Trails in Manistee County

The Arcadia Dunes : CS Mott Preserve

Part of the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy


 

Arcadia Dunes offers everything from beginner to more challenging trails for hiking and mountain biking. Enjoy the simple, but beautiful Old Baldy trail as it leads you through dense hardwoods to the beautiful dune bluffs of Lake Michigan. This overlook is a great place for an afternoon picnic or a run with the family pet! A universally accessible, non-motorized trail offers a half-mile paved trail to a scenic dune overlooking Lake Michigan.

The Dry Hill Trail from the St. Pierre trailhead is a 10 mile loop known to mountain bikers as some of the best single track riding in the region. This trail is also friendly to hikers and trail runners, featuring spectacular wild flower displays, particularly in the spring.

Hike Old Baldy in the morning and then grab your bike and head out on the Dry Hill trail system for a terrific Manistee trail experience.

  • 10 mile loop (Dry Hill Trail)
  • 1.5 mile loop (Pete’s Woods)
  • 2 mile loop (Chestnut Trail)
  • 1.7 mile direct trail to “Old Baldy” sand dune area/hiking trails
  • 0.7 mile direct “short” trail to “Old Baldy” sand dune area/hiking trails.
  • 0.5 mile handicap accessible trail to dune overlook includes seats to catch the sunset.

Trailhead Locations


 

Baldy Trailhead

Baldy TrailheadDirections

  • Trailhead Marker/Map
  • Parking Area – No Fee
  • ADA Accessible walkway to Lake Mich. Overlook

 

St. Pierre Trailhead

St. Pierre TrailheadDirections

  • Trailhead Marker/Map
  • Parking Area – No Fee
  • Ideal for Hiking and Biking

 

Follow the travelers that love Manistee County, enjoy these stories about our incredible outdoor recreation, things-to-do, dining, shopping and unique experiences you will ONLY find here.

Browse our latest #MyManistee perspectives here, or scroll through these top stories in your category.

Check out all of our latest stories on our #MyManistee Blog.

Winter Trail Warriors

 Picture this…a dusting of freshly fallen snow covers the expertly groomed trails before you, the temperatures have dropped just low enough to keep the fresh snowpack on the trails in peak condition, you have nothing but time and over 250 miles of snowmobile trails...

Top 6 Fall Color Trails 2021

If getting out into the fresh air and wide open spaces sounds appealing to you, you are not alone. With all that is going on in the world right now, it is a perfect opportunity to get out, stretch you legs, and enjoy some scenic fall color from our trails.  Here we...

Big M’s Outer Loop

Where we gonna ride today, Dyl? Today we are riding the Outer Loop at Big M! The outer loop is about 15 miles and depending on the conditions of the day, can take anywhere from just under 2 hours, to up to three and a half or more if conditions are like below! The...

Fat Biking the Swedish Fiddle Loop

Where we gonna ride today, Dyl? Big M is nestled between Wellston and Manistee in the mighty Huron-Manistee National Forest. A trail head for cross county skiing, snowshoeing, and of course, FATBIKING! Today we are riding the Swedish Fiddle Loop! AKA The Beginner’s...

Let’s go for a ride!

Grab your bike and let’s go riding... Sometimes, the best areas to ride, are not the formal trail systems in the region. Summer beach rides are a blissful way to go for a ride. Generally winds are lower in the summer so it is easy to cruise along the water...

Outdoor Adventure in Manistee’s North Woods

If you’re an adventurous explorer, you’ve come to the right place. Our North Woods are in the heart of four-season natural beauty with thrill-a-minute activities. A passionate group of entrepreneurs have developed their own visions to share, creating...

Hiking the Loop: Manistee River Trail & North Country Trail Loop

Nestled in the Manistee National Forest you will find hundreds of miles of marked trails for those who love to hike, bike, or in the winter, cross country ski and snowshoe. Which trail should you choose for your weekend adventure? We suggest the North...