The Bowman Bridge Campground Trail in Manistee National Forest offers a short loop walk along the Manistee River, one of Michigan's most celebrated National Wild and Scenic Rivers. The 2.5-mile loop is easy by any standard and serves campers at Bowman Bridge as well as day visitors who want a quick riverside experience.
The Manistee River through this section is a working river ecosystem: beaver dams are visible in side channels, waterfowl patrol the banks, and steelhead anglers wade the deeper runs in spring and fall. The short trail captures the essence of the Manistee's character.
The Route
The loop begins at the campground and follows the river upstream on its east bank for about a mile before crossing via a footbridge and returning downstream on the west bank. The riverside forest is a mix of mature maple, beech, and elm with a dense understory of ferns and shrubs.
Multiple points along the river bank allow hikers to step off the trail and watch the river. The shallow riffles and deeper pools visible from the bank provide context for the fishing activity this river is famous for.
What to Expect
The trail is easy enough for children and casual walkers. The campground setting means more people traffic on summer weekends, but the trail itself is short enough that solitude is rarely an issue. The riverside environment is shaded and cool even on warm days.
Spring and fall are the most dynamic times on the river, with steelhead runs bringing anglers and osprey to the water. Summer is the most pleasant for hiking but the least active from a wildlife perspective.
Nearby
Wellston, Michigan, is a few miles north on M-37. Manistee is about 25 miles northwest. The Tippy Dam Pond and Recreation Area, accessible upstream on the Manistee River, offers a different perspective on the river with a reservoir setting and additional wildlife opportunities.
Leave No Trace
This trail receives enough use that following Leave No Trace principles is important for preserving the experience for future visitors. Stay on the marked trail to prevent erosion. Pack out all waste. Avoid camping within 200 feet of water sources or the trail. Use existing fire rings only where campfires are permitted, and check current fire restrictions at checking conditions before you go before any visit. The trail and surrounding terrain remain in good condition because previous visitors have respected these norms.