North Country Trail

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40 North Country Trail

wildlife viewing | directions and facility information

scenic view Photo: © Ramona Venegas
view along hiking trail view along trail
Photo:© Rich Krieger

This site is part of the North Country National Scenic Trail that when finished will stretch more than 4,000 miles from New York to North Dakota. Approximately 120 miles of this National Scenic Trail occurs on the Huron-Manistee National Forests. The twenty-mile trail section between the Marilla and High Bridge Trailheads is featured here. This trail section follows the general course of the scenic Manistee River, crossing Coates Highway about half way. Several trailheads along the route provide access for day trips. The trailheads have restroom facilities and fee stations. A vehicle parking pass is required.

Wildlife Viewing

Photo: ©Rich Krieger

Beautiful scenery and solitude await hikers who venture along this stretch of the North Country Trail. Bald eagles and osprey are often seen along the river in this area, as are deer, waterfowl, and numerous woodland songbirds. Backpack camping is permitted as long as the campsite is at least 200 feet from the trail and water courses. Camping is prohibited at the trailheads and parking areas. Blue blazes mark the trail route along with signposts at all road crossings. Listen closely in the gray light of dawn to see how many songbirds and other critters you can identify. No drinking water is available along this portion of the trail, so bring your own water.

This area is open to public hunting. Contact the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for affected seasons and locations.

Directions

To Marilla Trailhead: From Brethren, drive east on Coates Highway about 7 miles. Turn left (north) on Marilla Road and continue another 7 miles. Turn right (east) onto Beers Road and proceed about 1.5 miles. Trailhead is on the right side of the road.

To High Bridge Trailhead: From the intersection of Coates Highway and High Bridge Road in Brethren, drive south on High Bridge Road about 2.8 miles to the High Bridge Road parking lot.

Ownership: U.S. Forest Service, Manistee Ranger Station, (231) 723-2211

Size: 20 linear miles

Closest Town: Marilla Trailhead off Beers Road: Mesick
High Bridge Trailhead off High Bridge Road: Brethren

Weather and Driving Directions for Mesick

Plan Your Trip with travel.michigan.org!

Facilities and Opportunities

Restrooms – barrier free restrooms available at Marilla and High Bridge trailheads.
Trails – hiking trail, easy to moderate.
Boat Ramp – access points to Manistee River located at High Bridge Road and Coates Road.
Hunting – area is open to hunting. Check with MDNR for current regulations.
Fishing –trout and coldwater fishery in Manistee River. Check with MDNR for current regulations.

Additional Information:
Huron-Manistee National Forest Web site
North Country Trail Association

Conservation/volunteer opportunities: The North Country Trial Association has public hikes and work sessions coordinated by a local hiking club. Projects range from natural history hikes to trail clearing and cleanup. Volunteer programs and projects are shown on the Association Web site.

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