Red Bridge River Access Site

Manistee River Trail Suspension Bridge Closure

The Huron-Manistee National Forests (HMNFs) will close the Manistee River Suspension Bridge starting September 30 through November 11, 2024, for preventative maintenance. Hikers can still enjoy the Manistee River Trail (MRT) south of the bridge with point-to-point or out-and-back excursions. The project will not impact the use of the North Country National Scenic Trail (NCT).

At a Glance

Current Conditions:	Cadillac/Manistee Ranger Station
Operational Hours:	Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week unless otherwise posted. Forest quiet hours apply.
Reservations:	Reservations can be made by visiting Recreation.gov or call 1-877-6777. Search for "Upper Manistee River Backwater Sites."
Rentals & Guides:	Canoe Rentals - Manistee Manistee Paddlesport Adventures Irons Enchanted Acres
Area Amenities:	Boat ramp, Parking
Fees:	No Fee
Permit Info:	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.
Open Season:	April 1 - November 30
Usage:	Heavy
Busiest Season:	May to October
Restrictions:	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
Closest Towns:	Brethren
Water:	Drinking Water
Restroom:	Vault
Operated By:	Cadillac/Manistee Ranger District - (231) 577-8902
Information Center:	Cadillac/Manistee Ranger Station Phone: 231-848-7090 Email sm.fs.hmnf@usda.gov

General Information

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.

General Notes:

Location - Manistee National Recreation River, Manistee River Trail

Nearby Recreation Areas -

North Country National Scenic Trail
- Marilla Trailhead

County - Manistee

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Campground Camping

No. of Sites	Single: 4
Reservation Info	Reservations can be made by visiting Recreation.gov or call 1-877-6777. Search for "Upper Manistee River Backwater Sites" One time reservation fee. Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance of visit. Reservations must be made at least 3 days in advance of visit.
Reservation required?:	Y

River and Stream Fishing

Fish Species	Salmon, Steelhead, Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Walleye, Sucker
Special Designations	National Recreation River
Fishing Mode	Boat, Shore, Wade
Fishing Platform	No
Water Temperature	Cold
Fishing Method	Fly, Pole

Day Hiking

Backpacking

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 Branch Trailheads for the North Country National Scenic Trail and the Red Bridge and Seaton Creek accesses for the Manistee River Trail.

Picnicking

No. of Sites	4
Reservation Info	No reservation needed. All sites are first come, first served.
Sleeping Shelter	No

Boating - Motorized

Type of Craft	Fishing Boats, Bass Boats, Dinghies, Electric Boats, Flat Boats, Jon Boats
Size Restrictions	0 - 25 Ft.
Motor Type	Electric, Gas
Class of Rapids	0