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...
- Ludington Charter Boat Association
- Take a Self-Guided Tour of the Mason County Cultural Trails
- Discover Michigan Lakes and Rivers for Canoeing or Kayaking
- Explore Hamlin Lake with a Boat Rental
- Visit Charles Mears State Park in Pentwater
- Manistee County Fishing Tournaments
- Summer Guest Presenters at the Ludington State Park
- Ludington's North Breakwater Light at Stearns Park
- ORV at the Silver Lake Sand Dunes
- Enjoy a West Michigan Sunset!
- Discover the Mason County Barn Quilt Trail
- West Michigan is a Runner's Paradise with Lots of Races to Choose From
- Canoeing, Kayaking and Stand Up Paddle Boarding on the Pentwater River
- Your Pet is Welcome in the Ludington Area!
- Hamlin Lake Fishing Map
- Canoeing & Kayaking Ludington State Park
- Discover West Michigan - Watch These Short Travel Videos
- Ludington Charter Boat Fishing
- Fishing Reports for Ludington, Hamlin Lake, Lake Michigan, Pere Marquette River, and More!
- License & Fishing Information
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.