North Country Trail: Manistee River Section

While the specific komoot route for the North Country Trail: Manistee River Section is an out-and-back, it is most famously combined with the Manistee River Trail (MRT) to form a popular 20-23 mile loop. This loop is a significant draw, offering a diverse and dynamic hiking experience.

The terrain is quite varied. The North Country Trail side of the loop is generally more rugged, featuring hills, steep grades, and demanding climbs, including ascents like Red Hill. You'll climb 'hill after hill through tall pines and hardwoods'. In contrast, the Manistee River Trail side typically has smaller hills and flatter sections, though it still includes undulating parts and boardwalks in wetland areas like Sterling Marsh and Dead Horse Marsh. The entire loop has an elevation change of approximately 1,000 to 2,000 feet.

The trail offers extensive views of the Manistee River, dense hardwood forests, and panoramic vistas from elevated points like Red Hill Lookout. You'll also encounter the largest wooden suspension bridge in Lower Michigan, which connects the NCT to the MRT. The Manistee River Trail side features continuous river views, an 8-foot-high waterfall about two miles south of the suspension bridge, streams, wetland boardwalks, and high, cut-away riverbanks. Expect diverse ecosystems including pine stands, swamps, and bayous.

There are numerous access points to the trail system. While specific parking areas are not detailed in the provided information, the trail is well-known and access points are generally available along the route, particularly where it intersects with roads or other trailheads.

The North Country Trail: Manistee River Section is located within the Manistee National Forest. Generally, there are no entrance fees for national forests. For camping, both dispersed camping and designated rustic campgrounds are available along the route. While specific permit requirements for dispersed camping are not detailed, it's always advisable to check with the Manistee National Forest service for the latest regulations regarding camping permits or fire restrictions before your trip.

The trail offers beauty year-round. The fall colors in this region are particularly spectacular, making autumn a highly recommended time to visit. However, the trail is also used for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter, and spring and summer offer lush greenery and opportunities for wildlife spotting. Be prepared for varied conditions depending on the season.

While specific leash rules are not detailed, trails within national forests are generally dog-friendly, often requiring dogs to be on a leash. It's recommended to check with the Manistee National Forest for their specific pet regulations to ensure a smooth trip with your canine companion.

The trail offers a diverse set of terrain suitable for various skill levels. While the North Country Trail side can be strenuous with significant elevation changes, the Manistee River Trail side generally features smaller hills and flatter sections, making parts of it more accessible. Families with younger children or those seeking an easier hike might prefer sections of the Manistee River Trail, especially those with boardwalks.

Yes, the route is primarily part of the North Country National Scenic Trail (MI) and the broader North Country National Scenic Trail. It also connects with the Man Rv Red Bdg Spur Nct and the Marilla Trailhead Trail, especially when forming the popular loop with the Manistee River Trail.

For hikers tackling the full Manistee River loop, consider which direction to go based on your preference for difficulty. The North Country Trail side is often described as more rugged with significant hills, while the Manistee River Trail side generally has smaller hills and flatter sections. Some hikers prefer to get the more strenuous NCT side done first, while others might save it for the end. Planning your campsites in advance is also wise, as both dispersed camping and rustic campgrounds are available.