It would be like a (rough and tough) 15 mile Saturday though. MQT1223 O Scale Railfanner Posts: 3007 Joined: Wed Sep 10, 2014 12:46 pm Location: Grandville, Michigan. Update for anyone interested: I received a call back from Beth (I believe she is with the US Forest Service) with an update that the project is basically 1 month delay due to the storms and weather related issues. If you are wanting a long Saturday easy Sunday I’d start on the north side of the trail, cross the bridge and head to the campgrounds a few miles past the bridge on the south side. The wife and I set out on a 3 day/2 night hiking trip through the Manistee National Forest. It is considered, like the nearby Au Sable River, to be one of the best trout fisheries east of the Rockies. Eddington Creek on the NCT side was also flowing with no ice when I did the trail (this will obviously be temperature dependent). User account menu. MANISTEE RIVER TRAIL – The Manistee River Trail is a 8.8 mile trail that goes the length of the Manistee River from Hodenpyl to Tippy Dam. From there make your way across the suspension bridge and onto the Manistee River trail, … Along with amazing hiking along the North Country Trail. The project is slated for completion at the end of September, 2019. 2020 Upland and Waterfowl Seasons – Time to Book Your Trip! You will see white paint head high on the tree trunks and plastic blue diamond trail markers. The Manistee River Trail segment begins at the “Little Mac” foot bridge that connects the Manistee River Trail to the North Country Trail. There are only a couple of structures along this reach. 3 Rd Hodenpyl Dam Rd N 1 1/2 eaton No. Any updates would greatly be appreciated. For beginners, we recommend beginning at the Red Bridge Trailhead and hiking along the North Country Trail side first and camping near Eddington Creek. For more information about Manistee River Trail and Little Mac, click here. https://www.visitmanisteecounty.com/project/manistee-river-trail Trying to head up there this weekend or next. The Manistee River Trail crosses Number One Road about 100 yards south of Hodenpyl Dam parking. We planned on three days and two nights to backpack the North Country Trail Manistee River Loop in lower Michigan. The project will replace the deteriorating M-55 bridge in Manistee built in 1931. Upper Portion: Much of the Big Manistee River is ideal for Families and groups. FKTs. EDIT: I was confusing two trips, referenced the dam which is not past the Manistee River Trail not on it. Required fields are marked *. The site may not work properly if you don't, If you do not update your browser, we suggest you visit, Press J to jump to the feed. I was wondering the same thing. The Manistee River Trail is one of the best hikes I have done. Does anyone know if the Manistee River Trail was impacted? The east side of the Manistee River has high banks )125+ feet and is a truly beautiful hike. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Red Bridge to Suspension Bridge via NCT (10.6 miles) Suspension Bridge to Seaton Creek Campground (1.4 miles) GPS Track. Trying to head up … Press J to jump to the feed. Manistee National Forest. Manistee Ranger Station Phone: 231-723-2211 TTY: 711-231-723-2211 Supervisor’s Office Phone: 231-775-2421 TTY: 711-231-775-2421 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. The Manistee River in the U.S. state of Michigan, runs 190 miles (310 km) through the northwestern Lower Peninsula; it now passes through the contemporary villages of Sharon, Smithville, and Mesick, entering Lake Michigan at Manistee. Top. The water above and below the bridge is one of our favorite big smallmouth destinations in July and August. Go in on the right hand side[northwest.] The trail passes several wetlands and there are bridges crossing two creeks along the way along with a waterfall near the northern section. Hiked this loop on the weekend of 9/22 and crossed by foot no problem. If it is still closed is there an estimated date? Trail – Manistee River Trail/North Country Trail Loop Where – Huron-Manistee National Forest. This area has great smallmouth bass water. Thought I'd keep this post fresh with another "Is it Open Yet"? It’s also the take out spot for the trout water above the bridge coming down from Hodenpyl Dam near Mesick. Looks like there was also some storm damage late last month. Share your experiences with us in the comments. Author: BACKPACKERMagazine Updated: Feb 8, 2017 Original: Sep 19, 2013. You can park your takeout car at the … This trick will eliminate about a mile of hiking that is less scenic. From the top of the bluff the river seems so close, yet so far away. The trail traverses past several wetlands and there are bridges crossing two creeks. Manistee County Road Commissioner, Mark Shodden has stated that the boat ramp will stay open during the entire construction process. Contractor to supply flagman during construction and can't totally close line in excess of 7 consecutive days to provide service to customers. Park up near the dam at the end of O'Rourke Drive. 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. With float segments from 1 hr to 4+ hours in duration, this river is ideal for day trips or overnight trips. Grand Traverse Bay Fishing Report for 6.9.20, Product Review- Patagonia Macro Puff Hoody. I have one shot next weekend for the annual backpacking trip with my daughter (13yr!) The trail follows the east bank of the Manistee River for 10.5 miles On the upper river portion (north of Hodenpyl Dam) a favorite trip is the US-131 to Baxter Bridge. Where the bridge crosses the river is the back waters of Tippy Pond. Is Red Bridge opened on the Manistee River Trail loop yet? Basically it is not open at this point but should be closer to end of October and to check the website or call. The North Country Trail and Manistee River Trail loop is approximately 20 miles and is ideal for a relaxing hike with a group of friends or family who want to “rough it” for a weekend getaway. The hike begins through trees and some rolling hills and you are soon rewarded with incredible views of the Manistee River. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Didn't see anything with a new estimated date unfortunately. Have you been lucky enough to cross this pedestrian bridge during past visits to the area? There was once a town here, but now just a few houses, one of which had a dog that began barking incessantly about my intrusion into these quiet woods. Manistee River Hodenpyl Dam to Red Bridge Manistee County (T23N, R13W Section 25, 26 , 35, 36, and T22N, R13W Sections 2, 11, 14, 15, 22, 23) Surveyed June, 2000 Mark A. Tonello and Andrew J. Nuhfer Environment The Hodenpyl Dam to Red Bridge stretch of the Manistee River is located in eastern Manistee County, MI, near the town of Mesick. 2. Super Chief … 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 17.5-mile link-up of the Manistee River and North Country Trails is so good that one in four BACKPACKER Facebook fans … You can access by turning off M-37 near Yuma and going West on 26 Mile road towards Seaton Creek Campground. 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. I have hiked from Hodenpyl down to Red Bridge about 6 times. I was biking thru that area monday planning to take the bridge. You are either right next to the river or along the bluffs throughout the majority of the hike. No bridge made for a more interesting ride. With many access points to the trails, starting out at the Upper River Trailhead just off of Coates Highway is a great spot to begin. Manistee_River_Trail_FKT_.gpx 946.03 KB. Hiking the Manistee River Trail Loop in the fall: Our 3-day, 2-night backpacking trip. Close. The good news is that we will still be able to fish that water though detours will be required to get to it. A 23-mile loop can be formed with the North Country National Scenic Trail. Unread post by MQT1223 » Tue Dec 31, 2019 4:12 am. Located near the Village of Brethren in Manistee County, the deteriorated bridge over the Manistee River will be fully replaced this construction season. 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. (Red Bridge access to the Manistee River is to the right down this road, but if you want to go there, continue on the trail, take the turnoff to the Upper River Road trailhead, and then take the turn to Manistee River Trail, and it will lead you to the bridge without walking the road.) I navigated my way along forest trails until I finally came to the spot on the south bank of the Manistee River where I knew the old "High Bridge" once crossed. Is Red Bridge opened on the Manistee River Trail loop yet? The Manistee River Loop Trail near Marilla, Michigan follows the east shore of the Manistee River for 8.8 miles through rolling hills and connects with the North Country Trail along the western shore to make an 18+ mile loop hike. Archived. Standard route; Male Unsupported Nathaniel Orndorf: 2h 35m 1s : 2020-08-04: Charles Hornburg: 2h 53m 23s : 2020-05-09: Josh Sanders: 3h 6m 39s : 2019-05-30: Peter Hubbard: 3h 33m 1s : 2014-06-14: Female Supported … Don't need to drive across just get us and our packs over! Manistee River Below Tippy Fishing Report, https://hawkinsoutfitters.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/smallmouth-bass-chris.jpg, https://hawkinsoutfitters.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Facebook-300x300.png. Looks like you're using new Reddit on an old browser. © 2015-2020 Hawkins Outfitters all rights reserved. Have one of the best backpacking adventures in the Lower Peninsula on this tranquil 17.5-mile loop through the Manistee National Forest. River Road parallels the river in close proximity for the first 1.5 miles below Hodenpyl Dam, providing hike-in A waterfall near the northern end of the trail is very popular with many hikers. 1 Rd No. Completion expected 2022. 23 Miles Awesomeness factors – Manistee river, towering hardwood forests, great views, wildlife, streams and a waterfall, the lil’ mac suspension bridge. The bridge on Coates Highway crossing the Manistee is slated for replacement this coming summer. Then decide where to get out. The trail is part of the North Country Trail (NCT) so it is well marked with signs leading the way. The Manistee River Trail (administered by the US Forest Service) runs along the east bank of the river, and provides campsites for backpackers or canoeists. Thanks for the info. If it is still closed is there an estimated date? Near Mesick, MI Difficulty – Moderate for very hilly, uneven terrain Open – All year round Distance – Approx. Unmolested by bridges, cottages and dams, this wild stretch of Michigan's third-longest river appeals not only to paddlers and anglers looking for trophy trout but also to hikers. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/michigan/the-manistee-river-trail There are two trailheads for the Manistee River Trail, Seaton Creek Campground and Red Bridge, both offer camping. Even if not open to cars, can foot traffic walk (errr.... sneak) across? Log In Sign Up. Your email address will not be published. Recreational use of the river will be maintained throughout the construction, although those who plan to backpack the popular loop between Hodenpyl Dam and Red Bridge will be unable to cross over the river on Coates Highway. Workers there just waved us across, New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast, More posts from the CampAndHikeMichigan community, Continue browsing in r/CampAndHikeMichigan. Posted by 2 years ago. Along the way there are scattered, designated campsites. All of the websites said August 24th but I heard it's still possibly closed. This spur is a steep side trail (0.4 mile) down to the parking at Upper River Road Trailhead. In addition to great fishing water the river from Hodenpyl to Red Bridge is a very popular canoe and kayak destination. Or, if you want to recommend another hidden Michigan treasure for a future piece, be sure to fill out our recommendation form here. https://hawkinsoutfitters.com/red-bridge-manistee-river-closure Your email address will not be published. and was hoping to do the MRT Loop. Manistee River Hiking & Water Trail • North Country Trail West Michigan Trails s Rd s Rd W 26 Rd W 30 Rd W 32 Rd tage Rd Slagel Creek Rd W 30 1/2 Rd W 28 Rd Marilla Rd S Hodenpyl en Rd W 28 1/4 McClish N 3 1/2 No. Cold Sinking Lines from Scientific Anglers. The bridge was still closed this weekend when we did the Manistee River Trail. 1 Rd No. From Hodenpyl Dam Pond the Manistee River winds south uninhibited and free in the Manistee National Forest for 13 miles before a road crosses it. Depending on how the temps have been during the winter, several of the faster moving creeks and streams may be open as well. 2. If not then any alternative loops in the area (i.e within 1 hr driving)? Manistee River Trail Loop: Manistee State Forest, MI . He has requested that all river users be cautious when on the water near the bridge. Michigan Campers, Backpackers and Hikers The Manistee River Trail follows the east shore of the Manistee River for 8.8 miles through rolling hills. 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. 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