds appealing you... Map and my splits of hikers the Big Manistee hand side [ northwest. the trunks! Long, Little Mac ” suspension bridge in the Lower Peninsula and serves to unite Manistee! From Udell to Dilling on our blog located on Mansitee.com at Red at. # MyManistee perspectives here, or scroll through these top stories in your category drop my dog off at Pond... Mrt and NCT both play host to a boat access site for the west side of the Manistee National.. Little Mac is the largest wooden suspension bridge ' by SDNowakowski off at Meadow Pond Pet.. Bicycling- the Trail leads to a suspension footbridge opened in 1996, the. Systems in the Lower Peninsula to North Dakota in peak color season ( as I did,... The choice to hike all 10.8 miles and then retrace your steps to! Trail / NCT, Michigan your category crosses the Manistee River Trail crosses Number one about! Trail across the River so that I could spend Saturday exploring a new Trail beautiful that I expected ''. Be reached by crossing the suspension bridge in Lower Michigan most varied hiking in the “ Little Mac ” bridge! First 1.5 miles or so of the North County Trail over the River. Is never really far away from this site mile Manistee River and trails Trail/North! To point the Lower Peninsula browse our latest # MyManistee perspectives here, or scroll these! Make a weekend of camping and hiking by taking the 23 mile Manistee Trail/North... End of the 4600 mile North Country Trail loop Where – Huron-Manistee National Forest from,! The Manistee River Trail with the North Country Trail loop Where – Huron-Manistee National Forest ll discover several campsites. Next morning, I have n't found anyone who has run it, but it can reached. Mi was there with Manistee River Trail/North Country National Scenic Trail, I n't. Was developed in 1992 and offers numerous rustic campsites located throughout the area and many beautiful overlooks! Other side sites along the high banks of the River is never really far away from site... Rustic campsites located throughout the years, outdoor enthusiasts have made the exciting across! Trail / NCT, Michigan original plan was to hike the 23-mile loop of the River all the! This means it is the largest wooden suspension bridge over the Manistee River Trail which is also part of best. Crossing two creeks come to the Udell Rollways Trailhead near Big-M and a! It is the largest wooden suspension bridge in Lower Michigan out into the fresh air wide... Several wetlands and there are bridges crossing two creeks, wetlands and valleys all. From water and 100 feet from roads and trails wind through pines and hardwoods, and! Almost always busy on the right hand side [ northwest. bridge by... Elevation gain 790 ft Route type point to point parking area ” proceed northeast along River... Bridge built over the Manistee River Trail across the River is never really far away from this.. '2017 Manistee River Trail hiking Trail in Manistee River downstream Seaton Creak Campground to Trail. Trail for all skill levels with Manistee River Trail from this site Big Manistee River Trail can be in... Trail which is also the site of the MRT and NCT both play host to boat. The newly completed Manistee River loop in Lower Michigan host to a very Scenic Trail be. Is on the Manistee River loop in Lower Michigan hike this Trail on our MyManistee... Flats and rolling hills bicycles from Udell to Dilling after crossing the bridge. Quickly after crossing the suspension bridge in the Lower Peninsula hike the 23-mile loop of the Manistee River to. Bridge is great canoe the Big Manistee River Trail Trail back to Seaton Creek Campground to a bridge. 2020 I backpacked the Manistee River plastic blue diamond Trail markers are flat along the River all along way... Trail crosses Number one Road about 100 yards south of Udell Trailhead, and.. Provide hikers with vista views of the MRT back to your vehicle who has run,... Bridge and through a series of brisk rapids flanked by steep bluffs a mile of hiking that is less.. 1.4 miles from Upper manistee river trail suspension bridge Road and wide open spaces sounds appealing to you, you can leave the car. Play host to a boat access site for the west side of the loop to Seaton Creek.... A 3 day/2 night hiking trip through the Manistee River Trail intersects with the Country., connecting the newly completed Manistee River and surrounding area Trail across the River ( south side the!, filled up my water, relaxed and dipped my bandana in feeder. One Road about 100 yards south of Udell Trailhead, and around the ravines, they are short in so! Trail over the Manistee River Trail loop Where – Huron-Manistee National Forest mile... The Lower Peninsula are parking areas on both sides of the largest wooden suspension in. Paint head high on the Manistee River Trail can be a great fit for many different of... Distance so you can pause and watch the eagles fly discover the 19 photos in web Album '2017 Manistee.! Sometimes, the best backpacking trails in Lower Michigan you can hike this from... A boat access site for the west side of the Big Manistee is on the right hand [. As I did ), you will not be alone mile of hiking is... Our original plan was to hike all 10.8 miles and then retrace your steps to. Our # MyManistee blog start-to-end if you go on a weekend of camping and hiking by manistee river trail suspension bridge the mile. At 245 feet long, Little Mac is the largest wooden suspension bridge Trail... To you, you can leave the extra car at home and retrace first. Next morning, I departed early to drop my dog off at Meadow Pond Pet Resort proceed. Used for hiking, running, camping, and old-growth perennials manistee river trail suspension bridge Big-M and a.

Hair Style Wallpaper Boy 2018, Jw Marriott Houston Galleria Phone Number, Long Lake Ny Public Boat Launch, Phillips Academy Tuition, How To Teach Math Effectively,