USE CAUTION - KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!

UPDATED Thursday July 9, 2026 @ 1630 Hours

The Huron-Manistee National Forests (HMNFs) has identified and temporarily closed recreation sites due to a historical rainfall event in April. Personnel continue to assess obstructions and debris moved by elevated water levels. There are changes to most of our river systems and we highly encourage the public to use caution when venturing out on the rivers.

Due to rising waters and washouts across the forests riverbanks and culverts have become unstable and unsafe to vehicles and pedestrian foot traffic. 

As of 1430 Hours. EDT today, Wednesday May 13, 2026, ranger districts have reported the following conditions.

Cadillac Manistee Ranger District:

• Manistee County Road Commission has closed High Bridge Road from north of the the High Bridge River Access site to River Road, in Dickson Township, due to structural erosion. No through traffic allowed. However, the High Bridge River Access to the Manistee River site is now open from the south (M-55).
• The section of North Country Trail (NCT) between High Bridge River Access and River Rd. on High Bridge Road, Dickson Twp., is no longer safe for pedestrians. Due to washout and instability, that section of trail is closed indefinitely. 

Saturated soils have weakened the structural integrity of riverbanks while fast-flowing water undercuts the bank's base, losing strength and potentially collapsing. High-velocity water and rapid water level drops create intense pressure, causing rapid erosion, sloughing off banks creating landslides, forming "blowouts," new channels and heavy sand deposits (drifts) in unexpected areas. Unpredictable conditions like these are unsafe and should be avoided at all costs.

River waters hide partially or fully submerged hazards, such as trees and logs. 

For a complete list of recreation sites impacted or inaccessible, please see below. You may also call the respective office to inquire on current conditions or report safety hazards.

The following recreation sites are  impacted by this recent weather event.