The North Country Trail through the Manistee National Forest

As the trail exits Ohio and enters southeastern Michigan, it veers toward the western side of the state. Entering the Manistee National Forest between Big Rapids and New Era, it continues its northerly path west of Baldwin, east of Manistee and south of Traverse City. It continues up past Harbor Springs, Petoskey, Mackinaw City...and traverses the entire Upper Peninsula before crossing into Wisconsin.
The North Country Trail is primarily for hikers, where you can experience the beauty of the Manistee National Forest. Here you're surrounded by pine hardwood trees and are treated to great views along the Manistee River Trail. Spring, summer and fall are when hikers and bikers populate the trail. During the winter, you'll find cold weather sports enthusiasts who use the trail for cross country skiing and snowshoeing.
You can find more information about the North Country Trail on the Spirit of the Woods Chapter of the North Country Trail website. This chapter regularly holds hikes and work sessions to maintain the trail.
Read more about the Northern Michigan section of the North Country Trail.
More Great Outdoors in Michigan...
- Local Earth Day Events
- Ludington Pumped Storage Plant
- Scottville Area Weather
- Lake Michigan Area Weather
- West Michigan Weather
- Western Michigan Boat, RV, Outdoor & Home Show
- Find Good Food & Fun Down on the Farm!
- Fishing in Manistee - What a Catch!
- Ludington Area Weather
- Buttersville Park High on a Bluff Overlooking Lake Michigan
- Pere Marquette Lake Trail
- History of the Pere Marquette River
- Pere Marquette River Area Weather
- Pentwater Area Weather
- Manistee Area Weather
- Hamlin Lake Weather Conditions
- Explore the Manistee River on a Canoe or Kayak
- Enjoy a Fall Color Tour in Oceana County--Including Pentwater, Hart & Silver Lake
- Copeyon Park on Pere Marquette Lake in Ludington
- Wilson Hill Park on Upper Hamlin Lake
For more activities & attractions, check out these additional links for Things to Do in West Michigan:

Have Fun in Manistee, Michigan -- Explore Manistee's historic downtown district and riverwalk, hike the Manistee National Forest, canoe on the Manistee River, and more.
Hamlin Lake -- Just 4 miles north of Ludington, Hamlin Lake is a great destination for boating, fishing and climbing dunes! The Hamlin Lake shoreline is also part of the Ludington State Park.
Silver Lake Sand Dunes -- Visiting the Silver Lake Sand Dunes makes for a terrific vacation because you can take your off-road vehicle for a spin on the scenic sand dunes overlooking Lake Michigan and Silver Lake.
Things to Do in Pentwater, Michigan -- Nothing is quite like the quaint, artsy, harbortown village of Pentwater. Don't miss the popular Charles Mears State Park beach on Pentwater's Lake Michigan shoreline.
Lots of Activities in Scottville, Michigan -- Explore the Riverside Park along the National Scenic Pere Marquette River.
Canoeing or Fishing on the Pere Marquette River -- Many boat liveries offer canoe rentals.
Also, check out West Michigan Guides and our locally produced WestMichigan.MichBiz.com directory for our largest lists of Things to Do in West Michigan.
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