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Manistee River Loop

Starting near Hodenpyl Dam Pond, the Manistee River Loop heads onto the North Country National Scenic Trail, following the wooded western side of the valley through hardwood forest, quiet ridges, and backcountry stretches above the Big Manistee River toward the Red Bridge area.

From Red Bridge, the route returns north on the Manistee River Trail, tracing the river’s eastern side through rolling forest, wetlands, creek crossings, riverbank viewpoints, rustic campsites, and the Stagle Creek Overlook.

Near the northern end of the loop, the trail reaches the celebrated Little Mac suspension bridge, where hikers cross the Manistee River back toward Hodenpyl Dam Pond and complete one of the classic forest-and-river circuits of the Manistee National Forest.

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  • Distance: 20.1 mi
  • Elevation gain: 2,287 ft
  • Maximum elevation: 1,132 ft
  • Elevation loss: 2,290 ft
  • Minimum elevation: 692 ft
  • Moving time: 7 h 42 m
  • Moving speed: 2.6 mph
  • Maximum speed: 3.8 mph
  • Total time: 8 h 31 m
  • Global speed: 2.4 mph

Interactive trail map

Trail profile

  • Distance: 20.1 mi
  • Elevation gain: 2,287 ft
  • Maximum elevation: 1,132 ft
  • Elevation loss: 2,290 ft
  • Minimum elevation: 692 ft
  • Moving time: 7 h 42 m
  • Moving speed: 2.6 mph
  • Maximum speed: 3.8 mph
  • Total time: 8 h 31 m
  • Global speed: 2.4 mph

About this trail

Gear up for your next adventure:

🏫Relief Map Kits - Hands-on tools for teaching landforms and elevation
🥄Camping Utensil Set - Lightweight utensils for outdoor meals
🔌Solar Panel Charger - Charge gear sustainably outdoors
🛰️Handheld GPS Units - Professional satellite navigators for precise backcountry mapping
❄️Traction Cleats - Prevent slips on icy trails during winter hikes

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