Trail Overview

River Overlook Trail is an easy out-and-back off-road trail. Most of the trail is a combination of dirt, sand, and grass. As you travel along this trail you'll find a few dispersed campsites as you near the Manistee River Overlook Bluffs. 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. 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 a wonderful trail with excellent dispersed campsites to be enjoyed!

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Difficulty

This was only given a Technical Rating & Difficulty of 2 due to the trail typically only being wide enough for 1 to 2 vehicles. Otherwise, this trail could be rated as a 1.

Technical Rating

Dustin mathews

Sep 07, 2026

2014 Chevrolet Silverado

Open

NormalMuddy/Wet

Easy, nice view, muddy

David Donathen

Jun 24, 2026

2017 Polaris General 4 1000

Open

Normal

Great trail. The overlook is a great place to stop and have lunch. Logging operations are currently ongoing and will most likely affect this trail in the future.