The Manistee River Trail Loop is a 23-mile loop in the Huron-Manistee National Forest, combining the riverside Manistee River Trail with a return leg on the North Country Trail and a suspension-bridge river crossing. It is free, walk-up, with no permit; this page gives sourced trip info.
“A 23-mile loop through the Huron-Manistee National Forest, crossing the river on a suspension bridge.”
Plan your Manistee River Trail Loop trip here, then get your permit from the agency.
Walk-up permit
How to get Manistee River Trail Loop
The Manistee River Trail Loop is a free day-use and backcountry-camping loop in the Huron-Manistee National Forest, with no permit or reservation system for our scanner to poll.
More about Manistee River Trail LoopPlanning another trip? See the permits we alert on.
Manistee River Trail Loop permit season
- route distance, loop
- 23mi
How to get a Manistee River Trail Loop permit
As of September 2026, Manistee River Trail Loop in Manistee River Trail Loop, Michigan requires a permit issued via walk-up. Manistee River Trail Loop rates 3/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. The Manistee River Trail Loop route covers 23 miles.
- Type
- Backpacking
- Location
- Manistee County, Michigan, MI
How this permit is issued
Step 1: How this permit is issued
The Manistee River Trail Loop is a free day-use and backcountry-camping loop in the Huron-Manistee National Forest, with no permit or reservation system for our scanner to poll.
Step 2: Check the agency page before you go
Fees, hours and closures change. Confirm the current process at the managing agency's website before your trip.
Step 3: Have backup plans
Office hours move, ground closes, and popular trailheads get busy. Know an alternative route or date before you drive out.
More on Manistee River Trail Loop: Live availability activity
The Manistee River Trail Loop hike
- Distance
- 23 miles
- Route Type
- Loop
- Duration
- 1-2 days
Manistee River Trail Loop landmarks
- 1Red Bridge River Access (trailhead)
Southern access point for the Manistee River Trail portion of the loop.
- 2Seaton Creek Campground (trailhead)
Northern access point for the Manistee River Trail.
- 3Waterfall near the trail's northern end
A popular waterfall near the northern end of the Manistee River Trail.
- 4Suspension bridge over the Manistee River
A 245-foot pedestrian suspension bridge, completed 1996, that links the Manistee River Trail to the North Country Trail to form the loop.
- 5Marilla NCT Trailhead
North Country Trail access point used to complete the loop.
- 6Upper River Road NCT Trailhead
Another North Country Trail access point for the loop.
A 23-mile loop through the Huron-Manistee National Forest, crossing the river on a suspension bridge.
About this permit
The Manistee River Trail Loop combines the riverside Manistee River Trail with a return leg on the North Country Trail, joined by a 245-foot suspension bridge completed in 1996. It is free, walk-up, with no permit.
The route
From Red Bridge River Access, the trail follows the Manistee River to Seaton Creek Campground, past a waterfall near the trail's northern end, then crosses the suspension bridge to join the North Country Trail back to the start via the Marilla and Upper River Road trailheads.
The feeling
The Manistee River Trail follows the riverbank past a waterfall near its northern end, then a 245-foot suspension bridge carries the loop across to the North Country Trail for the return leg.
How hard the Manistee River Trail Loop hike is
- Physical DemandFitness and endurance required5/5
- Technical SkillClimbing, scrambling, or specialized skills1/5
- NavigationRoute finding and trail clarity1/5
- CommitmentDifficulty of bailing out mid-route3/5
Best for: Experienced hikers with excellent fitness and relevant technical skills.
Recommended experience: Should have completed 10+ mile day hikes with significant elevation gain.
When to hike Manistee River Trail Loop
Manistee River Trail Loop photography guide
Classic Shots
- The suspension bridge over the Manistee River
- The waterfall near the trail's northern end
Manistee River Trail Loop rules, gear and safety
Safety & planning
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Manistee River Trail Loop.
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Manistee River Trail Loop · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
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Manistee River Trail Loop FAQ
Do I need a permit to backpack the Manistee River Trail Loop?
No. Dispersed camping is allowed along the whole loop without a permit.
How long is the Manistee River Trail Loop?
About 23 miles combining the 8.8-mile Manistee River Trail with a section of the North Country Trail.
Where do I start the Manistee River Trail Loop?
Common trailheads are Red Bridge River Access or Seaton Creek Campground for the river trail side, and Marilla or Upper River Road for the North Country Trail side.
Is there a waterfall on the Manistee River Trail?
Yes, a popular waterfall sits near the trail's northern end.
Can I camp anywhere on the Manistee River Trail Loop?
Dispersed camping is allowed along the route, and there are also designated backcountry sites with fire rings along the river.
Manistee River Trail Loop trail conditions and trip reports
Trail Conditions
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Write the First ReportAlternatives to a Manistee River Trail Loop permit
Where to stay near Manistee River Trail Loop
- Bowman Bridge campgroundHuron-Manistee National Forests
- Gleasons Landing campgroundHuron-Manistee National Forests
- Sfc Bray Creek campgroundMichigan
- All Michigan campgrounds
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