Highbank Lake Trail (NFS 5396)

Trail Overview

Highbank Lake Trail (NFS 5396) is an easy offroad trail near the town of Lilley. The trail is a combination of sand and dirt and weaves through a gorgeous section of the Manistee National Forest. This trail is unique since it offers a variety of spur trails and outdoor activities along it. One of the first spur trails will lead to Highbank Lake Campground which is a National Forest Campground right on Highbank Lake. Another spur trail leads to Amaung Lake. The main trail NFS 5396 will head further south and lead to more spur trails that open up to Sawkaw Lake. Here you can find Sawkaw Lake backcountry campsites. You can only camp at designated sites here--be sure to know before you go camping here. Another cool aspect of this trail is the North Country National Scenic Trail crosses over a couple of the spur trails here. This trail, NFS 5396, can lead you directly to the hiking trail. Like most Michigan trails, conditions are dependent on the weather. Recent rainfall can cause mud/water holes that can get rutted out quickly. Most of this trail is wide enough for 2 vehicles. The end of the track where it veers to the west becomes narrow fast and is only wide enough for 1 vehicle. Regardless of the conditions, this is a great trail that will surely lead you to an awesome adventure!

Photos of Highbank Lake Trail (NFS 5396)

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Difficulty

This trail is an easy dirt track that is typically two vehicles wide. The very end of the trail where it veers becomes narrow and is only wide enough for one vehicle. 95% of this trail is easy and wide enough for two vehicles.

Technical Rating