North Country Trail, Freesoil to 9-Mile Bridge - Member Hike
| Hike Name: | North Country Trail, Freesoil to 9-Mile Bridge |
|---|---|
| Country: | United States |
| State: | Michigan |
| Nearby Town: | Freesoil |
| Rating: |  |
| Directions: | From US 31, turn east on Freesoil road. Go 12 miles to the Freesoil Trailhead, located on the south side of the road |
| Total Hike Distance: | 9.00 miles |
| Hike Difficulty: | Easy to Moderate |
| Permit Required: | No |
| Hike Type: | One-Way, Shuttle Hike |
| Hike Starts: | Freesoil Trailhead |
| Hike Ends: | 9-Mile Bridge |
| Trails Used: | North Country Trail |
| Backcountry Campsites: | Yes |
| Backcountry Water Sources: | Streams |
| Management: | U.S. Forest Service |
| Contact Information: | Manistee Ranger District/ US Forest Service 1-231-723-2211 also North Country Trail Association http://www.northcountrytrail.org (map MI-05) |
| Best Season: | Summer |
| Users: | Hikers, Bikers, Dogs |
| Road Conditions: | Secondary Paved Roads |
| Hike Summary: | This is a rather easy hike beginning on the old Pere Marquette Railroad grade through a bottomland swamp with interesting plants such as Leatherwood and Royal Fern. It soon climbs easily to dry mature oak ridges. Although there are some seasonal streams, you should not count on a water source except at 9-Mile Bridge over the Little Manistee River. You may also choose to take the 1-mile side trail to Bear Track Campground, or dispersed camping is allowed 200 feet from the trail. The local Spirit of the Woods Chapter of the North Country Trail Association has built a 600-foot boardwalk across a seasonally flooded area. In addition to the oak forest, you will pass through areas of White and Red Pine. Gentle, but often interesting topography, sandy soil. |
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