MARILLA TRAILHEAD - CROTON DAM, MI

Manistee National Forest

Wexord, Manistee, Mason and Newaygo Counties

126.2 mi total 115.3 certified 4.5 connecting 6.4 marked 0.0 bare

"I wish the Manistee would never end," Ed Talone wrote of the Manistee National Forest on his 1994 thru-hike. For many years, the trail in the Manistee National Forest was a model of cooperation between the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, and North Country Trail Association. At the southern end, the 28 miles known as the "Manistee Trail" predated the NCT and was famed as one of the best weekend walks in the midwest. North of the Manistee Trail, a combination of volunteers and forest service crews took a lot of care in building the trail in the forest, making it one of the centerpieces of the whole NCNST.

Even in 1994, Talone noted damage and erosion from mountian bike usage on the trail, which, though never formally opened to mountain bikes, was never offically closed to them, either _ the trail had been "discovered" by the mountain bike crowd, which pushed hard to officially open the trail to them. In a display of bureaucratic pigheadedness unprecedented on the NCNST, in 1996 the forest manager overrode conclusions of a study then in progress, and formally opened all but 30 miles of the trail to mountain bikes. The areas opened to mountain bikes were some of the most scenic and easily damaged sections of the trail. "If hikers don't like it, they can go elsewhere," the decision statement on the issue wrote.

The North Country Trail Association asks that hikers not abandon the trail, but report to the forest service _ and to the NCTA _ all incidents of conflict with mountain bikes, and any trail damage caused by their use, such as waterbars being bypassed, switchbacks being crossed, erosion, vandalism, and other such items. On areas where the trail is closed to mountain bikes, it's asked that any mountian bike use be reported immediately, and that a complaint be filed. In the following text, areas closed to mountain bikes will be noted.

The Manistee National Forest is part of the larger 950,000 acre Huron-Manistee National Forest, one of three National Forests in Michigan. It was established in 1938 from worn out, tax-delinquent homesteads and cutover, burned logging sites. Hiking is an adventure along terrain that changes from steep hillsides and long vistas where it skirts the Manistee River and Hodenpyl Dam, to gently rolling on the southern end of the trail.

Unlike much of the North Country Trail, the trail in the Manistee National Forest used to be blazed with gray diamonds, the result of an unresolved lawsuit. Now the trail is mostly re-blazed with the blue rectangles. CAMPING: Most of the camping along the trail in the Manistee is at undeveloped sites. Camping is permitted anywhere on Forest Service lands, but camps must be at least 200 feet from the trail, and 200 feet from a lake or stream, except at designated sites marked with a post exhibiting a camping symbol. There are also several developed campgrounds located along, or a short hike from the trail. These campground provide tables, fire rings, drinking water and toilet facilities. A daily fee is charged. INFORMATION AND MAPS are particularly good and available on the Manistee; in fact, it's the best in Michigan. The official NCTA maps and the Hutchins Guide are more than adequate for the Manistee; both are available from the North Country Trail Store. The Forest Service also provides free mapsheets. For information, contact Manistee National Forest, 412 Red Apple Road, Manistee, MI 49660 (231) 723-2211, or Manistee National Forest, Baldwin Ranger District PO Drawer D, Baldwin, MI 49304 (231) 745-4631.

It should be noted that the distances noted herein are not the "offical" version shown on the USFS information; information from the Hutchins Guide has been used for trail distances in the belief that it's more accurate _ Byron Hutchins walked every inch of the trail in the Manistee with a measuring wheel, as he did on many other sections he's written about, and the Hutchins Guide trail descriptions are much more detailed than space allows here.

Bill Menke, once National Park Service Manager for the North Country National Scenic Trail, and now NCTA Trail Foreman, first developed his fascination for the NCNST when he was district ranger of the Manistee Ranger District. In 1989, while still district ranger, he took a hike along the trail in across the district. Several of his still-pertinent comments will be included in this section.

0.0 [0.0] MARILLA TRAILHEAD

In recent years, the section from Marilla Trailhead down to the Udell Trailhead has probably become the more popular section of the NCNST in the Manistee, surpassing the old and more familiar "Old Manistee Trail" at the southern end of the forest. With the opening of the new loop trail north from Coates Road and Red Bridge Access (discussed below), it will probably become more popular with weekend hikers. Unfortunatly, due to its rugged, scenic terrain, it's become more popular with mountian bikers, too; mountain bikes are permitted as far as Dilling Road, in spite of the obvious erosion they've caused. The trail climbs up through an old pine plantation from the trailhead; glimpses of Hodenpyl Dam Pond may be had through the trees at the top of the ridge, and there are a couple of overlooks with spectacular views. "Campsites abound in this area," Menke wrote, "As they do for most of the trail, but there is no nearby water for cooking or drinking." The trail proceeds south, making small dips and climbs, and then crosses under a power line, turns west and descends to cross Eddington Creek.

1.4 [1.4] CROSS EDDINGTON CREEK

The trail crosses Eddington Creek on a small foot bridge. Once across the creek, the trail turns east, ascends a bluff, which it follows southwestward. After a ways, it descends to the west, and goes through a maze of old ATV trails left from before this area was named a semi-primitve nonmotorized area; trail markers should be carefully followed. The trail turns to the southeast, climbs a bluff, descends, climbs it again, and then descends to FR 8060.

5.0 [3.6] CROSS FR 8060

The trail makes a gradual ascent to the south, climbs to the top of a bluff, and circles around the ends of a couple of ravines, then makes a gradual descent to the bottom of the bluff again. The trail loops around another ravine, crosses a closed forest road, then makes a series of climbs and descents, then climbs to the top of a narrow ridge, and follows along the edge of the bluff. Menke camped in this area on his first night on the trail: "While getting things organized in my pack, an apple popped out and rolled over the hill. I was right on top of it and tried to go after it, but soon tripped and was rolling down the hill behind the apple, until I grabbed a little tree to stop myself. I figure the apple isn't worth getting hurt for, and listen as it rolls all the way to the bottom, probably 300-400 feet below me. This gives some indication of the steepness of this country." From this spot, the trail descends through an oak forest with an undergrowth of pine, and emerges on paved Coates Hwy.

9.1 [4.1] CROSS COATES HWY

The forest service recently opened a footbridge at Hodenpyl Dam, and constructed a long-desired loop trail up the east side of the river. The loop trail goes east next to Coates Road about a mile and a half to Red Bridge public access site, then turns north along the other side of the river, going to the dam and back to the Marilla trailhead. From Coates Road, the trail climbs with a switchback from the crossing. Reaching the top of the bluff again, it makes climbs and descents, and turns southwest to pass through a cut-over area, and climbs to a bluff with a nice view, then descends to cross an old logging road. Past that, it climbs again, crosses an old forest lane, and makes a gradual descent, now heading west. Continuing more or less to the west, it climbs yet another bluff, follows it for a ways, then descends through a ravine. Towards the end of the section, it passes through another old pine plantation, and emerges on paved Dilling Road.

14.9 [5.8] PASS DILLING RD.

(This section updated 6-11-04) Mountain bikes are prohibited from Dilling Road to the Udell Trailhead. If you observe any mountain bike activity in this area, you are urged to report it as soon as possible. (If you're one of the increasing number of hikers that carry cellular phones in their packs, report it immediately - the Manistee Ranger District Office phone number is (231) 723-2211). This section is a lot flatter than the one that preceded it, and is popular with fishermen, who use the trail to access fishing along the Manistee River. The trail follows a small ridge after crossing the road. Sawdust Hole backpack campground is just to the south of Dilling Road. It has designated campsites, fire rings, and an outhouse. Beyond Sawdust Hole, the trail follows a bluff for a short distance, then descends to the river bank, and follows it westward through a grassy valley known as Leitch Bayou. "One is likely to run into other birds or wildlife," Menke wrote, "Including the Herefords, along this piece of trail. Past Leitch Bayou, the trail again climbs via some switchbacks to the top of a bluff, then descends a ridge with a swamp to the river side, approaches the river briefly, and continues westward in a wandering course, climbs a bluff and descends, and eventually emerges on High Bridge Road. The village of Brethren is about two miles north.

20.1 [5.2] HIGH BRIDGE RD. TRAILHEAD

There is a boat landing on the west side of the road north of the river that can be used for parking; this is the High Bridge Trailhead. The trail uses the road bridge to cross to the south side of the Manistee River. High Bridge was a logging railroad bridge that once crossed the river to the east. This timber bridge was over a quarter mile long, and over 140 feet high. From High Bridge Road, the trail follows the river briefly, then ascends the bluff on the south side in a series of switchbacks. There is an interpretive trail installed in this section by an intern. The pamphlet which accompanies the numbered posts is available from the Manistee Ranger District (231) 723-2211 About a mile from High Bridge is Blacksmith Bayou primitive camping area, again with a pit toilet, fire rings, and dispersed camping. There's no formal water source. From Blacksmith Bayou, the trail turns south, then west on a dirt road (Chicago Avenue), then south again on Michigan Ave. Turn west on Cedar Creek Road to gravel Huff Road for most of another mile, before reaching Pine Creek Road. Please note that for the summer of 2004, this entire section is closed do to reconstruction of the bridge on Huff Road. Hikers must take a roadwalk on Highbridge Road and MI-55. between High Bridge and Udell Trailheads

23.4 [3.3] CROSS PINE CREEK RD.

Once across Pine Creek Rd., the trail turns and heads southwest through a pine plantation to the Udell Trailhead. The trailhead is at a highway rest area, and there is a pit toilet, picnic table, grill, but no water.

24.8 [1.4] PASS UDELL TRAILHEAD (M55)

The trail becomes steeper, more fragile and more interesting south of the Udell trailhead, so you know that mountain bikes are again permitted, from here to the Bowman Lake trailhead. Heading south from the trailhead, the trail continues on level ground, and after less than a mile crosses Firetower Road. The trail continues southwest from here through an oak-aspen forest with a lot of undergrowth, crossing several old forest roads and winding around several ravines as the Udell Hills rise to the west of the trail. The trail begins to investigate the hills, climbing to the top on one, where there is a clear-cut with replanted oaks at the top, then drops off the ridge, descends, then climbs another hill with good views to the south and west. The trail then descends gradually to Skocelas Road.

30.5 [5.7] CROSS SKOCELAS RD.

The trail crosses Skocelas Road near the corner of Madison Road, and crosses a wooded corner before coming out on Udell Hills Road. Turn west on the roak and then south on Skocelas as a roadwalk, crossing the Little Manistee River in the process. Just south of the bridge, the trail turns southeast to follow gravel Riverside Road for a short distance, then turns off-road once again to the south.

31.7 [1.2] TURN SOUTHEAST ON MARKED TRAIL

The trail heads south from Riverside Road on a more or less flat section of trail that winds nicely through the forest. In the beginning, it's a pine forest where recent selective logging has been done. About four miles south of Riverside Road a boardwalk has been constructed across Dead Horse Marsh. In another mile the trail crosses Dead Horse Marsh Rd (FR5331), and runs through low, rolling hills of mixed oak and some pine to FR 5203, another dir road.

36.5 [4.8] CROSS FR 5203

Just to the southeast of the FR 5203 a spur trail runs a mile to Beartrack Campground. This is a little more elaborate affair than the backpack campgrounds passed to the north, with pit toilets and a pump. To the south of the spur trail, the NCT follows an old railroad grade through Bear Swamp, a lowland hardwood stand that is seasonally flooded. "This is a little different experience than the rest of the trail," Menke reported. The trail crosses over 5 small wood bridges in this section, before reaching Freesoil Trailhead on 8-Mile Road.

39.0 [2.5] PASS FREESOIL TRAILHEAD

Freesoil Trailhead is no more than a small parking area. The trail heads out through a low, swampy area, through mixed oaks and pines, with some redpine plantations. A footbridge crosses a swampy area, then the trail goes through a redpine plantation where some harvesting has taken place. " It's interesting to note the profusion of old white pine stumps that still exist here," Menke wrote. "More evidence that before the great logging era much of this part of Michigan was stocked with predominately large white pine _ the famous Michigan Pineries." The trail continues south to Five Mile road, along the way crossing a 125-foot plankway about 18 inches above the floor of a seasonal hardwood swamp, curving beautifully through the trees, built by hiker volunteer labor, and through a small grove of large White Pine, giving a little sense of what the region must have looked like a century and a half ago. (Menke ended his hike near here, at what was once the Manistee Ranger District boundary.)

43.3 [4.3] JOIN 5-MILE ROAD

The next section is a roadwalk, one of the longest among the few in the Manistee National Forest. The trail joins gravel 5-Mile Road and turns east; in a short distance, at the junction with Hamilton Road, it becomes paved. The walk continues east passing Seaman Lake an a private campground, Leisure Time Campground, where there are hot showers and flush toilets. The trail passes the junction with Bass Lake Road, and then passes Loon Lake, which lies to the north. A small store is to the north along Bass Lake Road. About a mile past Bass Lake Road, the trail turns off into the woods to the south.

45.6 [2.3] LEAVE 5-MILE ROAD

The trail curves around a swampy area, crosses a small gravel road, then descends to the bridge over the Big Sable River, about 3/4 mile south of the road. The wide but shallow Big Sable River is crossed on a wooden footbridge, named the Vince Smith Memorial Bridge, in memory of a Trail Association member who was one of the backbones of trailbuilding across much of Michigan. Vince was elderly and fragile to look at, but was wiry, tough as nails, and could outwork people half his age day after day. There is a possible campsite on the south side of the river. The trail heads southwest from the footbridge for about a mile, climbing along the way, then gradually curves to the south, crossing a couple of old forest roads and following the edge of a clearcut, then reaches Sauble Road.

49.1 [3.5] CROSS SAUBLE ROAD

Shortly after crossing Sauble Road, the trail descends to pass through a low, marshy area, crosses McCarthy Creek on rocks, then continues southwest to a sand road along the west side of the lake. The trail follows the road briefly, then turns eastward, following along the shore of the deep, clear lake. There is a small parking area near the lake, and has several potential camping areas.

50.3 [1.2] PASS MCCARTHY LAKE

From McCarthy Lake, the trail climbs to the south, turns to the west for a short distance, then turns back to the south and descends to a crossing of FR 5782.

51.1 [0.8] CROSS FR 5782

From FR 5782, the trail climbs briefly once again, turns to the west, crosses a sand road, and turns to the south to follow above the edge of a beaver pond, which is shallow and grassy around the edges with lily pads in the center. The trail curves to the east around the pond, then turns south to leave it, curves around through an area with many dry depressions, then reaches FR 5196, a one-lane sand road.

52.6 [1.5] CROSS FR 5196

The trail heads south from FR 5196, and soon climbs to the top of a bluff, which it follows for a distance before descending on an old forest lane. Near the bottom of the descent, the trail crosses the Michigan Cross-Country Cycle Trail, an ATV trail, which will be crossed repeatedly for the rest of the trip through the forest. The trail continues south with several climbs and descents, reaches the top of a ridge, follows it for a ways, then descends to the southeast, then turns to the south to reach 8th Street, which is nothing more than a wide, sandy lane.

55.4 [2.8] CROSS 8TH STREET

58.5 [3.1] PASS TIMBER CREEK TRAILHEAD (US10)

The trail crosses US10, and follows along its south side before turning into the woods, and making several short climbs and descents while gradually angling to the southeast. Turning to the south, the climbs and descents continue, until making a sharp descent across a couple of switchbacks, while angling to the southeast. The trail turns to the west, then goes through an old pine plantation until reaching gravel Wingleton Road. The trail then follows the road west for about a mile as a roadwalk, a railroad track to one side, until reaching paved South Branch Road.

61.2 [2.7] JOIN SOUTH BRANCH ROAD

The trail follows South Branch Road to the south as a roadwalk, taking the opportunity after a short distance to use the road to cross the Pere Marquette River, a noted trout and canoeing stream. A canoe landing is on the east on the south side of the stream, has water, toilets, and parking, and probably could be used as a campsite. Shortly past the bridge, the trail angles off into the woods to the southwest, following the river. To the southeast, up a flight of steps, the trail overlooks the river on a high bluff, a nice place to camp with a great view. After that, the trail leaves the river, climbs to the south, and then levels off for a distance, then descends to cross a small creek, ascend again, crosses a powerline clearing, and reaches dirt 40th Street at the corner of gravel Hamilton Road.

63.7 [2.5] JOIN 40TH STREET

The trail turns east to follow 40th Street to the east as a roadwalk for about a quarter mile, then turns south into the woods. The trail heads south in a gradual climb through an oak forest, then makes several climbs and descents, circling around through the forest, often going through a series of ravines. Halfway through the section, the trail makes a sharp turn to the east for about a quarter mile, then turns to the south again, eventually reaching an overlook over Bowman Lake. The trail descends from the overlook and goes down to the lake, then turns to the southwest, then south up and down some climbs and descents until reaching the Bowman Lake parking area, where there are no facilities. The trail continues on to the east, then turns south to the trailhead on paved 56th Street. Bowman Bridge Campground is miles to the east; it has potable water, toilets, picnic tables, and is in general more highly developed than the backcountry campgrounds passed recently. Baldwin, MI, is about 4 miles farther east, the largest town within striking distance of the trail for a resupply since Kalkaska.

67.0 [3.3] PASS BOWMAN LAKE TRAILHEAD (56TH STREET)

Mountain bikes are again prohibited from the Bowman Lake Trailhead to the Nichols Lake North Trailhead. Any mountain bike activity observed should be reported as soon as possible. The trail heads south out of the Bowman Lake Trailhead in a climb to the top of a bluff, then descends into a ravine, turns to the east, crosses a logging road and the ATV trail, and descends to gravel Mac Road.

67.8 [0.8] CROSS MAC ROAD

Shortly after leaving Mac Road, the trail crosses a small creek, then heads east through a pine plantation, then turns to the southeast, crosses a couple small logging roads, then a couple of more substantial forest roads as it turns to the south, and climbs to a bluff overlooking the Pere Marquette River valley. The trail descends, crosses a couple of small streams, and veers to the southeast again, passes through a private parcel . The trail turns east through a stand of hardwoods, then southeast on an old railroad grade, then reaches the Big Star Lake Road (76th Street) Trailhead.

74.0 [6.2] PASS 76TH ST. TRAILHEAD (BIG STAR LAKE RD.)

From the trailhead, the trail runs eastward a short distance to the north of Big Star Lake Road before turning to cross it, then turns south along small Jenks Creek. After a distance, the trail crosses the creek on a bridge and follows it on the other side, crossing a small road, then turns to the southeast to circle the east side of large Sterling Marsh, actually a couple of small lakes in advanced eutrophication. At a fence marking private property, the trail turns to the south, then, past the private property, turns east, passes through some low ground, then turns southwest through a pine plantation, and turns south, crossing a couple small creeks before reaching Cedar Creek Road.

77.9 [3.9] CROSS CEDAR CREEK ROAD

From Cedar Creek Road, the trail continues south, crossing a powerline clearing, a small creek, and between two ponds, then veers to the southeast, crosses a forest road, then heads back west on an old railroad grade. The grade veers to the south and is a high route through low ground to either side. Leaving the grade, the trail jogs to the west, then turns south again, crosses a forest road, and reaches gravel 16-mile road.

80.9 [3.0] CROSS 16-MILE ROAD

From 16 mile road, the trail follows the west side of Cedar Creek before turning to cross it on a small bridge, and continues east, crosses Forest Road 5311, then continues to the southeast. The trail passes through a mixed forest of pines and hardwoods, continues southeast, crosses a small forest road, and shortly afterward, another, to pass by the west end of small Highbank Lake. An often full developed forest campground is at the east end of the lake. It has 9 sites, pit toilets, fire rings, tables, and a pump; fee. The trail continues southwest from the lake overlook, crosses another forest road, and shortly after passes smaller Sawkaw Lake. Turning south, the trail crosses a forest road, passes to the east of small Condon Lake, crosses another couple forest lanes, and emerges on Leaf Lake, passing several potentially good campsites. The trail follows around the edge of the lake and emerges on the access road to the lake.

85.1 [4.2] PASS LEAF LAKE

The trail continues southwest, climbing to an overlook of the lake, then descends. It crosses a forest road, turns to the south to pass between two ponds in a low area, then turns southeast to follow an old logging road through a marshy area, passes through a pine plantation as it angles south, then southwest again and emerges on Cleveland Road, where there is trailhead parking.

86.6 [1.5] PASS NICHOLS LAKE NORTH TRAILHEAD [CLEVELAND ROAD]

Mountain bikes are permitted from this point to the M-20 Trailhead. The trail heads southwest through gentle ups and downs, crosses an old logging road, and turns to the northwest briefly before returning to a southerly heading, crossing another old logging road. The trail continues southeast, emerges on the shore of Nichols Lake, and follows the shoreline to the boat landing, which also serves as the trailhead. Camping is not allowed in the boat launch area. The village of Bitely is about 2 1/2 miles to the east.

BITELY, MI 49309 Small country store.

88.1 [1.5] PASS NICHOLS LAKE SOUTH TRAILHEAD [11-MILE ROAD]

The trail continues to the southeast along the lake for a short distance, then curves to the south, crossing the boat landing access road. Nichols Lake Forest Campground is to the north from the junction of the boat landing access and the main access road. It's a fairly large campground, with tables and toilets, grills, pumps and fees. The Manistee Trail, the progenitor of the present NCNST in this area, ran from the campground south to 40th Street, south of White Cloud. Much of the NCT for the next 28 miles follows the old route, but there have been extensive relos. The trail parallels the campground access road south, and follows it briefly, to 11-Mile Road. From here south to 40th Street, there are mile markers every mile, but have not yet been numbered. The trail continues southeast, crosses a forest road and Croswell Avenue, a more substantial road, continues southeast, crosses another couple of forest roads, and then turns east to cross Tank Creek, where there are dispersed camping sites. The trail continues east for a distance, then returns to the southeast along another old logging railroad. The trail leaves the grade before crossing West Michigan Creek on a 30-foot log bridge. The trail leaves the bridge to the south, along a fence line, and after a short distance, turns to the east, crosses an old logging road, bears southeast, crosses another old forest road, and turns south to cross Bear Creek on a bridge, and turns south on an old, closed-off logging road until reaching 8-Mile Road, also known as Pierce Drive or FR 3508.

93.6 [5.5] CROSS FR 3508

The trail follows an old logging road south for a short distance, then turns to the east, follows a fence, then crosses a large open area. On the far side, an old forest road is crossed, and the trail turns to the south through a young forest, reaching 7-Mile Road. Once across the road, the trail turns southeast again, crosses over an old burned area, crosses a forest road, and passes through an open area before turning briefly south, then follows the edge of a marshy area to the southwest, crosses an old logging road, turns northwest briefly, then south, passes a marshy area, and heads southwest to 6-Mile Road. A mile to the east along this road is Loda Lake Wildflower Sanctuary. Established in the 1930s by the Federated Garden Clubs of Michigan, its intent was to provide a place for native Michigan plants to grow and prosper in a relatively undisturbed condition, and is home to several rare or endangered plant species. From 6-Mile Road, the trail ascends a short flight of steps, and continues to climb to the southeast, passing a two-rut on the way. Descending the other side involves two switchbacks, and a beaver flooding in the small valley of Menna Creek. The trail continues southwest, follows a sidehill, crosses a forest road, and crosses the same forest road shortly afterwards. Climbing gradually, the trail crosses another forest road, then turns south to reach sandy 5-Mile Road.

From the trail crossing, 1.6 miles to the east along 5-Mile Road is the NCTA Schoolhouse, considered by many as the midpoint of the trail. Used as a headquarters and hostel for many years, as well as the site of the NCTA's annual spring meeting. The building was not well-located for full-time staff use, so it's not the headquarters any more, nor is it used for meetings, except occasionally by the West Michigan Chapter. It's still used as a hostel, and as a summer cabin for work crews. The headquarters manager, Ginny Wunsch (616) 689-6876, lives nearby, and is a friend to hikers; contact her for hostel reservation. She can often arrange for put-ins and pickup for hikers, if you can catch her _ she's a busy woman.

100.5 [6.9] CROSS 5-MILE ROAD

The trail heads south out of 5-Mile Road, and in the next mile or so passes a series of small marshes and crosses a series of two-ruts. The trail turns to the southeast, then east, then northeast, and marsh-two-rut-marsh continues, until turning south, then southwest over a series of small ridges, until reaching 3-Mile Road, about 3.6 miles out of 5-Mile Road. About two miles to the east on 3-mile road, near the corner of that road and M-37, is a small country store. The trail heads south out of this crossing, jogs around a bit to avoid private property, heading briefly northwest before turning south again, crosses two forest roads, and follows a ridge southward, crossing a more substantial road, then and turns southeast descends to cross Second Cole Creek. From the crossing, the trail climbs and heads east for nearly a mile before turning back to the southwest and reaching the parking area at the M-20 Trailhead.

107.1 [6.6] PASS M20 TRAILHEAD

Mountain bikes are prohibited from the M-20 trailhead to Croton Dam at the south end of the trail in the Manistee National Forest. Any mountian bike activity noted along this area should be reported immediately. The trail continues south out of the M-20 trailhead, crosses a powerline clearing, turns southwest through a grassy area with small trees, crosses a forest two-rut, turns south then crosses it a again a little ways later and continues south to Baseline Road, a more substantial affair. The trail briefly follows Baseline Road east, passes through a pine planting, and descends to follow a small stream, the Rattlesnake Branch of the White River, through a low area, and crosses the stream on a forest road, and continues to follow it on the south side, then continues to the east through a low area, veering south to cross the White River on an interesting bridge, built in 1986. It's been a favorite place for trail pictures. The trail climbs a small hill from the bridge and follows a fence line south to the Echo Drive. The trail follows Echo Drive east a quarter mile as a roadwalk. About two miles to the east of where the trail turns back into the forest is the city of White Cloud.

WHITE CLOUD, MI 49349 (Pop. 1,100) has a reasonable array of services. LODGING: The Shack Country Inn, where many NCTA membership meetings were held in the late '80s and early '90s, is about 3 miles west of the trail on Echo Drive, on a side road. 34 rooms on Lake Robinson, A/C, phones, V/MC. (616 924-6683) There are also a couple of Mom'N'Pop motels in town. RESTAURANTS: Sally's Family Restaurant, on M37 north of the light, was the site of many "Meetings after the meeting" in the days when NCTA meetings were held in White Cloud. B/L/D, V/MC (616) 689-6560. Also, Wanda's Restaurant, on M37 south of the light, B/L/D, (616) 689-6706. GROCERIES: Full service supermarket, plus convenience stores. OTHER: Hardware, sporting goods, bank, pharmacy, doctor, dentist.

111.0 [3.9] CROSS ECHO DRIVE

The trail turns south on sandy Centerline Road, and follows it south through private property for about a quarter mile before reaching Forest Service land again, and turning southeast and entering a pine plantation. The trail veers south, crosses a forest road and a small stream, veers southeast, passes through a powerline clearing, turns south again, and crosses another small stream on a bridge. The trail skirts a marshy area, crosses a forest road, turns southeast, skirts another marshy area, and turns southwest, crossing another couple of forest roads and passing through a couple of pine plantations. The trail turns south, and passes a side trail to a rest area on M-37; this should not be used for long-term parking. The trail continues south, pastly along a small ridge, until reaching 40th Street. The trailhead parking is a short distance to the west. This was the starting point of the old Manistee Trail.

116.3 [6.3] PASS 40TH STREET TRAILHEAD

From 40th Street to Croton Dam, Forest Service ownership of land is more scattered. Still, there's some nice trail in the last ten miles in the Manistee. Though trail markers are still gray, but just to make life interesting there are some white and blue ones thrown in for the next ten miles. The trail continues south out of the trailhead (there is a side trail from the trailhead parking lot that joins the main trail a short distance out). The trail ascends gradually, veers to the southeast, crosses a ridge, then turns east to reach M-37.

116.8 [0.5] CROSS M-37

The trail climbs sharply once across M-37 to cross a railroad, then a dirt road, then a forest lane a short distance later, then descends sharply to the shore of Twinwood Lake. The trail follows the shore of the lake for a distance (no camping allowed along the shore, but there is a dispersed campsite after leaving the lake). The trail turns to the northeast, and climbs and descends until reaching a bluff overlooking Bigelow Creek, the lake's feeder stream, following the bluff until reaching 40th Street again.

118.1 [1.3] JOIN 40TH STREET

The next section is a roadwalk east for about a mile on the paved 40th Street, then turning south on Spruce Road. The roadwalk continues south, then southeast, on Spruce Road, passing Woods and Waters Resort, where fee camping is permitted. Shortly after the resort, the trail heads northwest from Spruce Street.

120.1 [2.0] TURN NORTHEAST ON MARKED TRAIL

The trail heads northeast through open forest, then turns east and makes a gradual ascent to Poplar Ave., about 1.3 miles after leaving Spruce Road. The trail jogs south a short distance, descends a little through mixed forest to cross a bridge over Cold Creek, then makes a moderate ascent to cross FR 5902. The next mile or so is through the Newaygo Experimental Forest, with different types of pine plantings. The trail turns south to cross 48th Street _ the name belies itself, as it's only a sandy forest lane. The trail then angles southwest, leaving the Experimental Forest, passes a formerly burned area, goes through a grassy opening, passes a Christmas tree farm, then a pine plantation before reaching Oak Ave, a sandy 2-lane road.

123.1 [3.0] CROSS OAK AVE.

The trail continues southeast from Oak Avenue through a pine planting and crosses a couple of forest lanes before turning south to cross 56th Street, another sandy road. The trail jogs east for a short distance, then turns south on a mostly level path. After about a half mile, the route turns southeast again through a mixed pine and oak forest, crossing a couple of forest roads and a snowmobile trail, until reaching Pine Ave. at the intersection of paved Croton Drive.

125.4 [2.3] CROSS PINE AVE.

The trail crosses the intersection of Pine Ave. and Croton Drive diagonally to the southeast, then turns to the east to parallel paved Croton Drive through a pine plantation, crossing a couple of forest lanes, emerging onto the paved road about .2 miles from Kimble County Park. Croton Dam is on a side road, a roadwalk from this point. Both the dam site and the County Park offer long-term parking, but no camping; a private campground and canoe rental is located just west of the county park. Though a fee campground, it has developed facilities, which includes an indoor pool.

126.2 [0.8] CROTON DAM TRAILHEAD

Description of this segment ends at Kimble County Park, near the bridge over the Muskegon River.

CROTON, MI 49337 Restaurant, motel, convenience store.

At Croton Dam, the trail reaches a watershed of sorts -- it's come to the end of about 630 miles of more or less continuously marked trail, all the way from eastern Marquette County in the upper peninsula.

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