Anglers are lured by the annual salmon and steelhead runs, as well as brown trout, smallmouth bass and walleye. The White River is characterized by a primarily sand bottom with deep pockets of water and small sections of gravel bottom. One of the undoubted highlights of this soon-to-be 4600-mile beast, however, comes in the form of a slight but altogether sumptuous diversion comprised in the Manistee River Loop — a fairly new addition the Huron-Manistee National Forest’s network of trails which has quickly become one of the most popular hikes in the state despite its relative youth. On this trip we cover everything from map and compass skills to tents, wildlife safety, decision making, fire, camp cooking and more. Adjacent to the wilderness area is the popular Lake Michigan Recreation Area. Lookup table for campgrounds in Manistee National Forest (Michigan). The Bowman Lake Special Area is 1,100 acres and has both the Pere Marquette and North Country National Scenic Trail going through it. Backpacking or car camping (also known as dispersed camping) is permitted on state forest land as long as your site is located more than one mile from a state forest campground. The 14-foot Lumberman’s Monument stands on a high bank with the Au Sable River providing a scenic backdrop. Camping Near Huron-Manistee National Forests. People have enjoyed the scenic beauty of the Au Sable for hundreds of years. Imagine the thrill of spotting a rare songbird and the chance to hike among the world’s largest expanse of freshwater dunes. The campground is located in a pine forest. Just beyond grocery store, turn right staying on Seaman Rd., and go 3 miles … Fantastic views of the river and great swimming (the current is strong though so be careful). Good for training as it has many elevation changes but is a safe and winding path. It parallels the historic Riviere aux Sable (River of Sand). With many recreation opportunities for visitors, habitat for fish and wildlife and resources for local industry there is something here for everyone. Stretching from the shores of Lake Michigan to those of Lake Huron, the Huron-Manistee National Forest is actually two large forests split by towns and private property. Which trail should you choose for your weekend adventure? Big thanks to ~Pine River Paddlesports~ for delivering and picking up the canoes for us! Similar to backpacking, you’ll have to be self-contained (there are rarely toilets, sinks, or running water when dispersed camping) and you almost definitely won’t have nearby neighbors. Something indeed worth preserving for the ages. Along with hiking and horseback riding in the fairytale forest of lower Michigan, you can also pan for gold or hunt for natural minerals and geodes.If a sparkly souvenir isn’t your fancy, tube down the AuSable National Scenic River or explore the Nordhouse Dunes. Enjoy sandy soils that support a robust pine-hardwood forest, cross the impressive Pere Marquette River and Manistee River, and enjoy the popular Manistee River Trail loop. This area covers all recreation areas along M-37 between White Cloud and Baldwin. A few things to note: 1. or less. The Pere Marquette National Scenic River  is a sixty-six mile stretch from the junction of the Middle and Little South Branches east of Baldwin to the Old Highway 31 Bridge. The Huron-Manistee National Forests are 976,043 acres of public lands across the northern lower peninsula of Michigan. The trail traverses past several wetlands and there are bridges crossing two creeks. Camping, fishing and boating facilities are accessible from the byway. To print on 8 1/2 x 11 paper set the print area to "shrink to printable area", this will make the text on the page smaller. There are several river access sites, day use areas and campgrounds located along this section of river. Diverse vegetation contributes to the overall "scenic" feel of the river. The Au Sable National Scenic River, is a 23-mile portion of the Au Sable River that stretches from Mio to Alcona Pond. If your campfire will be on National Forest System lands you will not need a wood permit to cut firewood. In July 1978 the Pere Marquette River and its major tributaries were designated a Michigan Natural River by the State of Michigan. This area contains all recreation sites located near the Corsair Area, located south of the Au Sable River and River Road National Scenic River in the southeast corner of the Huron National Forest. It parallels the historic Riviere aux Sable (River of Sand). 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