Solo backpacking trip on Michigan's Manistee River Trail

So I decided to take a solo backpacking trip in Michigan. I've always wanted to do the Manistee River Trail loop and here was the opportunity. My original plan was to complete the loop with two nights but the terrain is fairly flat and I was able to complete the entire thing in an overnight. The manistee side is very pretty at spots but also very busy while the North Country Trail (NCT) side is also very pretty and quiet. I think I actually enjoyed the NCT side more because of how peaceful it was AND there was not much growth on the trees so the views were spectacular.
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[@mitchholder99]

Hell yeah man i didnt think you would have put me in your video!! Nice to run into you on the trail keep on doing what your doing brotha!!!

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Thanks for sharing a fire man. 👍

[@yikesman8618]

Good stuff guys

[@timbottoms8256]

You said it would make a good first trip. My brother and I are going here this weekend for our first backpacking trip! Great video!!

[@OUTDOORS55]

Hey tim haven't seen a video i a while, hope everything is going well!

[@pnwadventuresandgearreview8749]

Great area Tim and perfect weather thanks for taking us along!

[@dougnevitt2257]

This was one of my first backpacking trips. Fell in Love with hiking and backpacking. the solitude was amazing. cool to see it through someone elses eyes

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Yea. I really enjoyed the NCT side especially.

[@super8manistee525]

This was very nicely done Tim. Thank you for sharing.

[@HawkeyeHikes]

Thanks for bringing us with you and thank you for your willingness to make some longer drives so we can all see new places.

[@raylamascus2296]

Great video Tim. Slow down and enjoy

[@TheWeekendHiker]

Solo trips are good for the soul. Thanks for sharing Tim. -ATB Adam

[@Michael_Tran]

Awesome content. Looking forward to my backpacking adventure soon!

[@benkressdesign]

Looks like a nice relaxing hike... I need to put that location on my list for sure. Thanks for sharing!

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Thanks for watching!

[@hikewithmike4673]

beautiful place to hike and camp!...I hope to make it up there one of these days!...great adventure as always!...nothing better then solo camping in my opinion!

[@SalineScott]

I love that pine forest where you set camp up. And, it’s even cooler when you get recognized

[@ronaldrose7593]

Hello Tim, it is good to see you out and about once again. I hope that the 'nature fix' will help you to overcome that cold or flu bug. Thank you for the tagalong. Looks like a very beautiful area. Take good care of yourself and always have fun. 🤗

[@WanderingFromKansas]

Great video, Tim!

[@BackpackingWithJason]

I like those sunglasses. That book “ Nature Fix” sounds interesting. Solo backpacking can be so relaxing and peaceful. It’s just yourself and the woods. Great campsite area. Looked like a great hammock hang area. Loved that view of the river in the morning. Cool video Tim. 😃👍

[@backpackingtrips4100]

Timmmmmm.... you made it out. Great vid. Glad you're feeling better. 😎👍🏕🌄

[@TheWasatchGearReview]

Glad you are feeling better. I've read The Nature Fix and a few others like it. It's a great book. Looked like a beautiful area!

[@DirtyDirtbath]

Out of all the MRT videos, yours is my favorite. Actually, anytime I'm planning a short backpacking trip I do a search to see if you have a video there first 😂

[@Datsyzerberg]

Michigan people are the best, looked like a great trip. I've canoed the river but thinking of heading back for the trail

[@WasatchWill]

Definitely agree on the solo philosophy. And thanks for the book suggestion. Will check it out. Nice looking little overnight. I'm looking to get my pack on for the first time this year this weekend, which is later than normal for me.

[@davidson_oldbull_sectionhiker]

Nice stroll Tim. Thanks for the video and I am glad you are feeling better. I finally went to doctor today after 2 weeks.

[@angelsmith9480]

Hey Tim! Just caught one of your hiking videos. Love your style and have subscribed:)

[@elipresson]

Nice Trip Tim! Talk about the perfect weather for a weekend hike.

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Yea it was a nice walk.

[@kozlow5727]

Great video! I recently started backpacking and will be doing the MRT portion in a few weekends.

[@markpostma1044]

That first incline is always a killer. Your trail legs are not quite under you and bamm! that first steep incline. Nice video! Great views of a great trail.

[@jaredwhalen8121]

Funny you posted this. I'm doing it this weekend.

[@barb61]

Book sounded interesting so I ordered it! Nice trip! glad you are feeling better

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Thanks. Yes it's a great book.

[@ravineseder3133]

Nice trail, have to do that next time I'm up there.

[@waterfallmadman]

Great trip. That river is gorgeous. I have subscribed to your channel

[@freddonelson5505]

Great to see you back on the trail and feeling better. I'm hoping to get out once school is out and we get my middle daughter married off June 8. Watching this video and Uptrail77s video makes me think I gotta get to this trail soon. Beautiful weather, great shots, very nice video!!

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Yea it's a nice little loop.

[@70lightning]

Enjoyed your video.

[@39camper]

Great trail did the loop over mother day weekend

[@potatothorn]

great to be out in the woods with you again! looks like other than sharing camp with a nice guy you had the whole place to yourself, so peaceful.. at least for the majority anyway.. i saw Uptrail's video too, i guess he was a bit late.. excellent video thanks for taking us along

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Thanks! I really enjoyed being out.

[@dregeorge13]

Tim you make great video's! Great scenery never a dull moment. You should thank about bringing one of your KZbin fans along once in awhile. You know what it's juss a thout.

[@KayleeandGerald]

Nice man I am planning this trip in the Fall. I have done portions of the NCT in the Upper penisula but have not back packed. I plan to backpack a short section soon near Marquette will be my first backpacking trip

[@BackcountryExposure]

Dang Tim! Now you got me jonesing for a solo trip! Pretty area!

[@TicoFAm_outdoors]

Hi. Just wondering if you know why Tim has not posted videos recently. Is he ok?

[@nickkanakis3469]

Glad you had a good hike there. I have hiked it many times, lots of good camps! Normally it is loaded with campers, looks like you lucked out. If you ever hit up any other good hikes in the mitten, I would love to meet up. Cheers!

[@BeCCaWhere2GoNext]

Hey Tim, so sorry to hear that you'd been sick for 4wks! bet it felt so good to be out after being in bed for a long time!! nice to see that you had a company to share a fire!👍, subscribed and looking forward to following your adventures!❤

[@dregeorge13]

Reely great videos.

[@jordanebling2138]

Awesome pine Forest

[@trevordixon347]

Dude the I agree the NCT side is super underrated this time of year. Views were great!

[@garygomer7940]

Nice, this in in my “back yard!” I’ve been thinking of doing this one again. Would have been cool to run into you, you’re famous!

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Ha! Only to my kids. I met quite a few people on the mrt side.

[@donnienewman9141]

Awesome as always! That's where I started my 1st backpacking. I was on the AT our 1st time while you were there. What'd you think of the camp spots on the Manistee side? We're going back to Manistee in August. We have a friend up there who managed the Season Creek Camp ground there. Hike the trail and hang by the fire. Great to see you up there.

[@zachdurrett1357]

Looks like a gorgeous area, especially this time of year! I wish that I was so famous that I had someone to start my campfires for me. 😂 ✌🏽Tim.

[@brianfitzwater742]

Looking to do that sometime this summer.

[@uptrail7169]

Great job with this video Tim! Someday we will meet 😅 My new Sawyer Micro failed on my SHT trip

[@kodachilcutt49]

I use a enlightened equipment bivy on my solo hikes. I absolutely love being able to go no tarp, the stars in Colorado have been amazing lately.

[@xmetal280]

While I do enjoy the sun and blue skies here in Florida, I am intensely jealous of mountains, hills, forests and the variation up north. Hiking in flat and hot scrubland with zero water sources is not the pinnacle of backpacking, though it’s a blessing to be outside anywhere, of course. Looks like you had a lovely area to hike through! Thanks for sharing your trip.

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Thanks for watching! I do love the east coast.

[@DanBecker]

Nice trip, Tim! I was scheduled to take this trip with my buddies a couple weeks back but the weather didn’t allow it. Ended up at pictured rocks instead! Hoping to hike this trail yet this year!

[@DadsBackpackTrip]

Nice! I’ve paddled the Manistee a few times, and it’s great! Never even thought to check for trails in the area, I need to get back there. Just posted our video of hiking the Deam last weekend...have you been there?

[@JayWandersOut]

I did that loop late September one year and the north side still had tons of foliage so the views weren't the best. I spent 2 nights there so when I camped by the river I saw a bald eagle fly along the river through the curves. Pretty cool.

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Yea it was nice that the views weren't blocked at all.

[@michaelb2999]

Dude!!! I'm heading up there in a few weeks...get out of my head!

[@englishwoodsman]

I wish i had the scenery like you mate Woodland camping is grest bit after a while i need to camp in different places

[@hikingwithjoe1789]

Great video, Tim! What weekend were you out there? I did an overnight the Friday/Saturday of Mother's Day weekend. We might have missed each other that Saturday morning if that was the same weekend you were there.

[@OregonMikeH]

Hi Tim, Ya Buddy the Trees actually give of spores that are anti-cancerous. The more we're out there breathing in what Nature exhales the heather we become. Great Discount through your store on M.H., I'm using it now. Thank You and good to see ya again. By the way, Subaru Josh has proved to be a delightful co-follower on IG. I Would not have met him if not for you buddy. as Always Pal, Blessings from Oregon! ... Mike.

[@doug1641]

The fact that you didn’t show any of the AMAZING parts of the MRT was a bummer... Between the waterfalls, high banks, river horseshoe bends, small brooks... So much more to that loop that was missed. Take a 3 day/2 night trip and explore the area off the beaten path.

[@stevefaculakiii9720]

Dam, wish I would have known, I would have came along for company - :). If you liked the hike, try the Fife Lake Trail loop. It is roughly 18 miles. You could even extend your hike by hitting it on the way back to Ohio. It has a really cool wooden railroad bridge you can walk onto that is about 5o feet above the river. MRT is a great loop to start the season, get in shape, and check new gear. Thx for the vid.

[@cynthiaschwartz559]

I am glad you are feeling better. You just needed a dose of Vitamin "N" (nature). It heals all. Beautiful trail, and beautiful views! I am off to Pictured Rocks for a 3 days backpacking trip Friday. Cant wait!!

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Enjoy!!

[@nikokane5]

No better Medicine then a nice solo hike. Good to see you out there.

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Indeed!

[@DollarBlazing]

Awesome video as always Mr. Watson! Quick question, think you could do a video on how to prepare for your first solo? I have yet to solo, I'm a bit scared for some reason, and I'd like some pointers. Is it a different preparation since you don't have friends that'll be around? Any suggestions on feeling "safe" or anything like that? Thanks!

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Thanks! I'll add the video idea to my queue

[@GrumpyGrunt]

Man, that no-tarp nighttime view though. 👍

[@happyfuntimereviews5600]

I don't mind hiking with other people, but my favorite trips have been solo. I just pulled the trigger on a Minifly. Having some last minute buyers remorse: (should I have gone with a bigger tarp? Full doors? Etc.) How are you liking yours so far?

[@spartywarriors]

Great video Tim. Told my boss I'm going to visit one of my accounts in Midland, MI. on Friday Well based on your video I'm shooting past and hitting the MRT loop. Thanks for the inspiration! Is there overnight parking at Red River bridge access?

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Thanks and yes red bridge has overnight parking.

[@thomaszabel1521]

We miss you Tim. Come back!

[@texashikeaholicsadventures5651]

Hey Tim! Just checking in with you! We are hoping you and your family are doing well! Just wanted to say Hi!!

[@AJKPenguin]

First campsite looks almost like Camp Falling Rock Boy Scout Reservation, near Newark/Fallsburg, OH

[@neillpatterson]

I watched this video after your Frameless Backpacking video. Now that you have some experience with it, what do you think? My apologies if you already made a video that addresses this.

[@JoshHerodOutdoorAdventures]

Camp sites there look great

[@mr.tomsadventures]

When I see that water, i just think about what kind of fish I could catch there. One day we can do a collab, probably more feasible to do another camping trip with the guys again!

[@robb9063]

I like the NCT side myself.

[@spartywarriors]

Tim how did the pack work out for you? Comfortable frameless and was 30 enough or would you reconsider a 35?

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Worked out great. I'd do a 35 but it's not necessary for my summer 3 day load out. The only reason I'd do 35 is more room for food. 😂

[@spartywarriors]

Thanks Tim. Nice bottom pocket addition. Smart.

[@jamesthornton3339]

Same thing happened to me, tried for two nights, it turned into a day and a half hike.

[@ronaldriggs8091]

Was this hike in May 2019?....Do you have a list of day hikes in Northern lower Michigan bear country....and Upper Michigan?...biker who got hooked on hiking in the Smokies recently....Ronnie

[@chadsmith83]

I live near 30 miles from traverse city. Lots of trails and two track rds. I also use the All Trails app to find new trails that i didnt know about.

[@marywitt4597]

I want to see about getting the same hammock and backpack you have, can you tell me about them and where I can get them?

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

The hammock is a "dream hammock"and the backpack is a "superior wilderness designs" backpack. A quick Google search of the quoted words will bring up both sites. I highly recommend both.

[@donnienewman9141]

I hope everything is okay and feeling alright. Haven't seen a video.

[@KaioshinAemi]

When was this trip? I needed to know so I can plans out better. Thanks

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Hmmm. 3 weeks ago?

[@KaioshinAemi]

Thank you

[@arcana1973]

“The future’s so bright, I gotta wear shades...” :)

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Lol

[@MotivationCore01]

What sleeping bag did you use in this video?

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Hmmm don’t have the time to look back through the video. If it’s green it’s the massdrop pine down blanket. If it’s blue/orange it’s the enlightened equipment enigma. 😃

[@MotivationCore01]

Ok thanks!

[@cgriggsiv]

Since I took the day off because of my lightheadedness and dizziness and I had to use a vacation day for this I shall be watching this very shortly play after Patrick Caple

[@GoldFace.1990]

2:46 did he left one of his cameras 🎥 behind on the floor ? I don’t understand

[@trailgoodsco]

The old evernew bag makes an appearance. My kinda guy right there.

[@floesh-408]

Hi from Holland

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Heya!

[@gregfowler1333]

You up in my state again let me know I'd be down. #hikerstrong

[@OregonMikeH]

I'll take you up in my friend's P-51D Mustang for some Aerobatic Flight. That will cure you of your fear of heights forever, providing you don't experience a heart attack during the maneuvers that is!

[@angelsmith9480]

Tim, why nothing in 4 months? R u ok? Miss your vids.

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

All is well thanks for checking. Kids and home life got super busy. I actually just went on a trip. Video coming soon. 😊 I’ve been posting pics on Instagram.

[@angelsmith9480]

@@TimWatsonOutdoors yay!

[@washingtonmike8296]

Where are you?

[@mclostinthewoods]

Where's Tim? It's been a long time ...

[@AJKPenguin]

QUACK QUACK QUACK QUACK QUACK QUACK QUACK QUACK QUACK QUACK QUACK QUACK QUACK!

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

😂

[@brianm9282]

I'll be doing this trail soon, 2022, respond if you'd like a hiking partner. All my friends dont want to hike anymore.

[@cgriggsiv]

First

[@bertman4]

Raccoons are the worst. Goddamn them varmints!

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Yes! 😂

[@brianptomey7366]

I think I fell asleep.....yep I did. Wake me when you fight off a attack from the Sandusky Indians on your next hike through Ceder Point. I like the gear reviews but MI and Oh hikes are killing me. It's not your fault, you can't make chicken cacciatore out of chicken soup.