Hello,
I am taking my 2 boys on an overnight canoe trip down the Manistee River trail section (MI). The plan is the canoe from the North end at from the Hodenpyl Dam down. Find a good spot about 1/2 way down and camp over night. Then finish the section the next day.
Question, can anyone suggest a good spot to land on either the Manistee River Trail (MRT) side?
Any other pointers are always helpful, I am a intermediate kayak/canoer but trying to get some experience for my sons (15 and 12).
Thanks in advance!!!
-Tom
Awesome Country!
I love it up there. Hodenpyl to Tippy Dam is some nice paddling through National Forest. The North Country Trail runs along the river there as well. Plenty of primitive campsites along the river and even a few island spots in Tippy Dam. National Geographic makes a trial map for the area, check REI or Amazon. I have one at home will look for it later.
Trail maps are available
Here:
http://www.michigantrailmaps.com/member-profile/3/127/
Note that it a pretty quick paddle. My gps log shows 2 HR 15 Min moving time last May.
There are also plenty of good looking spots on River Right for a bush camp … But PLEASE don’t create any new fire rings.
If you are feeling adventurous, it is possible to stash boats and overnight gear near the put-in, park by the take-out then hike up to the boats and paddle down a bit & set up camp. Paddle out the next day.
Be sure to day trip the Manistique
Germfask to the Mead state campground through the Seney refuge is a mandatory float, particularly during the fall color period.