Trail Overview
NFS 5009 is a unique & scenic off-road trail located off West 13 Mile Road. This trail is easy with nothing technical, but there is a swampy section towards the end that can get tricky to navigate. Most of the trail is a combination of gravel, sand, and dirt, and winds through a gorgeous section of the Manistee National Forest. Like most of 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 only wide enough for 1 to 2 vehicles, with limited places to pass. There are a couple of dispersed camping sites along this track. If you plan on utilizing these, PLEASE TREAD LIGHTLY, and seek more information at the local DNR Office/Ranger Station prior to camping here. Logging operations take place here frequently, so please use caution. The end of this trail finishes at the beautiful Freeman Creek. This is a great trail that offers some of the best of Michigan's forests.