M-22 Benzie County
Take one of the most scenic drives in the nation as you travel across M-22 in West Michigan. A long winding road of adventure awaits!
Menu
Menu
Photos by the North Country Trail Association
It’s the longest hiking trail in the United States, stretching over seven states from New York to North Dakota. It’s the 4,600 mile North Country Trail. Created in 1980, the trail has 1,000 miles running through Michigan. The Spirit of the Woods Conservation Club is responsible for maintaining the 78-mile section of the North Country National Scenic Trail which passes through the Huron-Manistee National Forest. This chapter regularly holds hikes and work sessions to maintain the trail.
As the trail exits Ohio and enters southeastern Michigan, it veers toward the western side of the state. Entering the Manistee National Forest between Big Rapids and New Era, it continues its northerly path west of Baldwin, east of Manistee and south of Traverse City. It continues up past Harbor Springs, Petoskey, Mackinaw City and traverses the entire Upper Peninsula before crossing into Wisconsin.
The North Country Trail is primarily for hikers, where you can experience the beauty of the Manistee National Forest. Here you’re surrounded by pine hardwood trees and are treated to great views along the Manistee River Trail. Spring, summer, and fall are when hikers and bikers populate the trail. During the winter, you’ll find cold weather sports enthusiasts who use the trail for cross country skiing and snowshoeing.
North Country Trail Association, Headquarters and Trail Shop
229 E. Main St., Lowell, MI 49331
(616) 897-5987 | (866) 445-3628 (toll free)
Take one of the most scenic drives in the nation as you travel across M-22 in West Michigan. A long winding road of adventure awaits!
Take one of the most scenic drives in the nation as you travel across M-22 in West Michigan. A long winding road of adventure awaits!
Along the Lake Michigan shoreline between Ludington and Manistee, you’ll find natural splendor- the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness area.
Advertisement – Please scroll below for more information.
Take one of the most scenic drives in the nation as you travel across M-22 in West Michigan. A long winding road of adventure awaits!
Scottville Riverside Park, along the Pere Marquette River, has over 50 modern sites and is popular for camping and fishing.
The Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts is a cultural center in West Michigan and plays an integral part in Manistee’s history.
The Grand Traverse Lighthouse is situated at the end of the Leelanau Peninsula within, about eight miles north of the town of Northport.
The Traverse City area has several arts and crafts fairs scheduled throughout the year, offering many unique handcrafted items.
The spring/fall runs of steelhead and salmon, the resident brown trout and “brookies” make the PM River extremely popular for fishing.
West Michigan boasts numerous museums to learn about the area’s rich history and to expand knowledge through activities and exhibits.
A magnificent display of color; the Northern Lights can be viewed at the right time of year at the right place in West Michigan!
Take a tour on the Historic S.S. City of Milwaukee car ferry and the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Acacia docked in Manistee, Michigan.
A site to behold along Lake Michigan, these structures with a rich history give both a sense of safety and a beautiful site.