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Huron-Manistee National Forest Hiking Trails

North Country Trail: Manistee River Section

North Country Trail: Manistee River Section is an in-and-out trail that is located in Wellston, MI. The trail travels next to the Manistee River for part of the way on the lower trail. There is a bench at the three-mile point.

Length: 19.8 miles

Intensity: Difficult
Silver Creek Pathway

Silver Creek Pathway is an in-and-out trail that is located in Luther, MI. The trail is next to Pine River and is a well-marked pathway. You will see old-growth forests and bluffs on the way to the river. Part of the trail is a multi-use trail for the use of ATVs and mountain bikes.

Length: 4.7 miles

Intensity: Moderate
Manistee River Trail: Seaton Creek to Red Bridge

Manistee River Trail: Seaton Creek to Red Bridge is an in-and-out trail that is located in Mesick, MI. This section of the Manistee River Trail features lots of changes in terrain and elevation and is a winding path.

Length: 11.4 miles

Intensity: Moderate
Little Muskegon River Trail

Little Muskegon River Trail is a loop trail that is located in Newaygo, MI. The trail is fairly well-marked on the first section before the actual loop, but the loop is not marked and can be difficult to find. There are many different species of birds by the river.

Length: 3.6 miles

Intensity: Moderate
Hungerford Lake Recreation Area Trails

Hungerford Lake Recreation Area Trails is a system of trails located in the Hungerford Lake Recreation Area in the Huron-Manistee National Forest. These trails can be used for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. There are 40 miles of horse trails and 10 miles of mountain biking trails. The horse and mountain bike connector trails are located in the campground.

Length: 50 miles

Intensity: Easy to Moderate

Activities in Huron-Manistee National Forest

Identifying Flora and Fauna

Visitors can take the trail around Loda Lake to the "Witness the Wonder of Wildflowers" preserve and see over 238 species of plants inside the only designated wildflower sanctuary in the National Forest Service. The forest contains hardwoods, red and white pine, and aspen.

There are multiple opportunities to view wildlife in the Huron-Manistee National Forest. There are over 200 species of animals, including squirrels, rabbits, cougars, wolves, moose, bats, coyotes, and black bears. There are more than 400 species of birds.

Fishing

Fishing and ice fishing for trout is a popular activity inside the Huron-Manistee National Forest. You will find brook trout, rainbow trout, brown trout, steelhead, and salmon.

Hiking

There are more than 330 miles of trails in the Huron-Manistee National Forest. Many of these trails are multi-use, and you can hike, mountain bike, ride horses, snow ski, and ski cross-country on these types of trails.

Geocaching

All national forests allow geocaching inside their preserves. This is a fun pastime that can help you explore Huron-Manistee National Forest.

Stargazing

The Huron-Manistee National Forest has minimal light pollution. This means that visitors can enjoy exceptional star-gazing year-round.

How to get to Huron-Manistee National Forest

Address: 1755 S. Mitchell St., Cadillac, MI 49601

Fee: Entry fee $0

Michigan is bordered by four of the five Great Lakes and the state is home to thousands of other lakes as well. The Huron-Manistee National Forest offers plenty of opportunities to experience the interior of the Lower Peninsula, and the Great Lakes are within driving distance. Taking an RV for your travels around the Huron-Manistee National Forest will enable you to easily visit all the sites you most want to see.

Frequently Asked Questions About Huron-Manistee National Forest

What is the closest town to Huron-Manistee National Forest?

One of the closest towns to Huron-Manistee National Forest is Brethren, MI. There are restaurants, stores, and campgrounds in the town so campers can stock up or grab a bite to eat.

What type of wildlife lives in Huron-Manistee National Forest?

Wildlife in Huron-Manistee National Forest includes white-tailed deer, bobcats, coyotes, porcupines, woodpeckers, foxes, and bears. There is also a variety of songbirds, fish, and small animals in the forest.

Is Huron-Manistee National Forest open all year round?

Yes, the Huron-Manistee National Forest is open all year-round. Some areas may be inaccessible in winter due to snow, but there is hiking, snowshoeing, biking, and other outdoor activities throughout the year.

Do you need a permit to fish or hunt in Huron-Manistee National Forest?

Yes, you do need a permit to hunt in Huron-Manistee National Forest. If you are 17 years or older, you need a fishing permit to fish within the forest as well.

Is there a limit to how long you can camp in Huron-Manistee National Forest?

Yes, there is a limit to how long you can camp in Huron-Manistee National Forest. Dispersed campers may camp for up to 14 days at one location and up to 28 days per year in the forest. Developed campgrounds have limits as well, and campers will need to check with the individual campground to see what those are.

Huron-Manistee National Forest Guide

RV Rentals Near Huron-Manistee National Forest

Huron-Manistee National Forest Hiking Trails

North Country Trail: Manistee River Section

Silver Creek Pathway

Manistee River Trail: Seaton Creek to Red Bridge

Little Muskegon River Trail

Hungerford Lake Recreation Area Trails