After a weekend hike on the Manistee River Trail loop, we were left with an interesting impression. While not a true wilderness experience, the trail has a unique feel that only the Michigan backwoods seem to offer. Quiet and remote, hiking the trail feels a bit like travelling back in time. The map shows that several roads will be crossed, but none are paved or graveled. Most are nothing more than wide, almost forgotten paths through the forest that see little use. It feels as though you’re walking through a country forest from some earlier point in time.

On the west side of the 20 mile loop, you’ll travel along wooded hillsides as you follow one of America’s designated scenic trails – the NCT (North Country Trail).

North Country Trail & Looping to the Manistee River Trail

Cross the river to the other side and you’ll walk along the Manistee River Trail, (MRT) with scenic river views at nearly every turn. A pedestrian suspension bridge on the northern end, and the 2 lane highway bridge on the southern end (Red Bridge) allow for an easy crossing. Park at Seaton Creek Campground or Red Bridge, both of which offer potable water. Alternatively parking could be utilized at the Marilla Trailhead, the CP Canoe Portage, or even at the end of Slage Creek Road for a more remote experience. Designated campsites can be found along the eastern, MRT side of the loop, but dispersed camping is allowed throughout the forest provided that you’re 200 feet away from a water source. The Western NCT section can be dry, but Eddington Creek can usually be counted on to refill your bottles. Bring your fishing gear if you’re so inclined – brown trout inhabit the waters of the Manistee River. All of this can be found within a 6 hour drive of Chicago or a 4.5 hour drive from Detroit.

National Geographic offers their Manistee & Huron National Forest maps, but the loop is unfortunately not covered. You can find a very basic map here. USGS topos could be useful. For getting to and from the trailhead and planning the hike from a general overview perspective, the Delorme Michigan Atlas & Gazetteer can be useful.

Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in Issue 4 of TrailGroove Magazine. You can read the original article here for additional content and photos.