Huron-Manistee National Forests — Attraction in Cadillac

Hiking with teenagers, we weren't sure how they would do with all this "wilderness stuff".......I mean how could they keep up with Snapchat streaks without cell service! Haha Well it turns out that even teen boys could appreciate all this trail has to offer. We hiked the NCT side first which I think was a good idea. It is quite hard and there was no water source, so we carried enough to get us to our first 10 miles. Also there is not a whole lot to see on this side..... Then we came to the most beautiful view on top of a high bluff . It was absolutely in beautiful place set up camp..... although we needed to be down close to the river, so we could swim and have a water source right close by. We found a great site not too far off. It was located about 1 mile after the first big bluff where to can see the river. There is nice fire pits and it has easy river access. The only people we saw here were way up on the bluff above on the MRT . The next day we hiked the rest of the loop. There were several numbered sites on the MTR side and plenty of beautiful views of the river. And since we were with teenagers I can say, there was decent cell service on and off through the entire trail. This hike is well worth doing, but proved to be a bit tough for 1 night/2 days. I believe it was about 11-13 miles per day when you add in the couple areas where we lost the trail. Great hike with enough to see to keep even...

I've been coming here since I was a kid, camping on the public lands off some of the ORV trails. My experience is limited to the areas between Mio and West Branch, close to F7 (Fairview/Mapes) and County Line.

So many happy, fun and unique memories here. Having the Kirkland warbler refuge inside is a unique treat, especially if you get to see some.

A lot of the area is former private logging space, some being clear cut and replanted, while others were left to develop as scrub brush and small jackpine. Good space for grouse hunting and even some deer at points. However, the deer hunting would be a little more difficult given the frequent use of the ORV trails in the area.

There really isn't any public hiking areas, though there is an ORV park with lots of trails, and some creeks within. No big lakes or rivers nearby as a huge destination point.

But if you're looking to get away from just about everything, including paved roads, this is...

I can never get enough of this place! As long as there's been no heavy rain, a small low riding car can get around these sandy two tracks. Thankfully the sherif and dnr patrol all the camping sections ive come across so they help keep the trouble out. Most of the powwow who come here clean up after their self so it's pretty much a nature wonderland!! Plenty of natural hiking options along the river and thru the woods. Wildlife is all around you from tiny mites to creepy 2-3 foot creatures with fluffy tails that show no great as they walk up to you at night..lol true story, my dog was growing and naming and what ever it was just kept walking with grace until i swung my arms around yelling lol... there is no bathrooms so you will have to ruff it or being a portable. Same goes with water. It's a great place to go to destress...