Manistee River Trail Loop is one of the best beginner-friendly overnights in the Lower Peninsula, and it barely dents your wallet. Here’s how the trip went, and exactly what it cost.
The route
The loop follows the Manistee River through old-growth pine, crossing two suspension bridges and passing three backcountry campsites spaced roughly 8 miles apart. Elevation change is moderate and the trail underfoot is soft, so it’s a forgiving first overnight if you’re newer to multi-day hiking. Water access from the river is reliable the whole way, which kept my pack weight down since I never carried more than a liter at a time.
Day one covered the first 11 miles to the second campsite, with a lunch break at the suspension bridge overlook. Day two finished the loop back to the trailhead, a shorter 13-mile push but with a few more rolling climbs near the end.
Cost breakdown
| Gas (round trip) | $18 |
| Backcountry permit | $10 |
| Food | $10 |
| Total | $38 |
No gear purchases this trip — everything I used was already in my kit. If you’re starting from zero, budget separately for a pack, shelter, and sleep system; those are one-time costs that pay off over many trips.
Would I do it again?
Yes, easily. This is the loop I’d point a first-time backpacker toward if they wanted to try Michigan’s Lower Peninsula without committing to something bigger like Isle Royale or the North Country Trail. Bring a water filter or purification tablets, pack layers for cool nights near the river, and you’re set.