hodenpyl dam

A friend and I canoed on the Manistee in August. It was a wonderful trip. We carried the canoe down the steps for our launch and it was very easy. Don't be intimidated by the walk. It's definitely worth it.

When we visited the swinging bridge it was very quiet without many people around, and the views were wonderful. The only problem was that there were no signs for the swinging bridge.

The Manistee River Trail is one of the best hikes I have done. I have hiked from Hodenpyl down to Red Bridge about 6 times. The Fall color hike is the best one ever. You can access by turning off M-37 near Yuma and going West on 26 Mile road towards Seaton Creek Campground. Park up near the dam at the end of O'Rourke Drive. Then decide where to get out. You can park your takeout car at the end of S. Slagle Rd off 30 mile Rd. To get back to Seaton Creek starting point you can take No. 1 Road from 30 mile Rd North to Hodenpyl Dam trailhead. This makes about an 8 mile hike. Or you can hike 10 1/2 miles to Red Bridge.There are several small water falls/streams that you will cross. The trail follows the high southern ridge above the Manistee River and views are picture perfect must have camera shots. You will pass several primitive camp sites on the bluffs.I have hiked this beautiful trail in the Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer. You can also just park one car and hike down and walk back up to your car. Don't miss this hike.

This part of the Manistee is not taken very much- kayak or canoe down to Red Bridge and the scenery is nothing less than great

Three of us kayaked this river, what a great river! The part above the dam is a little slow. Below the dam is sweet. It is basically a wilderness paddle. I saw one house, one group camping and 5 other canoes/kayaks while on the river.The Pine is fast and fun; but, it is too crowdedThis is a hidden gem, it would be a good paddle for families with children or inexperienced paddlers. There are some good hyraulics close to the dam, basically the first 1/4 mile. The rest of the river is quick and keeps you on your toes. The part near Red bridge get pretty flat and slow, probably the last 1/2 mile.