Day Hiking

The trail to an observation deck at Lumberman's Monument Visitor Center. If you are looking for a quick morning jaunt or a short hike to stretch your legs, we have several trails that will fit the bill. Whether you choose a day hike on the Manistee River Trail, or a short walk between Loon Lake and Island Lake, we've got a trail to suit you. For those wishing to go trailless, visit the backpacking page.

Trail Maps

Trail maps are located in the Maps and Publications section of the website.

Drinking Water

The following trailheads have drinking water:

Parent Location	Recreation Site
Manistee/Wellston	Marzinski
North Country National Scenic Trail	Timber Creek
North Country National Scenic Trail	Udell

Camping

The following trails have campgrounds located on or near the trail:

Corsair Trail
Eagle Run Trail
Highbanks River Trail
Hungerford Recreation Area
Manistee River Trail
Marzinski Horse Trail
North Country National Scenic Trail
Shore to Shore Trial

Recreation Enhancement Act Fees

Look for this sign when you enter the site: Recreation Fee Symbol - Sign at Recreation Sites

Passes can be paid for at the site by using a fee envelope, located near the bulletin board or can be purchased from a Forest Serice Office or vendor. For more information on which passes are available and which pass will best suit your needs during your visit, visit the Passes and Permits section of the website.

These sites have a fee:

Parent Location	Recreation Site
Cadillac/Wellston Area	Big M
Corsair Area	Corsair
Corsair Area	Silver Valley
Hoist/Reid Lake Area	Hoist Lake East
	Hoist Lake West
	Reid Lake M-72
North Country Trail	Marilla
	Nichols Lake North
	Timber Creek
	Udell
Pere Marquette River	Maple Leaf Angler Trail

Day Hiking Areas

Au Sable River
From Mio Pond to Lake Huron, the Au Sable is primarily managed by the HMNF. The river is managed in two sections, one from Mio Pond to Alcona Dam Pond, the second from Alcona Dam to Lake Huron.

Au Sable National Wild and Scenic River

The Au Sable National Scenic River stretches 23-miles, from Mio to Alcona Pond. For additional information on our Wild and Scenic Rivers.

Au Sable River - Alcona Dam to Lake Huron

This section provides motorboat opportunities with a lake fishing atmosphere.

Highbanks River Trail

A short, 7-mile hike along the bluffs of the Au Sable River will provide day hikers with some of the best, and most dramatic, views of the Au Sable River, where hikers or skiers will be able to look over the river valley, with clear views almost to Lake Huron in some spots.

Lubmerman's Monument Visitor Center and Forest Discovery Trial

Lumberman’s Monument Visitor Center interprets the area’s colorful lumbering past. The 14-foot Lumberman’s Monument stands on a high bank with the Au Sable River providing a scenic backdrop.

River Road National Scenic Byway

The twenty-two mile River Road National Scenic Byway extends westward from Lake Huron into the Huron National Forest. It parallels the historic Riviere aux Sable (River of Sand). Lumbermen’s Monument Visitor Center sits at the center of the byway.

Brochures and Maps:
- Au Sable National Scenic River (pdf)
- River Road National Scenic Byway (pdf) - this brochure shows River Road, the Au Sable River and Lumberman's Monument
Flickr Photo Albums:
- Au Sable River - Alcona Dam to Lake Huron
- Au Sable National Scenic River
Au Sable National Scenic River

The Au Sable National Scenic River, is a 23-mile portion of the Au Sable River that stretches from Mio to Alcona Pond. President Ronald Reagan signed the law establishing the segment of river as a National Scenic River on October 4, 1984. By receiving this designation, this free-flowing segment from below Mio Pond to the upper end of Alcona Pond received national recognition for its outstanding and remarkable scenic, recreational, biological and historical values and a national commitment to its protection. People have enjoyed the scenic beauty of the Au Sable for hundreds of years.

In pre-European settlement times, Native Americans used the river as a travel route. After European settlement of the area, the Au Sable River was a major throughway for floating white pine to sawmills or waiting barges at ports on Lake Huron. During those years many of the logs and fallen trees that littered the river were carried downstream with the harvested white pine. In recent years efforts have been made to replace logs in the river to help reduce erosion and maintain the world-class trout fishing river as an aquatic habitat.

Brochure with map: This brochure is set to print on 11 x 17 paper, landscape (wide) orientation. To print on 8 1/2 x 11 paper set the print area to "shrink to printable area", this will make the text on the page smaller.

Flickr Photo Album
Gabions Campground and Day Use
Au Sable River - Alcona Dam to Lake Huron
This section provides motorboat opportunities with a lake fishing atmosphere. Its flow of water still serves as an important link in the production of the state's electrical power supply.

Brochure with map:
- River Road National Scenic Byway (pdf) - this brochure shows River Road, the Au Sable River and Lumberman's Monument
- Highbanks River Trail Map (coming soon)
- Eagle Run Trail Map (coming soon)
The brochure is set to print on 11 x 17 paper, landscape (wide) orientation. To print on 8 1/2 x 11 paper set the print area to "shrink to printable area", this will make the text on the page smaller. The trail maps are set to printon 8.5x11 paper.

Flickr Photo Albums:
Au Sable Area
Cooke Area
Whirlpool Angler Access
Highbanks River Trail
Forest Discovery Trail
River Road National Scenic Byway
The twenty-two mile River Road National Scenic Byway extends westward from Lake Huron into the Huron National Forest. It parallels the historic Riviere aux Sable (River of Sand). The Au Sable River was a major transportation route for floating Michigan’s giant white pine from forest to the sawmill towns on Lake Huron. You can learn more about this lumbering history at Lumbermen’s Monument Visitor Center that sits at the center of the byway.

Byway travelers will find abundant recreation opportunities, from motorized trails for off-road vehicles and snowmobiles to quiet trails for hiking and cross-country skiing. Camping, fishing and boating facilities are accessible from the byway. For a more relaxed experience, visitors will enjoy the lush forest and breathtaking vistas from the many scenic overlooks along the route. Visit www.byways.org for more information.

For information on Lumberman's Monument, Monument Campground or the Visitor Center visit the Lumberman's Monument section of the website.

Brochure with map:
- River Road National Scenic Byway (pdf) - this brochure shows River Road, the Au Sable River and Lumberman's Monument
- Highbanks River Trail Map (coming soon)
- Eagle Run Trail Map (coming soon)
The brochure is set to print on 11 x 17 paper, landscape (wide) orientation. To print on 8 1/2 x 11 paper set the print area to "shrink to printable area", this will make the text on the page smaller. The trail maps are set to printon 8.5x11 paper.

Flickr Photo Albums:
Eagle Run Cross-Country Ski and Hiking Trail
Rollways Campground and Day Use Area
Corsair Area

This area contains all recreation sites located near the Corsair Area, located south of the Au Sable River and River Road National Scenic River in the southeast corner of the Huron National Forest. This area includes Corsair Hiking and Cross-Country Skiing Trail, Sand Lake Day Use Area, Round Lake Campground and Tuttle Marsh.
Corsair Hiking and Cross Country Skiing Trail
Crystal Valley Ski Trail
Hoist/Reid Lake Areas
Recreation areas located near Hoist and Reid Lakes, north of the Au Sable River in the northeast corner of the Huron National Forest.
Hoist Lake Area
Reid Lake Foot Travel Area
Hungerford Recreation Area
Kirtland's Warbler and Jack Pine Wildlife Tours
Self-Guided Jack Pine Wildlife Viewing Tour

The Jack Pine Wildlife Viewing Tour is a self-guided, 58-mile auto-tour through jack pine ecosystems that are home to a variety of wildlife. The tour is marked with signs that display an image of the Kirtland's warbler and the watchable wildlife symbol.

Along the route there are many examples of wildlife habitat. Interpretive signs discuss specific management methods at each of the five stops. Occupied Kirtland's warbler habitat is closed to public entry during nesting seasons to protect the birds. Closed areas will be posted with signs.
- Tour Map: Jack Pine Wildlife Viewing Tour
- Story Map: Jack Pine Wildlife Viewing
Guided Kirtland's Warbler Tours

Michigan Audubon Guided Tours: see the Michigan Audubon Kirtland Warbler Tour web page for details.

Forest Service Guided Tours: The guided tour starts at the Mio Ranger Station with a short presentation, then caravanning out to the tour site somewhere on the Mio district. Tours are conducted rain or shine. Reservations are recommended to attend a tour and can be made Sunday through Wednesday by calling 989-826-3252 or emailing sm.fs.miokwtours@usda.gov in advance of your trip. Prior tour registration helps staff schedule an experienced wildlife biologist or technician for the tour.

Dates: May 15th - May 31st

Times: 7 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Fees: $10 (please call 989-826-3252 or email sm.fs.miokwtours@usda.gov to register for a tour)

For More Information: Contact the Mio Ranger Station or email sm.fs.miokwtours@usda.gov

Please note: Kirtland's warbler breeding areas are closed to entry during the breeding season (May 1 to July 15) because this ground-nesting bird is sensitive to disturbance. However, forest visitors are welcome to bird for Kirtland's warblers from the roadsides. If further assistance is needed locating current Kirtland's warbler habitat areas, the Mio Ranger District office is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Find Out More

Learn more about the Kirtland's Warbler

Enter our Kirtland's Warbler Young Artists Contest

Like our Facebook page to stay up to date on KW activities
Ruffed Grouse Walk
Lake Michigan Beach Acess
The recreation sites in this area are all located on the Lake Michigan shoreline or within driving distance of the lake.

Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area is the only designated wilderness on the Huron-Manistee National Forests.  Adjacent to the wilderness area is the popular Lake Michigan Recreation Area.  Further inland visitors can go to Hoags Lake and enjoy a day of swimming, picnicking or fishing.
Lake Michigan Recreation Area
Little Manistee River, National Scenic Study River

The Little Manistee River offers many opportunities for steelhead and trout fishing. The river banks are covered with lowland brush, swamp conifers, white pine and a variety of oak. The river has many bends and large logs. Water levels can become fairly shallow during dry summer months. There are a number of dispersed fishing access sites along the river, some of which allow camping.

Map: This brochure is set to print on 8.5x11 paper, landscape (wide) orientation.
Bear Track Campground
Old Grade Campground
Loud Creek Ski/Hike Trail
M-37: White Cloud to Baldwin
This area covers all recreation areas along M-37 between White Cloud and Baldwin. This does not include trailheads for the North Country National Scenic Trail or Hungerford Recreation Area.
Condon Lakes West
Loda Lake National Wildflower Sanctuary
Nichols Lake North
M-55: Manistee to Cadillac
This section includes all recreation areas along M-55 or a short distance from M-55 located between Cadillac and Manistee, except the Pine and Manistee Rivers.
Big M Cross-Country and Mountain Bike Trail
Briar Hills Area
Marzinski Horse Trail and Campground

The Marzinski Trail Campground is open May 15 to September 12, annually. Reservations are required and can be made on Recreation.gov.

The Marzinski Horse Trail and Campground were developed for the horse enthusiasts, who enjoy riding through a forested quiet trail system. The Marzinski Horse Camp serves as the primary access location for the 18 miles of horse trail. The terrain is mostly flat through mixed hardwood and pine forest, marked with blue diamond-shaped markers on trees and cedar signs.

The campground is located in a pine forest.

Map (pdf)

Flickr Album
Sand Lake Recreation Area
Udell Lookout Tower
MacKenzie Cross-Country and Mountain Bike Trail
Manistee River
The Manistee River, from Tippy Dam to the M-55 Bridge, is a designated National Recreation River. There are several river access sites, day use areas and campgrounds located along this section of river. During the summer the river is popular with canoers and kayakers, while during the fall salmon season, sites such as Suicide Bend and Sawdust Hole are popular with anglers.

The section north of Tippy Dam, up to Hodenpyl Dam Pond, is bordered on either side by the Manistee River Trail and the North Country National Scenic Trail. This area is also within the Manistee River Semi-Primitive Nonmotorized Area, a 7,900 acre area of the Forest.

Brochure with map:
This brochure is set to print on 11 x 17 paper, landscape (wide) orientation. To print on 8 1/2 x 11 paper set the print area to "shrink to printable area", this will make the text on the page smaller.

Flickr Photo Albums
- Manistee River
- Manistee River Trail
Manistee National Recreation River
The Manistee River between Tippy Dam and the M-55 Bridge was designated as a National Recreational River in 1996. The river is wide and characterized by steep banks and sharp bends, with a swift current and mostly slow, wide bends.

The river corridor supports a wide variety of recreational activities throughout the year, including hiking on the North Country National Scenic Trail and Manistee River Trail.

In the fall, hunters come from all over to take advantage of the abundant white-tailed deer, waterfowl and small game hunting available along the river.

Anglers are lured by the annual salmon and steelhead runs, as well as brown trout, smallmouth bass and walleye. However, salmon season is particularly busy on the river.

Backwater bayous, extensive riparian areas and mature forest communities provide habitat for a diverse number of wildlife species. The lower Manistee River is considered to be the most extensive and least disturbed remnant of true red-shouldered hawk habitat in the state.

Click here for more information on our Wild and Scenic Rivers.

Brochure with map:
This brochure is set to print on 11 x 17 paper, landscape (wide) orientation. To print on 8 1/2 x 11 paper set the print area to "shrink to printable area", this will make the text on the page smaller.

Flickr Photo Albums
- Manistee River
- Manistee River Trail
Blacksmith Bayou Access Site
High Bridge Access Site
Red Bridge River Access Site
Sawdust Hole River Access
Manistee River Area
Manistee River Trail
The Manistee River Trail follows the east shore of the Manistee River for 8.8 miles through rolling hills. The trail traverses past several wetlands and there are bridges crossing two creeks. A waterfall near the northern end of the trail is very popular with many hikers. The Manistee River Trail/North Country National Scenic Trail connector is also the site of the largest wooden suspension bridge in Lower Michigan. Several observation sites along the trail provide hikers with vista views of the Manistee River and surrounding area. There are several dispersed campsites along the trail.

A 23-mile loop trail is formed with the Manistee River Trail along the Manistee River. The loop trail can be accessed from the Marilla and Upper River Road Trailheads for the North Country National Scenic Trail and the Red Bridge and Seaton Creek accesses for the Manistee River Trail.

Brochure with map:
This brochure is set to print on 11 x 17 paper, landscape (wide) orientation. To print on 8 1/2 x 11 paper set the print area to "shrink to printable area", this will make the text on the page smaller.

Flickr Photo Albums
- Manistee River
- Manistee River Trail
Seaton Creek Campground
Midland to Mackinaw Trail
Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area
The 3,500 acre Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area is a beautiful and complex feature along Lake Michigan’s eastern shoreline, in the Huron-Manistee National Forest, located between Ludington and Manistee. It is popular for hiking, primitive and dispersed camping, beach combing, hunting, picnicking, nature study and wildlife viewing, also offering approximately 10-miles of trails accessed from two developed trailheads:  Nurnberg Road and Lake Michigan Recreation Area.  The designated Wilderness area is a protected natural space, an area where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain.

Our Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Story has more information on what is being done to protect this special place and how you can help.
Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Nurnberg Trailhead
North Country National Scenic Trail
Did you know that the North Country National Scenic Trail (NCNST) passes through three National Parks, eight National Forests, and one National Grassland?

The North Country National Scenic Trail is being constructed across federal, state, county and private land. Upon completion the trail will extend from Crown Point, New York to Lake Sakakawea, North Dakota. It will be the longest, continuous hiking trail in the United States.

The 128.8-mile portion of the NCNST that goes through the Manistee portion of the National forests has 15 spur trails to other forest hiking and interpretive trails.

The NCNST is marked with blue rectangle-shaped blazes. Connector trails are marked with white rectangle blazes on trees. For information on the NCNST visit the National Park Service www.nps.gov/noco/index.htm.

Brochure with map:
- North Country National Scenic Trail
- Manistee River Trail
This brochure is set to print on 11 x 17 paper, landscape (wide) orientation. To print on 8 1/2 x 11 paper set the print area to "shrink to printable area", this will make the text on the page smaller.

Flickr Photo Albums
- North Country National Scenic Trail
- Manistee River Trail
40th St. Trailhead
76th St. Trailhead
Bowman Lake Trailhead
Freesoil Trailhead
Marilla Trailhead
Udell Trailhead
Pere Marquette River
The Pere Marquette National Scenic River is a sixty-six mile stretch from the junction of the Middle and Little South Branches east of Baldwin to the Old Highway 31 Bridge.

The Bowman Lake Special Area is 1,100 acres and has both the Pere Marquette and North Country National Scenic Trail going through it.

Whelan Lake Special Area is a 2,800 acre area located near the south branch of the Pere Marquette River.
Bowman Lake Area
This area not only has the Pere Marquette River running through it, but also contains a portion of the North Country National Scenic Trail and habitat for the federally endangered Karner blue butterfly.

The Bowman Lake area is located in Lake and Sweetwater Townships in Lake County. A total of 1,145 acres of NFS lands and 368 acres of private lands are within the boundary of the Bowman Lake area.

The terrain is characterized by rolling hills, glacial depressions and leatherleaf bogs. A 3-acre lake is located within the area. The area tends to be densely forested with a mix of hardwoods, red and white pine and aspen. Wildlife species that commonly inhabit this area include white-tailed deer, bobcat, coyote, red fox, raccoon, porcupine, squirrels, pileated woodpecker, ruffed grouse, wild turkey and various songbirds.

Visitor recreation activities include camping, fishing, mushroom gathering, bird-watching, hunting, hiking and canoeing. Mountain biking and horseback riding are also common uses on the area trails. Although trails are not groomed in the winter, the area is popular for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

The Bowman Lake Trailhead serves as a main entry point onto the North Country National Scenic Trail (NCT). A 3-mile segment of the NCT is located within this area and mountain biking is allowed on this section of trail. In addition, a small trailhead is located on NFS Road 6267, giving access to the Bowman Lake Campground Trail, which is approximately 7.5 miles of loop trail designed for nonmotorized recreation.

This trail system can also be used by mountain bikers and horseback riders. Four improved campsites are located on Bowman Lake. Segments of the State of Michigan snowmobile trail system and Michigan Cycle Conservation Club Trail (MCCCT) system are located immediately south of the area.
Bowman Lake Campground
Bowman Bridge Campground and River Access
Whelan Lake Area
Shore-to-Shore State Horse Trail

The trail begins in Empire near Lake Michigan, on the west side of the state and ends at Lake Huron on the eastern side of the state. The trail passes under I-75, north of Grayling, and then continues eastward to follow the historic Au Sable River to its end in Au Sable, just south of Oscoda. 112 miles of trail run through the Huron portion of the Huron-Manistee National Forests.
Luzerne Horse Trail Campground and Trailhead
McKinley Horse Trail Campground
River Road Trail Camp and Trailhead
South Branch Trail Campground and Trailhead
South Branch Pine River
This river is not navigable for canoeing or boating, however it is an excellent river for cold-water fishing.
Pine River Campground
This is a popular campground during fishing season. Recreation opportunities include hunting, picnicking, mushroom gathering and berry picking. The picnic shelter is a Civilian Conservation Corps construction from the mid 1940's.
Pine River Rearing Run Path
Wagner Lake Area
This section contains information on the sites located in the southern section of the Huron National Forest.
Island Lake Campground
Loon Lake Day Use Area
Wakeley Lake Area
Recreation areas near the Wakeley Lake. This is the section of the Huron National Forest furthest west, and most sites are located along or north of M-72.
South Branch Au Sable Area
Wakeley Lake Area
White River

Three sections of the White River are currently being study for inclusion as a National Scenic River. Currently the White River is designated Scenic by the State of Michigan.

The White River is characterized by a primarily sand bottom with deep pockets of water and small sections of gravel bottom. Paddlers find the river to be a steady and moderate float, with a meandering course.

The forest on either side of the river is primarily stands of oak, maple and aspen hardwoods mixed with red and white pine.

Wildlife abounds and fishing is a popular activity. A large portion of the river flows through the White River Semi-Primitive Nonmotorized Area.
White River Area