Trip Reports

Oct 16 Manistee River Hike AM & Paddle PM, Woodpecker Creek to Red Bridge

HIKE:
Bob F, Andy (drove up from Charlotte MI, backpacked with GTHC on NCT in May), George, Kate E & I started the brisk, mid-30s morning unloading boats at Woodpecker Creek, below Hodenpyl Dam, then drove to Red Bridge, where Ian met us (had trouble navigating around Mesick in the thick fog). We had a good time among many others hiking & backpacking along the popular Manistee River Hiking Trail. (All trailhead parking lots were full at Woodpecker Creek, Marilla, Upper River Rd & Red Bridge). We stopped for photos (my camera lense wouldn't open, so Ian loaned me his camera), and a picnic lunch at campsite #6, overlooking a horseshoe bend, 100-200 ft above the Manistee River. We enjoyed the views of the ridges to the north, with all of the fall colors, though past peak & definitely not as bright this season.
PADDLE:
When we arrived back at Woodpecker Creek, Andy's Dad from Charlevoix joined us, and Kate gave Ian a ride back to Red Bridge. The afternoon wind picked up, some puffy clouds creeped in & covered our warm sunshine for part of the trip, and there was less color along the river, since the leaves had dropped, but a good paddle, visiting with campers along the shore & hikers above us on the trail.

Ian, Kate, Andy & George, Not pictured: Bob F & Sara, above Manistee River