&
TRAVEL
EXCURSIONS
Top Photo:
View from MRT, Fall
fly fishing on the Big
Manistee River, just west
of Cadillac, Michigan.
Photo: Courtesy of the
Cadillac Area Visitors
Bureau
There are two hydro-electric dams on the
Manistee River, Hodenpyle Dam shown,
providing for a large pond and back
water fishing, boating and recreational
activities year around. Photo Credit –
Cadillac Area Visitors Bureau
As the river meanders, it offers a varied trail
surface on either side, elevation changes
challenge even the best hikers. The trail 100%
public access throughout the MRT Loop.
Beautiful from the air, land and water…
compliments of Mother Nature. Photo Credit
– Cadillac Area Visitors Bureau
Adventurous along
Northwest Michigan River Trail Loop
Cadillac, MI
Nestled just minutes west of Cadillac,
Michigan, is the National Forest where a
perfect weekend-size adventure awaits.
There, the plus or minus, 20 mile Manistee
River Trail (MRT) & North Country Trail
(NCT) loop takes you on some of the best
terrain in the Lower Peninsula. Many
hike here throughout the year, with some
of the best hiking offered in the fall when
peak color hits the Udell Hills in the
distance. It’s also quite beautiful after the
first new snow fall when the sun peaks
and glistens across the 500,000 acre
forest canopy.
We recommend hiking this trail loop
twice. First time, starting on the North
Country Trail on the west side of the
river, and the second time, the Manistee
River Trail on the eastern shoreline of
the Manistee River. You will forget you
are hiking the same trail – it changes
128 Fall 2016 Adventure Outdoors
that much between directions. Here is a
comprehensive overview of this up and
coming trail system.
Views. You’ll experience awe-inspiring
views from Red Hill Lookout after scaling
it’s 100’ vertical climb to the top. This
amazing peak provides an incredible view
over the Udell Hills, an unforgettable view.
Varied terrain & elevation. The terrain
has hundreds of feet worth of elevation
changes in a 2.5 mile stretch that will test
your legs, and for this very reason we
recommend you proceed in this direction
on the first day.
Suspension Bridge. The lifeline between
the NCT and MRT is the longest pedestrian
foot bridge in the Lower Peninsula. It
crosses the Big Manistee River just a little
under a half mile from Hodenpyl Dam.
Views from the bridge are incredible, and
walking it is always energizing.
Dam Detour. If you have not seen
a functioning hydroelectric dam, we
recommend taking the extra time and
check the Hodenpyl Dam. You will
typically see paddlers making the portage
Suspension Bridge across the
Manistee River, connecting
the North Country Trail to the
Manistee River Trail, forming a
20 mile river hiking loop. Photo
Credit – Cadillac Area Visitors
Bureau
on the northern side of the area during the peak
summer seasons.
Small Waterfalls. About three miles into the
MRT hike, you will come across a small wooden
foot bridge that takes you over a series of small
waterfalls feeding into the Big Manistee River
below. A great place for a group photo op.
Downhill to the Dam. Taking this route lends
your final leg downhill. Making your way to the
beginning of the backwaters of the Tippy Dam,
another hydro-electric dam with a pond and
some of the finest trout, steelhead, and salmon
fishing in Michigan. During the fall salmon run
anglers line the banks shoulder to shoulder
trying to catch king salmon that can weigh well
over 20 pounds.
TIPS: Summer weekends are popular with
anglers, canoers, mountain bikers, and hikers.
This area is known for fall colors. Spring and
fall midweek hikers will find absolute solitude.
The North Country Trail is shared between
hikers and bikers, while the Manistee River
Trail is designated for hikers ONLY.
For more information or to request a visitors
guide go to www.cadillacmichigan.com
website or blog at www.explorecadillac.org