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Udell Hills Trail

Huron-Manistee National Forests, Michigan · 3 min read

Distance
4 mi
Elevation Gain
450 ft
Difficulty
easy-moderate
Route Type
Loop
Best Season
April through November
Dog Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
3 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
None
Parking
No Lot
Cell Service
No Signal
Water
None
Camping
None
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Rolling glacial hill terrain with broad valley views in the Manistee unit
  • Mixed hardwood forest with good fall color in October
  • Quiet interior trail away from the busy Lake Michigan shoreline
  • Good wildlife habitat for white-tailed deer and wild turkey
  • Short enough for a half-day visit

Overview

The Udell Hills Trail is a compact loop hike in the Manistee unit of Huron-Manistee National Forests, climbing to views across the Manistee River valley from glacially sculpted hills covered in hardwood forest. The 4-mile circuit is moderate in terms of elevation gain and well-marked throughout, making it a good choice for visitors who want a forest hike without committing to the more demanding Nordhouse Dunes loop or the longer Au Sable trail.

No permit required.

The Route

Miles 0 to 1.5: Valley floor and first climb. The trail begins in mixed hardwood forest at the valley floor, climbing steadily through red and sugar maple, yellow birch, and beech. The trail is well-maintained and blazed. Views through the canopy begin to appear on the climb.

Miles 1.5 to 2.5: Hilltop traverse. The trail reaches the first hilltop viewpoint at roughly 1,500 feet elevation, with views south across the Manistee River valley and east toward Cadillac. The trail traverses the ridge line through open forest, dipping between the main hills before reaching the highest point at mile 2.0.

Miles 2.5 to 4.0: Return descent. The loop descends via a different route back to the valley floor and the trailhead. The descent passes through the richest hardwood sections of the loop.

When to Hike

October for fall color at peak. May and June for wildflowers on the valley floor sections.

What to Bring

Many hikers carry 1 liter of water. No water sources on trail. Good trail shoes appropriate for the moderate terrain.

Trailhead Access

Highbridge Road from US-31 south of Manistee. Follow signs to Udell Rollways. About 15 miles from Manistee.

Practical Details

No permit is required for day hiking on this trail. Dogs are welcome on leash. No restroom facilities are at the trailhead; plan accordingly. No water source is available at the trailhead; carry all water from home. No cell service is available in this area; download offline maps before leaving the main road.

The recommended season for this trail is April through November. Conditions outside this window may include challenging weather, trail closures, or reduced accessibility. Always verify current conditions with the Huron-Manistee National Forests ranger district before visiting, particularly at the beginning and end of the recommended season when conditions are most variable.

Before any visit, review the Leave No Trace seven principles and our checking conditions guide for current fire restrictions, trail closures, and ranger district advisories. The America the Beautiful pass covers day use fees at developed recreation areas where applicable. Veterans and active military have additional access options covered in our veteran benefits guide.

Nearby

The Nordhouse Dunes Loop is the major Lake Michigan experience in the same Manistee unit. The Big Marsh Lake Trail is another moderate Manistee unit option. See the Huron-Manistee National Forests guide. Follow Leave No Trace principles.

Trailhead Parking

Udell Rollways parking area off Highbridge Road, south of Manistee. Gravel lot for 10 vehicles. No fee.

← Back to Huron-Manistee National Forests

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the views like from Udell Hills?
The Udell Hills overlooks provide views south and east across the Manistee River valley and the surrounding forest. The glacially sculpted hills rise 200 to 300 feet above the valley floor, providing perspective on the flat-to-rolling character of the central Lower Peninsula. On clear days the views extend 15 to 20 miles. Fall color from the surrounding hardwood forest makes October views particularly vivid.
Is the Udell Hills Trail good for fall foliage?
Yes. The Udell Hills Trail is one of the better fall color hikes in the Manistee unit, with sugar maple, red maple, and yellow birch providing excellent October color on both the hillsides and in the lower valley sections. The loop is short enough to complete in a half-morning and is easily combined with a drive on the Udell Hills scenic area roads.
Are there water sources on the Udell Hills Trail?
No. Carry all water you need for this loop. The 4-mile loop takes most hikers 2 to 2.5 hours and many hikers carry 1 liter. No streams cross the trail on the main route.