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Nature|Hiking

The Gorgeous 19.2-Mile Hike In Michigan’s Forest That Will Lead You Past A Waterfall And River

Manistee River Trail in Mesick, Michigan offers a scenic 19.2-mile loop hike with diverse seasonal experiences and the largest wooden suspension bridge in the Lower Peninsula.

Published Jan 24, 2023

Written by 

Emily Tieman

The Mitten State is known for its spectacular Great Lakes, sand dunes, and beautiful seasons. The best way to experience all four seasons is to hike in our glorious, ever-changing forests. If you love backpacking or hiking long distances, you must check out this waterfall trail in Mesick, Michigan.

Manistee River Trail is a moderately rated 19.2-mile loop that takes an average of 7.5 hours to finish.

A serene river flows through lush greenery, with vibrant orange flowers in the foreground under a clear blue sky.
Susan Miller/All Trails

The trail is accessible at the Marilla and Upper River Road trailheads for North Country National Scenic Trail. Or the Seaton Creek and Red Bridge access for the Manistee River Trail.

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The forest path winds past scenic wetlands and footbridges that cross over two creeks. There are stretches of this hike without access to water, so be prepared with plenty of your own. The Manistee River Trail is very hilly and trekking poles are recommended.

A wooden bridge spans a small stream, surrounded by lush green trees and a dirt path in a serene forest setting.
Eric Schroeder/All Trails

This trail is very popular for camping, fishing, and backpacking and can be busy during the peak summer season.

A serene river scene with a small island, surrounded by lush greenery and tents, under a cloudy sky.
Susan Miller/All Trails

You’ll be surprised to learn that the Manistee River Trail has the largest wooden suspension bridge in the Lower Peninsula.

A wooden bridge spans a calm river, surrounded by lush green trees under a clear blue sky.
Sunny Ann/All Trails

You can camp almost anywhere on this trail and a popular spot to rest for the night is near the waterfall. After a long day of walking combined with the sound of the waterfall, you’ll be fast asleep in no time!

A small waterfall flows over rocks, surrounded by autumn leaves and trees, with a wooden bridge above.
Sunny Ann/All Trails

When you hike in the warmer weather months you’ll see a wide variety of flora and fauna including mushrooms and wildflowers.

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Clusters of yellow mushrooms with dotted caps growing on a fallen log, surrounded by green grass and fallen leaves.
Randy Hockey/All Trails

If you think this hike looks incredible in the summer, wait until you see it in autumn. The cooler temperatures make for a pleasant camping experience and you’ll be surrounded by vibrant fall foliage.

A tent set up on a grassy area near a forested riverbank, surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage.
Matt Phillips/All Trails

For fewer crowds and a challenging adventure, visit Manistee River Trail in the winter. The scenery changes completely when it’s covered in a blanket of white snow. No matter what time of year you backpack, you’ll enjoy every minute of visiting this epic Michigan trail.

A serene winter landscape featuring a winding river surrounded by snow-covered trees and distant mountains.
Mark Weaver/All Trails

For a map of the area, visit the USDA Forest Service Website. Would you try out this once-in-a-lifetime hike? For more amazing trip ideas, check out These 10 Trails In Michigan That Will Lead You To Unforgettable Places.

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Nature|Hiking

Skip the Crowds: Explore Michigan’s 5 Quietest Trails and Parks This Month

Seeking solace in silence? These five amazing hiking trails in Michigan are perfect for the occasion.

Published Nov 6, 2024

Written by 

Tori Jane

Michigan is a beautiful place with amazing landscapes, scenery, wonders, and more -- and the best way to explore the Great Lakes State is on foot! I've compiled a list of five of the best hikes in Michigan for anyone who dislikes crowds. These trails are known for being nice and peaceful - especially if you show up early in the morning during the week - and they're the perfect way to quiet the mind and calm the spirit.

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How many of these amazing hiking trails in Michigan have you already conquered? How many will you plan to do? Let's see!

Agate Falls Trail

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Charity Landskron/AllTrails

Nestled near the town of Trout Creek is the Agate Falls Trail, an amazingly underrated hike in Michigan featuring a pretty epic waterfall and a jaw-dropping bridge. The trail ends without a view of the falls; that's where you get creative. Meander down the hill and you'll be rewarded for your footwork with amazing views of an awesome waterfall.

Mosquito River & North Country Trail

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Michelle williams/AllTrails

It's a shame that this incredible hiking trail at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is under-appreciated because it's a doozy. It's long -- just over 21 miles long, to be specific -- but I promise the views are beyond worth it. Known as the Mosquito River and North Country Trail, this incredible adventure is perfect for a multi-day backpacking trip. Remember that dogs are not allowed on this hike, so please plan accordingly! Also, keep in mind that the road leading to the trailhead closes after the first snowfall of the year - so squeeze it in before then!

Addison Oaks County Park Loop

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Kurt Golding/AllTrails

With occasional peeks at the nearby lake and plenty of moderately challenging ups and downs, this gorgeous hiking trail at Addison Oaks County Park is a dream come true for hikers yearning for solitary adventurin'. At six miles in length, this beautiful hike is amazing through early autumn, when the surrounding foliage comes ablaze with brilliant color. dogs are welcome on this one, so plan to bring 'em (as long as they're on leashes.) Entry is $5 per car per day, so plan ahead. Maintain situational awareness: this hike shares a path with mountain bikers, so be careful not to get run over!

Belle Isle Lighthouse & Blue Heron Lagoon Trail

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Jen H/AllTrails

Hidden away near Detroit is a gorgeous little trail that, like the others on this list, simply doesn't get the love and attention it deserves. The Belle Isle Lighthouse & Blue Heron Lagoon Trail is quite easy, and at just over two miles long, it's doable by most folks. On this trail, you'll wander the eastern end of Belle Isle, taking in the amazing sights and probably falling in love with Michigan all over again. This one's nice and short if you don't stop - but what's the fun in that? I definitely recommend stopping to take in the views as much as you can get away with; this area is absolutely stunning, and it's a tragedy that it's so little-loved!

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Wing Haven Reserve Trillium Woods Trail

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Jenny Diakolambrianos/AllTrails

Last on this list but certainly not least by any means, the Wing Haven Reserve Trillium Woods Trail is an adventure waiting to happen. This trail is easy-peasy and short, coming in at under one mile in length (making it excellent for families with kids), and the scenery is absolutely wonderful. Michigan is a magical state, and this hike (all of the hikes on this list, really) beautifully illustrates this. This hike is popular with wildlife watchers and birders, though you'll probably get it to yourself if you show up early during the week. Life in Michigan is beautiful... come out and enjoy it!

So, what do you think? If you're hoping to take your hiking to the next level, be sure to also check out AllTrails Plus; I personally don't know what I ever did hiking before I had it. Have you hiked any of these amazing hiking trails in Michigan? Do you plan to? Let me know!

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Nature|Hiking

This Natural Wonder in Michigan Is the Definition of a Hidden Gem

Wagner Falls is a hidden gem natural wonder in Michigan just a few minutes south of Munising, a charming Upper Peninsula town on Lake Superior.

Published Oct 28, 2024

Written by 

Trent Jonas

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore on the Lake Superior side of Michigan's Upper Peninsula is undoubtedly one of the premier natural wonders in Michigan. Its dramatic shoreline, wooded bluffs, and unspeakably blue water draw thousands of visitors every year.

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A rocky shoreline with lush green trees, overlooking a calm blue lake under a clear sky.
Trent Jonas/Only In Your State

But, as all we Michiganders know, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is far from the only natural wonder in the Great Lakes State - or the Upper Peninsula. Heck, it's not even the only natural wonder in the Pictured Rocks area! For example, just a few minutes south of Munising, where Pictured Rocks is headquartered and where you'll find a couple of the park's units, there's another natural wonder that just doesn't get the same kind of attention or visitorship that the National Park does.

Sign for Wagner Falls Scenic Site, surrounded by trees and snow, indicating a nature area for visitors.
Trent Jonas/Only In Your State

I'm talking about Wagner Falls Scenic Site. This hidden gem is sandwiched between the Hiawatha National Forest and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore about five minutes south of Munising. The small parking area and trail head are located on a forested bend along Michigan Hwy. M-94, so it's easy to miss. But you should definitely keep your eye for it - because the short hike to this hidden gem natural wonder is most assuredly worth it.

According to AllTrails Plus, the total distance of the hike is only about a quarter of a mile - that's round trip, out and back. I last visited in early spring, and parts of the trail were muddy, so watch out for that if the weather has been wet. But a good portion of the trail is a boardwalk, as well, which made going a little easier.

A wooden bridge winding through a forest, surrounded by trees and patches of snow, with sunlight filtering through.
Trent Jonas/Only In Your State

You'll follow the trail through quiet woods along a stream - Wagner Creek - the sound of rushing water becoming louder as you draw closer to a wooden viewing platform. And from there, you'll be treated to a lovely view of the multi-tiered cascade that makes up Wagner Falls. It's certainly not the tallest waterfall in Michigan (maybe 20 or 30 feet from base to precipice), but its setting in an old-growth pine and hemlock forest and the intimate viewing experience, I think, make it one of the prettiest.

A serene waterfall cascades over rocks, surrounded by lush greenery and autumn leaves.
Kenneth_Keifer/Getty Images

There are no amenities, e.g., water or restrooms, at this site, but again, it's mere minutes from Munising, as well as Pictured Rocks' Munising Falls Visitor Center, where you'll find plenty of services. Have you hiked to Wagner Falls? What are some of your favorite hidden gem natural wonders in Michigan? Bet sure to tell us about them on our nominations page.

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