| The North Country Trail is a National
Scenic Hiking Trail being constructed across Federal, State, County, other public, and
private lands. When completed, it will extend 3200 miles from near Crown Point, New
York to Lake Sakakawea in North Dakota. The writing deals with a segment of trail
located on the Manistee National Forest. For information about segments beyond the
Forest boundary, contact the North Country Trail Association, 3777 Sparks Dr. SE, Suite
105, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49456 or USDI-Park Service, 1709 Jackson Street, Omaha, NE
68102. TRAILHEADS
MARILLA
From Marilla, go .5 miles north and take Beers Road about 2 miles east. The
trailhead is located on the south side of the road.
UDELL
From Wellston, go about 6 miles west on M-55. Trailhead is located on south side of
highway.
FREESOIL
From FreeSoil, go 9.5 miles east on FreeSoil Road. Trailhead is located on south
side of the road.
TIMBER CREEK
From Baldwin, go North on M-37 to US-10. West 7.5 miles. Located in Timber
Creek Campground.
BOWMAN LAKE
From Baldwin, west on 56th Street to Bowman Bridge Campground Spur. Continue west
1.5 miles to Bowman Lake Trailhead.
76TH STREET
From Baldwin go south 3 miles on M-37 to Big Star Lake Road (76th) then 2.5 miles to where
the trail crosses the road.
NICHOLS LAKE
From Brohman go north 2 miles on M-37, then west on 11 Mile Road 1.5 miles to entrance of
Nichols Lake Recreation Area, then north .4 miles to boat launch turnoff, then west .1
miles to trail.
M-20
From White Cloud go north 1 mile on M-37 to M-20, then west on M-20 2.75 miles.
40TH STREET
From White Cloud go south 5 miles on M-37 to 40th Street, then .75 miles west on 40th
Street to trailhead.
CROTON DAM
From Newaygo go East on Croton Drive to dam site.
ATTRACTIONS AND CONSIDERATIONS
The trail passes through a wide
variety of vegetation types. Topography varies from flat to rolling hills. The
trail passes by a variety of breathtaking views, rivers and streams.
Camping is permitted along the
trail. Please stay at least 200 feet off the trail and 200 feet from water sources.
Eliminate all traces of your campsite. Water sources are limited so plan on
packing in your own water.
Gray diamonds designate the NCT, as
well as posts with NCT stickers at road crossings.
FURTHER INFORMATION
For Further information on the NCT in
the Manistee National Forest contact one of the following offices: Manistee Ranger
District at (231) 723-2211 OR Baldwin Ranger District at (231) 745-4631. |
