Manistee River Trail

MANISTEE COUNTY - Matt Simerson is a well-heeled hiker - he has walked trails across the country, from the Pacific Northwest Trail to the Appalachian Trail. But the Cadillac native don't have to go much farther than his own backyard to hoof it on one of the best trails on which he's ever set foot - the Manistee River Trail (MRT).

I grew up on this trail, said the 30-year old systems programmer. As a young lad, I was always goofing off, riding my five-speed bike or watching the deer and the other small furry rodents. On the MRT there are no houses, no signs of civilization, no car traffic...you can pretend it's the rustic 1800's and that you're wild and free...like a kid.

Starting at the Hodenpyl Dam and running to Red Bridge, the 11-mile walking path sidles along the Manistee River like an affectionate, little sibling, lagging behind in some places, catching up in others but never far from the elder. One can't take too many steps without scraping the heels of some stunning waterfront vista - that's why the Manistee River Trail is one of the most popular trails in the state.

Between Memorial and Labor Day, fall colors and snowshoeing, we easily get about 5,000 people a year out there, said United States Forest Service Assistant Ranger for Recreation and Land John Hojnowski. A lot of people are coming up from the southern part of the state. It is well-known as a quality hiking trail.

Built by the United States Forest Service in 1992, the MRT boasts a suspension bridge, waterfalls and plenty of walking in the woods. The trail itself is of moderate intensity with ups and downs and a couple of steep climbs to make things interesting. With key access points at the Seaton Creek Campground and the Red Bridge river access area, the MRT also connects to the Marilla Road North Country Trail Trailhead via the suspension bridge at Hodenpyl Dam. At that point, a 22-mile pedestrian-only pathway loop is created and is flooded with recreational options.

But the MRT isn't exclusive to human traffic; there are plenty of paws, hoofs, claws, tails and talons that use the trail too. It winds through some lowlands where you can see waterfowl, and it's common to see fox and otter tracks and beaver sign, he said. There is great wildlife viewing. People see all kinds of wild things out there.

Some of the most entertaining wildlife to watch from some of the river view campsites are the struggling canoeists, Simerson said. I have to admit, it's fun watching the newby canoeists try to navigate the bends in the river, flip their canoes and chase after their stuff, Simerson said. It's a guilty pleasure.

He takes his friends to the trail often, sometimes for a day trip, sometimes for a weekend camp out, sometimes to do the whole loop in one push. This is a really is an awesome trail and we are blessed to live by it, Simerson said. The only way to improve it would be to be it two to three times longer.

For more information on the Manistee River Trail, contact the U.S. Forest Service at (231) 723-2211. There are no permits required to walk or camp on the trail, but there are user fee areas at parking lots.

Written by Allison Batdorff, Staff Writer: Manistee News Advocate