Red Bridge Tower Road

Trail Overview

Red Bridge Tower Road is a beautiful drive through the Manistee National Forest. This trail offers great views of the surrounding forest and highlights the area's unique terrain changes. This trail begins off of North Coates Highway and ends at the site of the once-standing Red Bridge Fire Tower. The beginning of the trail is mostly a dirt road that's two vehicles wide in most places. Halfway through, when you come to Pole Road, it separates the trail into two distinct sections. The second half of the trail starts at 890 feet at the lowest point along the whole route and climbs to the lookout, where you finish at 1,106 feet. As you begin the final mile of the trail, you will notice the trail becomes a true two-track where passing vehicles will be a challenge. Some points will require more thought-out tire placement for stock rigs. When you get to the top, you will see the site where the old fire tower once stood. The trail loops around it and gives you an easy place to turn around. While you are up there, stop and take a nice short hike over to the beautiful Red Hill Lookout. Views from the top can be hindered by summer foliage. Going in the spring or winter could offer a more expansive view.

Photos of Red Bridge Tower Road

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Difficulty

The beginning of the trail is mostly a dirt road that's two vehicles wide in most places. Halfway through, when you come to Pole Road, it separates the trail into two distinct sections. The second half of the trail starts at 890 feet at the lowest point along the whole route and climbs to the lookout, where you finish at 1,106 feet. As you begin the final mile of the trail, you will notice the trail becomes a true two-track where passing vehicles will be a challenge. Some points will require more thought-out tire placement for stock rigs. When you get to the top, you will see the site where the old fire tower once stood. The trail loops around it and gives you an easy place to turn around.

History

This is one of the many sites where a fire tower once stood in Michigan. Many of them were built in the 1920s-1930s and were used until the mid to late 1900s. There isn't much information about this tower in particular. But just like many of the other towers, it was removed after better technology became available to prevent/stop wildfires.

Technical Rating