Manistee River: Hodenpyl Dam to Rainbow Bend

Starting at the Red Bridge River Access Area just off North Coates Hwy (about 8 miles east of Brethren, Michigan) there is a small parking lot opposite of the trailhead where you can leave your car. The trail is part of the North Country Trail (NCT) so it is well marked with signs leading the way. The hike begins through trees and some rolling hills and you are soon rewarded with incredible vie...

Day 1:  Arrive at Seaton Creek Campground and pay for parking for the number of nights you plan on hiking the loop. For this particular trip, I hiked the loop in 2.5 days and 2 nights.  Hike 1.4 miles from Seaton Creak Campground to a suspension footbridge on the banks of the Manistee River. At this point, take the Manistee River Trail and follow the Manistee River downstream. This stretch of...

Manistee River Trail South is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a river located near Harrietta, Michigan.

Park at the High Rollway Observation Deck in Kingsley. There's actually two parking lots that you will come to on a dirt road. I suggest parking at the eastern most lot (drive straight instead of making a final right turn). There are two primary wooden platform lookouts near the parking lots. Be sure to stop at both. Continue hiking west and you will come to even more expansive views on the tra...

Elberta Dunes South is a loop trail that takes you through a nice forest located near Elberta, Michigan.

Starting at Riverside Canoe Rentals (located near the intersection of M-22 and Lake Michigan Rd), or the small park across the river, this trip will take you roughly 3 hours to float, but shorter if you are paddling.  But beware, starting here will require you to cross a small lake - not very difficult, but certainly something you want to be aware of, especially if you're floating and don't hav...