Manistee River Trail Reopens After Flooding — West Michigan Kayaking Club Announces May 30 Hiking & Kayaking Adventure


The Manistee River Trail and the North Country Trail are officially open again following extensive flood-related closures and restoration efforts led by the U.S. Forest Service.

After weeks of high water, trail erosion, and debris cleanup, crews have completed all necessary repairs and confirmed that both hiking and river access routes are once again safe for public recreation. With river levels now stabilized, the Manistee River corridor has returned to ideal conditions for both hiking and kayaking.


Flood Recovery and Trail Restoration Complete

Recent flooding across northern Michigan temporarily damaged sections of the Manistee River corridor and portions of the North Country Trail system. Impacts included:

  • Washed-out trail edges and erosion zones
  • Downed trees and obstructed pathways
  • Temporary closure of river access points
  • High water levels making kayaking unsafe

Forest service crews and volunteers worked to restore safe passage by clearing debris, reinforcing trail banks, and rebuilding impacted sections. With inspections now complete, both trail systems have been fully reopened.


Kayaking Conditions Now Safe on the Manistee River

With water levels receding and flow rates returning to seasonal norms, the Manistee River is now considered safe and suitable for recreational kayaking and canoeing.

Paddlers can expect:

  • Clearer river channels
  • Reduced flood debris
  • Stable current conditions
  • Reopened access points along common launch routes

As always, paddlers should check local conditions before launching and wear appropriate safety gear, including a PFD.


West Michigan Kayaking Club Announces May 30 Adventure Event

To celebrate the reopening of the river system, West Michigan Kayaking Club is hosting a special hiking and kayaking adventure event on May 30 along the Manistee River corridor.

Event Details:

  • Start Location: Red Bridge Road
  • Hiking Route: Red Bridge Road to Hodenpyle Dam
  • Paddling Route: Kayak back down the Manistee River
  • Activity Type: Combined hike + kayak river adventure
  • Difficulty: Moderate (river experience recommended for paddling portion)

This event is designed to highlight the restored beauty of the Manistee River system and reconnect paddlers and hikers with one of Michigan’s most iconic wilderness corridors.

Participants will experience:

  • Scenic forest hiking along the river bluffs
  • Wildlife viewing opportunities
  • A full downstream kayaking experience
  • A group outdoor adventure with fellow paddlers


About West Michigan Kayaking Club

The West Michigan Kayaking Club continues to promote outdoor recreation, river stewardship, and safe paddling experiences across Michigan’s waterways. The club organizes group trips, skill-building events, and adventure outings throughout the paddling season.

Learn more or connect with the community here:


Why This Reopening Matters for Michigan Outdoor Recreation

The reopening of the Manistee River corridor represents more than just trail access—it restores one of the most popular backcountry experiences in the Midwest.

The combined Manistee River Trail + North Country Trail loop is known for:

  • Multi-day backpacking routes
  • Remote riverside camping
  • Scenic overlooks of the Manistee River
  • Some of the best kayaking water in Lower Michigan

With conditions stabilized, the region is once again positioned as a premier destination for paddlers, hikers, and outdoor adventure groups.


Safety Reminder for All Participants

Even with reopened access, users should remain prepared:

  • River conditions can change quickly with rainfall
  • Some trail sections may still be soft or uneven
  • Always wear a properly fitted life jacket while paddling
  • Travel in groups when possible
  • Follow Leave No Trace principles


Final Outlook

With flood recovery complete and river conditions improving, the Manistee River system is once again open for full recreation. The upcoming West Michigan Kayaking Club event on May 30 offers a perfect opportunity to experience the restored landscape through both hiking and kayaking.

This marks a strong start to the paddling season in West Michigan—and a welcome return to one of the state’s most scenic river corridors.

#ManisteeRiverTrail
#ManisteeRiver
#NorthCountryTrail
#PureMichigan
#MichiganTrails
#MichiganKayaking
#MichiganHiking
#KayakMichigan
#ExploreMichigan
#NorthernMichigan
#PaddleMichigan
#RiverAdventure
#TrailAdventure
#OutdoorMichigan
#KayakingLife
#HikingAdventures
#KayakCamping
#BackpackingMichigan
#WestMichigan
#WestMichiganKayakingClub
#WestMichiganHikingClub
#WestMichiganOutdoors
#MichiganOutdoorAdventure
#AdventureMichigan
#PaddleAndHike
#ForestAdventures
#ManisteeNationalForest
#OutdoorCommunity
#GetOutsideMichigan
#KayakingCommunity


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