FS 5690

Trail Overview

FS 5690 is a great, easy two-track route through the Manistee National Forest. The trail has a dirt base, is typically one vehicle wide, and includes occasional spots for passing. The main access point is off Morton Road on the south end. While the trail is generally not difficult, there are a few low-lying areas that can fill with water after rainfall. What makes this route especially interesting is that about 0.4 miles in from Morton Road, you'll find the site where the Grant Fire Lookout Tower once stood, a subtle but meaningful piece of the area's history. As you explore these routes, it's important to follow Tread Lightly and Leave No Trace principles to help preserve the forest for future visitors. Stay on designated trails, avoid driving through sensitive or waterlogged areas when possible, and pack out everything you bring in. Respect wildlife, minimize your impact, and leave the area better than you found it so these beautiful landscapes remain wild and accessible for years to come.

Photos of FS 5690

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Difficulty

Relatively tame route with a dirt base that could become muddy after heavy rain.

History

Like all other Fire Lookout Towers in the Lower Peninsula, excluding Udell Hills. This one has since been removed. Reminisce of a bygone era in Michigan's lower peninsula. These quiet remnants are easy to overlook. They tell a story just as important as the towers themselves. They're physical echoes of a time when conservation depended on vigilance, simplicity, and a deep respect for the land. Finding one of these sites feels a bit like uncovering a secret. No signage telling you exactly what you're looking at. Just the forest and the faint outline of history beneath your feet.

Technical Rating

FS 5690 can be accessed by the following ride types:

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