FS 5049

Trail Overview

Forest Service Road 5049 is a scenic trail that travels east and west. It winds through the heart of the Manistee National Forest, offering a peaceful and immersive drive surrounded by dense hardwood and pine forest. The canopy overhead provides a beautiful, shaded route that changes with the seasons, lush green in the summer, brilliant with color in the fall. This trail is primarily one vehicle wide, with pull-offs that allow for passing when needed. The surface is mostly dirt-based, with some lightly rutted sections, occasional mud puddles, and the occasional exposed tree root, all of which add a bit of off-road character without making the route too technical. It's a fun and moderately easy ride, suitable for all 4x4 and most AWD vehicles. FS 5049 connects to FS 9992 on the east end and FS 9990 on the west, making it a great connector between other nearby trails. Due to spotty cell coverage, it's highly recommended to download offline maps before heading out.

Photos of FS 5049

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Difficulty

This trail is an easy ride suitable for any four-wheel drive, and most all-wheel drive vehicles should have no issues. Expect small mudholes and a few exposed tree roots, but overall, it remains a smooth and manageable route.

Technical Rating

FS 5049 can be accessed by the following ride types:

• High-Clearance 4x4
• SUV
• SxS (60")
• ATV (50")
• Dirt Bike