Riverbend Lookout Trail

Trail Overview

Riverbend Lookout Trail is an exciting off-road trail located along the Manistee River. Most of the trail is a combination of dirt and sand. As you travel along this trail you'll find a few dispersed campsites with one having a metal fire ring. If you plan on camping off this trail, PLEASE TREAD LIGHTLY, and please seek more information at the local DNR Office/Ranger Station prior to camping here. As you continue traversing, you'll be rewarded with incredible views of the Manistee River. Kayaking, canoeing, and fishing are fun activities to do here. If you start this track at the northern entrance and take the trail in a counterclockwise fashion, about 3/4 of the way through, you'll encounter a very sandy washed-out hill climb. Be prepared to need lots of speed and/or airing your tires down with traction control turned off and possibly 4-wheel drive. With 4-wheel drive, you should be able to climb this hill at a normal speed, sound, and smoothly. It's a decent sandy washed-out hill that will require your attention to make it up. However, if you take this trail in the opposite direction, this is no big deal to come down. When you make it to the top, this is the spot that gives this trail its name. There's also a dispersed campsite here as well. Enjoy these spectacular views! Like most Michigan trails, conditions are dependent on the weather. Recent rainfall can cause downed trees, washouts, & mud holes. Most of this trail is only wide enough for 1 vehicle with limited places to pass. Regardless of the conditions, this is an epic trail with some excitement to be had!

Photos of Riverbend Lookout Trail

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Difficulty

This was only given a Technical Rating & Difficulty of 3 due to the trail typically only being wide enough for 1 to 2 vehicles and the steep, sandy, washed-out hill. Otherwise, this trail could be rated as a 1.

Technical Rating