An 18-mile loop above Michigan's first designated Wild and Scenic River, linking the Deadman's Hill overlook with the river-bottom Pinney Bridge campground. One of the Lower Peninsula's most popular weekend backpacks.
“Traverse Jordan River Valley (MI) on the Jordan River Pathway.”
Plan your Jordan River Valley (MI) trip here, then get your permit from the agency.
Walk-up permit
How to get Jordan River Pathway
Jordan River Pathway is issued by the agency rather than through a booking calendar. Their page has the current process and any dates.
More about Jordan River Valley (MI)Planning another trip? See the permits we alert on.
Jordan River Pathway permit season
- route distance, loop
- 18mi
How to get a Jordan River Pathway permit
As of September 2026, Jordan River Pathway in Jordan River Valley (MI), Michigan requires a permit issued via walk-up. Jordan River Pathway rates 4/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. The Jordan River Pathway route covers 18 miles, rated moderate.
- Type
- Thru-Hike
- Location
- MI
How this permit is issued
Get this permit in person at the trailhead or ranger station, or by phone.
Step 1: Check the agency page for the process
This permit is not sold online. Confirm where and when it is issued (and any fee) at the managing agency's website before your trip.
Step 2: Arrive early
Walk-up permits are issued first-come, first-served. Where the agency sets a daily quota, popular trailheads can run out on weekends and holidays.
Step 3: Have backup plans
Popular trailheads fill fast. Know alternate routes or dates.
More on Jordan River Pathway: Live availability activity
The Jordan River Pathway hike
- Distance
- 18 miles
- Route Type
- Loop
- Duration
- 1-2 nights
- Difficulty
- Moderate
Jordan River Pathway elevation profile
Deadman's Hill (trailhead/overlook) to Pinney Bridge State Forest CampgroundDeadman's Hill (trailhead/overlook)
A high overlook near US-131 above the Jordan River Valley, the loop's most common starting point.
- Mile
- 0.0
- Elevation
- 1,291 ft
- From start
- +0 ft
A high overlook near US-131 above the Jordan River Valley, the loop's most common starting point.
Where hikers doing the short 3-mile loop turn back toward Deadman's Hill instead of continuing the full loop.
The loop's only legal overnight camping, a 15-site walk-in campground on the Jordan River at roughly the halfway point.
The pathway follows and crosses the Jordan River, Michigan's first designated Wild and Scenic River.
How hard the Jordan River Pathway hike is
- Physical DemandFitness and endurance required4/5
- Technical SkillClimbing, scrambling, or specialized skills1/5
- NavigationRoute finding and trail clarity1/5
- CommitmentDifficulty of bailing out mid-route4/5
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 Jordan River Pathway
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (5,000 ft)
Today
72°
47°
Mon
68°
50°
Tue
77°
52°
Wed
62°
56°
37%
Thu
62°
53°
41%
Fri
56°
42°
Sat
61°
39°
Jordan River Pathway rules, gear and safety
Safety & planning
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Jordan River Pathway.
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Jordan River Pathway · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
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Jordan River Pathway FAQ
Do I need a permit to backpack the Jordan River Pathway?
No trail permit; overnight camping is restricted to the reservable Pinney Bridge campground.
How long is the Jordan River Pathway?
18 miles as a full loop.
Can I camp anywhere along the Jordan River Pathway?
No, only at the Pinney Bridge walk-in campground.
How many campsites are at Pinney Bridge?
15 walk-in sites.
Is there a shorter version of the Jordan River Pathway?
Yes, a 3-mile loop from Deadman's Hill.
What is special about the Jordan River?
Michigan's first designated Wild and Scenic River.
Where does the Jordan River Pathway start?
Most hikers start at Deadman's Hill near US-131.
Jordan River Pathway trail conditions and trip reports
Trail Conditions
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