The North Country Trail's Manistee segment in Manistee National Forest follows the Manistee River through some of the finest river-bottom forest in the Great Lakes region. This 10-mile section of the NCT moves through old-growth hemlock and hardwood stands, past river bends and sandy banks, creating one of the most celebrated backpacking corridors in Michigan.
The Manistee River here is a designated National Wild and Scenic River, which has helped protect the old-growth forest character of the corridor. The combination of river scenery, forest quality, and the NCT's long-distance trail infrastructure makes this a destination worth a special trip.
The Route
The described route runs 10 miles point-to-point between trailheads on the Manistee River. The most common setup uses Tippy Dam and High Bridge as endpoints, with the NCT connecting them along the river's north bank. The terrain is gently rolling with minimal elevation change, the river valley is largely flat, and the trail's 400 feet of cumulative gain comes from small ridge crossings between bends.
The Manistee River is visible and audible for most of the hike. Sand banks along the river offer rest stops and, in summer, swimming. The old-growth sections in the middle miles are the forest highlight.
What to Expect
The trail is well-blazed with NCT blue diamonds. The footway can be sandy in places and muddy after rain. May and June bring the highest river flows and lush green foliage. Fall (October) offers excellent color in the hardwood sections.
A vehicle shuttle requires some planning but is worth it for the one-way river experience. Many hikers instead do the full Manistee River Loop over two days, which eliminates the shuttle need.
Nearby
Manistee, Michigan, is about 20 miles west and serves as the regional hub with lodging and restaurants. The town of Kaleva and the nearby Udell Hills area provide additional Manistee National Forest access. Lake Michigan beaches are within an hour's drive for a post-trip option.
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.