ULTIMATE GUIDE TO BACKPACKING THE MANISTEE RIVER TRAIL | Backpacking in Northern Michigan on the MRT

Everything you need to know about backpacking the Manistee River Trail in Northern Michigan! What trailheads to park at, what to expect, what to bring, and three pre-planned routes!
Click this link for my ultimate guide to the Manistee River Trail, along with maps of the 3 pre-planned routes! Two for beginners and one for moderate/advanced! travelovermiway.com/?p=514
Items I mention in the video:
Sawyer Squeeze: amzn.to/3C7P9xS
Backpacking Stove: amzn.to/3PnJ7vU
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Check out my website: travelovermiway.com

[@DanBecker]

Nicely done! And helpful! I'll be heading there tomorrow ;)

[@Theweekiwachie]

I'm gonna hit it Sunday

[@TravelOverMIWay]

Thanks so much! Hope it was fun!!!

[@DirtyDirtbath]

Woaaaah no way ! I love you Dan!

[@indycharlie]

Just a warning for people who do winter backpacking and also remember being able to find a camping spot along the Tippy Dam Lake at a designated spot . I am talking on the S side of Coates off the Upper River Rd. in the MNF . One , the Upper River Rd parking area is closed , gated off after Labor Day . And , the designated campgrounds along the Lake are NO longer " fist come , first serve " . You have to reserve those sites now !!

[@Glutzz]

nice video!

[@timbottoms8256]

Very helpful and succinct video. My brother and I are coming from Chicago suburbs this weekend. It’s our first backpacking experience

[@Gideon920]

This was simple, to the point and very helpful. Thank you!

[@TravelOverMIWay]

Glad to hear that!! Thank you!

[@Benshiro47]

About to hike this mid March. Doing the loop, 19 miles

[@jeffgillis7512]

Make sure that you pack in enough water for the NCT side. March may be an issue for water on that side.

[@johnhavel7685]

I’ll definitely have to do that this year I’m wanting to do the pictured rocks trail as well and maybe a couple others if I can find the time and energy to do them.

[@TravelOverMIWay]

I’ve done Pictured Rocks twice and absolutely LOVE it. Hands down one of the most beautiful places in America (to me)! Highly recommend it!

[@kronedog]

I'm looking forward to backpacking the Manistee River Trail this summer and this video summed up everything I wanted to know. Thank you for this video and putting in the time to do it I really appreciate it.

[@TravelOverMIWay]

I’m so glad it was helpful!! Enjoy your adventure!!

[@TooMuchTemper]

Very nice video. Me and my cosuin are plannin our first backpacking trip. This helps a ton!

[@TravelOverMIWay]

Great to hear!

[@danatripp1972]

I'm glad I found this video. Redbridge has been our family's spot for boating and fishing. Last year I paid to reserve a campsite there but unfortunately when we got there our spot was taken by another family. They weren't even there at the time so I wasn't able to try working with them on the situation. Good thing I live in the area or it would have been disastrous!! If you plan on camping, be prepared and scope out more than one spot since it's very common for this to happen.

[@TheGreatLakesRealtor]

This is incredibly awesome! I'm impressed by the level of detail and accuracy. Perfect for first-timers tackling this backpacking loop. Personally, I lean towards the west side of the river-it's got that special something. Those hills and valleys? Fell in love. But I've always done this trail in the winter, never in the warmer months.

[@TravelOverMIWay]

Thank you so much! Greatly appreciate the kind words! That west side is something with elevation change, that’s for sure!

[@D0ct0rM0nk3y]

Definitely on my bucket list

[@yourztruly801slc9]

Happy adventures enjoy 😁🤗

[@tridudyonthetrail]

This is a fantastic guide… thank you for sharing this!

[@TravelOverMIWay]

Thank YOU!! Glad it’s helpful 😄

[@nathanaelkolb4024]

Well done, Thanks. On our last trip, heading south on the NCT side, my son and I forgot to fill up at Eddington. We meant to, but got talking to some other hikers and got distracted.

[@TravelOverMIWay]

It’s so easy to miss it! I remember when my sister and I passed it and thought “wow, that’s so early on the NCT side!”

[@mattbirk4916]

I want to go backpacking with you! 😊

[@everyoneknowsadave3580]

Done both the Fife loop and Jordan river trails … the are great …. On the fife loop I did it north to south but some friends (Kuehl Kuest) did it vice versa … either way is great as there’s very little elevation gain…. On the Jordan valley I walked back part of the way along the road from Pinney bridge campground … I thought it was nicer than hiking through a green tunnel … also visited the fish hatchery and got a private tour from one of the employees … fascinating but then I love that sorta stuff …. Anyway both great hikes you’ll have a great time….great info on the Manistee river trail thanks for sharing 👍🤔

[@TravelOverMIWay]

Thank you!! I’ve day hiked around Jordan River Valley many times but still have yet to backpack it! It’s definitely on the list!!

[@AndrewGrey22]

I always thought coming down was harder than going up. Especially in the Smokies.

[@TravelOverMIWay]

Definitely is harder on the joints, not as hard on the heart and lungs.

[@skiranutube]

This is my favorite loop to start off backpacking season every year. Planning to head there soon to test out my new Durston X-Mid Pro 1. Apart from JVP, and Fife Lake, I have quite enjoyed the Hoist Lakes system, and High Country Pathway too. Have you been there?

[@TravelOverMIWay]

I love Jordan Valley and Fife Lake! I have yet to do Hoist Lake or High Country, either you recommend to tackle first?

[@skiranutube]

@@TravelOverMIWay Definitely Hoist Lakes. High Country is an 80-mile loop, and tends to be overgrown throughout the year- so in addition to not being able to find the trail well, it’s also a little more challenging.

[@scar3fr3ak]

Is there overnight parking at the Sheep Ranch Rd Trailhead?

[@thewaterwarrior9817]

My girlfriend and I are doing this trail for our first backpacking trip this Friday. It says it’s a 10 mile loop but you say 21 miles here, is it ten miles a day? Also, how much time would it take to hike that 10 miles per day?? Thanks : )

[@chefsamuelmorse2490]

My son will be backpacking through Alaska this summer and would like to video document his experience. Cann you please let me know how you keep your equipment charged and what kind of equipment to not be detrementel to the weight of your gear?

[@TravelOverMIWay]

I’m thankfully able to charge my equipment in my car or home, I know there are various solar and charging packs people love! I use the DJI Pocket 2! Excellent for stable footage and weighs almost nothing!

[@proghule214]

👌👌

[@Theweekiwachie]

Heading there this weekend

[@TravelOverMIWay]

Have a blast! Looks like excellent weather!