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Red Bridge River Access Site

The name comes from an old wooden and steel bridge, painted red, that was located at the site. Now there is a modern cement structure. This site provides access to the Manistee River Trail. There is designated parking for vehicles with boat trailers at Red Bridge. There is also parking available at Upper River Road Trailhead for hikers.

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General Information

Location - Manistee National Recreation River, Manistee River Trail

Nearby Recreation Areas -

  • North Country National Scenic Trail
    • Marilla Trailhead

County - Manistee

April 1 - November 30

Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week unless otherwise posted. Forest quiet hours apply.

Special Use Permit - 

  • No special use permit is required for individuals or small groups (74 people or less).
  • Permits are required for commercial, event or large groups (75 people or more).

Visit the Passes and Permits section for more information on obtaining a special use permit.

As a visitor to the National Forest, you are asked to follow certain rules designed to protect the Forest, natural resources and to provide for public safety of visitors. These rules are available to you on-line or at any office of the Huron-Manistee National Forests. Please take time to read and understand them. General Topic orders apply across the Forests. Applicable Orders - 

  • Motorized Vehicle Use of Roads, Trails and Off-road Areas; R904-14-02
  • Occupancy and Use - Developed Recreation Areas, Dispersed Areas, Being Publicly Nude, Marine Prohibitions, Parking and Sanitation; R904-14-03

No fees are required for this site

Canoe Rentals -

  • Manistee
    • Manistee Paddlesport Adventures
  • Irons
    • Enchanted Acres

A Forest Service office painted red with a large wagon.

Address: 1170 Nursery Road Wellston, MI 49689
Phone: (231) 848-7090
Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays)

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 44.28388889

Longitude: -85.86166667

Directions

From Manistee -

  • Travel east on M-55 for 15 miles.
  • Turn left and travel north on High Bridge Rd. for 6 miles.
  • Turn right and travel east on Coates Hwy. for 8 miles.

Parking

25 vehicle capacity - with trailers

Facility and Amenity Information

Restrooms

Restrooms are available at this site.

Water

Potable water is not available at this site.

Last updated April 23rd, 2025