Located in northern michigan in the scenic jordan valley, jordan valley outfitters is your ecotour headquarters offering family paddling during the summer but also all winter long on the jordan river. Located north of mancelona, the 19mile, twoday pathway is. Most of all, the jordan valley pathway is a scenic hike where much of the day is. This north woods ecotour experience is great for the entire family from 3 to 90 years young. We did a 20 mile stretch on the second day but had a lot of rain on the rest of the time so we. Looking for a great trail near jordan valley, oregon. The jordan river is located in the northwestern part of the lower peninsula of michigan. The jordan river valley is an 18,000acre block of stateowned forest land in northeast antrim county.
Be sure to enjoy the scenic overlooks including spectacular views of the jordan river valley. Fishing, taking pictures, hiking a part of the north country trail through the jordan valley takes you right along the river for quite a distance. East jordan river pathway backpacking 18 mile loop the east jordan river pathway 18 mile loop. The river has two major tributaries, the green river and deer creek with numerous minor tributaries to both the mainstream and deer creek. From scenic drumlins, breathtaking overlooks, tree lined country roads to hiking trails along the wild and scenic jordan river, our area owns the fall. Most of it is centered around the jordan river, michigan s first national wild and scenic river and a popular destination for anglers fishing for brook trout. Or do a day hike on any breathtaking section of the north country national scenic trail. This was my fourth time to hike this trail within the past 25 years.
The upper jordan river consists of a wide valley and many islands, channels, and sloughs. I spent many years in the jordan river valley turkey hunting and trout fishing, but unfortunately do not make it up there much anymore. Backpacking the jordan river pathway, a 21mile loop hike in michigan. On our way up to petoskey state park a few weeks ago, we took our time heading north and soaked up the scenery while checking out some landmarks we had never visited before. Location jordan river valley, michigan mackinaw state forest. The overlook is also the trailhead for the jordan river pathway, an 18mile hiking trail loop thats popular for weekend backpackers the hikein pinney bridge campground is located halfway. Jordan valley michigan snowmobile trail map with snowmobiling trail maps, photos, videos and more. Michigan snowmobiling jordan valley snowmobile trail map. Hike, camp and be enchanted by the jordan valley pathway.
The nct jordan river pathway west of gaylord is also a beautiful hike through a gorgeous area. This littleknown michigan overlook is dropdead gorgeous. Thick forests and the sweeping vistas of the jordan river valley give this trail four paws up when it comes to scenery. Backpacking the jordan river pathway, mi may 2014 seeking. Jordan river pathway is best littleknown hiking trail in. It is a rolling path that takes you to river level and back up several times through dense forest and vegetation. Trail information and details of the jordan river pathway located in antrim. Jordan valley pathway trail map and guide classic trails of michigan map series the jordan valley pathway is the most popular weekend backpacking trips in michigan s lower peninsula, thanks to its scenery, walkin campground and the rugged and remote nature of the jordan valley.
Social the jordan valley ma is a popular area for game hunting, hiking, mushroom hunting, camping, and canoeing. The jordan valley pathway is the most popular weekend backpacking trips in michigans lower peninsula, thanks to its scenery, walkin campground and the rugged and remote nature of the jordan valley. May 11, 2018 the littleknown trail in michigan thats a naturelovers paradise. Fish for salmon and steelhead on the jordan river, boyne. The trailhead is easily located off of deadmans road, a short distance from the main highway. A section of the jordan river in antrim county, michigan. Access to the river valley is provided by local county roads and an18mile hiking trail, the jordan valley pathway, that winds through this portion of the mackinaw state forest. The landscape consisted of soggy meadows and various patches of forest. No words can describe the fantastic color palette that has spread across the jordan river valley. Hiking the jordan river pathway, day 1 erin bartels. Offering canoe, kayak, raft, and tube trips on the jordan river.
When you hike in late summer and theres been enough rain, youll see a lot of them. Youll also find some great local park options, like honeycombs wilderness study area or celebration park. This charming rustic campground is nestled in the jordan river valley. River region is one of the truly wild spots in northern lower michigan. This 18 mile loop can be easily turned into a day hike by using jordan river road to cut the length in half. My sister and i like to look for themes on our hikes. Jordan river valley east jordan 2020 all you need to know. Includes plenty of beaver pondsdams for exploring, river side hiking, and three very scenic overlooks of the jordan valley. This littleknown michigan overlook is dropdead gorgeous in the fall.
There are many things to do along this valley drive. Here we can hike more than 220 miles on the shoretoshore trail that connects lake huron and lake michigan. There are 10 sites available for tent and small trailer use. Please support these clubs and remember all the trail workers and groomer drivers are volunteers. Sturgeon river preserve the character of this property is wild. Also looping its way through the valley is the 18mile jordan river pathway which gives access to deadmans hill, the jordan river and the. Whether youre baitcasting, fly fishing or spinning your chances of getting a bite here are good. The view from dead mans hill is spectacular, and a great place to begin. The jordan river pathway is an 18mile 29 km loop trail located in michigan in antrim county, next to the jordan river and the jordan river hatchery. This trail has a little of everything from scenic overlooks, wooded valleys and the pristine jordan river which was michigan s first national wild and scenic river. The jordan river valley is an 18,000acre block of the mackinaw state forest, protected from future logging or gas development.
Nestled in the jordan valley, this wilderness river offers fantastic scenery, lots of wildlife and pristine, crystal clear water. Beginning the climb back out of the valley after crossing the river. Arriving early ensures plenty of trailhead parking space for the overnight backpacking trip. The pathway contains several loops of varying lengths. Jordan river valley color from deadmans hill overlook. The jordan river pathway is a hiking trail in the jordan river valley. Guided winter raft adventures on the jordan river jordan. Jordan valley outfitters offering canoe, kayak, raft, and. Moreover, the jordan river valley is a specially managed scenic area with one of the most popular scenic forest drives in the state following the upper jordan river.
I spent many years in the jordan river valley turkey hunting. Michigan may be known as the great lakes stateand the waterbased recreational options really are aboundingbut the incredible hiking should not be overlooked. The jordan river pathway is located in the northern part of michigans lower peninsula. It empties into the south arm of lake charlevoix at the village of east jordan figure 1. One year it was ferns, another maples, another blueberries, etc. The jordan river is a beautiful river for many activities. Apr 30, 2015 if you are looking to get away after work on friday, the trail is only a straight, 3. It is also considered one of the top trout fishing streams in the state of michigan. Canoeing or kayaking on the jordan river is an unforgettable experience for all ages. The best hiking in southeastern michigan is in pinckney recreation area, and the crooked lake trail is another reason why. Much of the area has been proposed as an old growth forest area.
Its outandback hiking, and you can hike as far as you want. After a short climb the trail levels out and runs along the edge of an open field. Description jordan valley pathway trail map and guide. Jordan river pathway discussion in mountain biking, hiking started by zilla. Also on the east side of the loop, just slightly offtrail is the jordan. Hiking michigan s high country pathway hcp may 20 duration. Luckily for those of us who live in michigan, our state is overflowing with unique outdoor locales to explore. Jordan river directly assists tribes in the midwest by providing high quality fingerling and yearling lake trout for treaty waters in lakes huron and michigan. Jordan river east jordan 2020 all you need to know.
One stop found us enjoying scenic views of the jordan valley from the deadmans hill scenic overlook, just a few miles away from us1. The jordan is one of michigan s designated state natural rivers. Fall colors are noteworthy in early october due to the hardwood forests throughout the valley. On the jordan river pathway, it was indian pipe and it was mushrooms. Depart boyne falls west along m75 one mile to deer lake road c48 and bear left. Jordan river pathway, north country trail association. Jordan valley outfitters 311 n lake st, east jordan, michigan 49727 rated 4. Jordan valley pathway and warner creek pathway designated trails are marked with blue blazes. Fish with jim outfitters offers quality river fishing trips in northwest lower michigan. The jordan river pathway crosses back to the other side of the river on the jordan river road bridge. After a short climb the trail levels out and runs along the.
Epic 1day hike on northern michigans jordan valley pathway. Add in our corn mazes, pumpkin patches, apple orchards, wine cellars and you have a perfect recipe for the fall gateway of your dreams. Sep 15, 2009 the first river in michigan to be named a national wild and scenic river, the 33mile jordan river is clear, clean and coldabout 55 degrees at the height of summer. Michigan continues to amaze me with its diverse pockets of landscapes like the jordan river valley area. While theres plenty to be said for a brief afternoon stroll, the desire to head out and fully immerse oneself in nature can sometimes be overwhelming. The hike is sometimes referred to as the jordan valley pathway, and its easy to see why. Its easy to see why the jordan river pathway is one of the most pupular hikes on the lower peninsula of michigan. A broad diversity of habitats lie along this stretch of the jordan river ranging from mixed hardwoodconifer swamp to upland savannahs. The jordan valley trails council is a joint effort between the antrim county snowmobile club, east jordan snomobilers, and the charlevoix snowmobile club. This scenic valley is well worth a trip in any season, however fall colors are noteworthy due to its rich hardwood forests.
The pathway winds through the mackinaw state forest and along the jordan river. Jordan river valley is our favorite trail in the lower peninsula. The jordan river pathway part of the north country trail routes through the valley. The mainstream is 33 miles in length with headwaters in northwestern antrim county, from whence it flows southwesterly to the center of the county, flowing north by northwesterly through the county and the southern part of charlevoix county. With more than 12 east jordan trails covering 267 miles, youre bound to find a perfect trail like the north eastern state trail or grass river natural area rail trail. Youll pass beautiful deer lake and also boyne mountains championship golf courses. Lisa flaska erickson photography is at jordan river valley. A river management plan has been prepared with the. From these preserves, the river empties into the jordan river spreads on the.
Something that just keeps popping up along the way. The pathway winds through the mackinaw state forest along the jordan river. More than two miles along the shores of the jordan river. The hike starts off by dropping about 350ft into the valley. The hiking trail hiding in michigan that will transport you to another world. Jordan valley trails council michigan snowmobile association.
The main trailhead for the jordan valley pathway is deadmans hill, a scenic overlook posted along us1, 11. Atv boating calendar fishing gardening golf hiking lodging mushrooms. Scenic vistas in the jordan valley ma include dead mans hill and. Madeline bertrand features three miles of mostly level trails through pine and oak forests and along the st. If you include a side trip to visit to the jordan river fish hatchery, which many hikers do, then its almost a 20mile hike. I have personally kayaked and tubed down this river and there are many. Rogers family homesteaddressel jordan river preserve complex size. Mature hardwood trees carpeting the valley blaze with vibrant color in the fall, making this area among the most popular leafwatching spots starting in early october. At times, the jordan river pathway merges with the north country trail.
This 18mile loop trail, near the village of alba in michigan s antrim county, meanders through the mackinaw state forest and along the jordan river valley. Pinney bridge campground, where we planned to overnight, was eight miles in one direction and 10 in the other. On may 20, 1910, big sam was to marry his childhood sweetheart and on that morning he was working the steep ridges of the jordan river valley with his crew. Good wildlife watching and beautiful scenery are common along the jordan river, michigan s first waterway to be officially. The jordan river pathway is an 18mile 29 km loop trail located in michigan in antrim county, next to the jordan river and the jordan river hatchery external links. Here is a site with some excellent maps of the jordan river valley and the pathway. Deadmans hill scenic overlook and hiking trails in the. Explore the best trails in east jordan, michigan on traillink. Jul 27, 2006 it truly is a beautiful area, and the trail is a great way to see what the deep woods of michigan is really like. Couple of spots gets confusing as to which way to go but with a good sense. It truly is a beautiful area, and the trail is a great way to see what the deep woods of michigan is really like. Michigans jordan river pathway, a great trail for beginner. The jordan s headwaters rise from springs in the upper jordan river valley northeast of mancelona in antrim county. Sep 18, 2017 hiking the jordan river pathway, day 1 posted on september 18, 2017 september 18, 2017 by erin bartels once again, this year the annual sisters hike was in the lower peninsula, largely due to time constraints.
The nct meanders along high bluffs above the manistee river valley offering views of 2030 miles. Jordan river pathway is a hiking trail near gaylord, michigan, united states description. This 18mile loop through the stunning jordan river valley a wild tract of hilly, forested land about 30 miles south of petoskey is popular for weekend backpacking. The is also back roads to take, that are dirt and sand, and i believe allow atvs. If you are looking for warm water species fish the shallow sections and if you are after the cold water fish try the deep hole, especially the baitfish schools. Jordan river valley east jordan 2020 all you need to. Jordan valley management area michigan department of. From the base of the steep hills on either side, the valley is often nearly a mile. Deadmans hill overlook, photo by frank wulfers the michigan dnrs page on the jordan river valley in northwest lower michigan says. Tucked away in the mackinaw state forest, this trail dips into valleys and climbs to pawsome overlooks.
Its just a little north of mancelona, michigan, and is. Fishermen will find a variety of fish including brook trout, brown trout and rainbow trout here. Visitors will enjoy canoeing, fishing, hiking and beautiful scenery located along the jordan river michigan s first designated scenic river. The hatchery also provides catchable brook trout to support tribal youth and elder fishing programs for the grand. Michigan trails east jordan weather northwest lower lodging. Jordan river pathway hiking trail near gaylord, michigan.
There are a few different hiking trails, but the most notable is the 18mile jordan valley pathway that winds through a portion of the mackinaw state forest. Hike along as each mile is captured in photos and words that dont just instruct, they inspire. An interactive tour of jordan river in antrim county michigan with maps, photos, and more. The jordan river pathway is one of the top overnight backpacking trips in lower michigan. If you are looking to get away after work on friday, the trail is only a straight, 3. Its upper valley is noted for its wide, scenic, undisturbed corridor. The jordan river pathway is one of michigan s loveliest weekend hiking trails. Northern michigan waterfront property on the jordan river. The hatchery also provides catchable brook trout to support tribal youth and elder fishing programs for the grand traverse band of ottawa and chippewa indians. Online maps of jordan river pathway map 1, map 2 old maps which dont show the reroute current trail map click on map to see a larger image on my most recent hike of the jrp october, 2018, i took a gps logger to record distance and elevation gain. The jordan valley pathway is one of the most popular weekend backpacking trips in michigan s lower peninsula and once on the trail its easy to understand why. There is a picnic area, restrooms and water available at the fish hatchery. Try out our newest project, my jordan river, a digital guide and map of the jordan river parkway.
Pages in category hiking trails in michigan the following 20 pages are in this category, out of 20 total. Jordan river east jordan 2020 all you need to know before. The jordan river valley consists of over 18,000 acres of natural beauty. Loop trip of the jordan river pathway starting from warner creeka little further than the typical route. Jordan valley outfitters offering canoe, kayak, raft. Good wildlife watching and beautiful scenery are common along the jordan river, michigan s first waterway to be officially designated as a wild and scenic river. This littleknown michigan overlook is dropdead gorgeous in. Jordan river map antrim county michigan canoe kayak. The jordan valley pathway is an 18mile hiking trail in the jordan river valley. We chose to hike the north side of the trail first, supposedly 8 miles. The road eventually ends in a dirt parking lot, where you can then walk up a small hill to gaze out over the jordan river valley.
Youll be amazed by this gorgeous michigan spring hike the. A summer trip to this beautiful, scenic valley is well worth the effort. The hiking trails are moderate to rugged and may be poorly marked in spots. Jun 10, 2016 view of grand portal in pictured rocks national lakeshore, michigan. Love this drive in autumn the most this is a great fall color tour area. Berrien county parks provide trails for hiking at madeline bertrand, love creek, and galien river county park. The jordan river region is one of the truly wild spots in northern lower michigan and a perfect spot for an overnight camping trip. Jul 25, 2015 deadmans hill scenic overlook and hiking trails in the jordan valley mancelona july 25, 2015 by jonkatje in landmarks on our way up to petoskey state park a few weeks ago, we took our time heading north and soaked up the scenery while checking out some landmarks we had never visited before. Jordan river pathway michigan sportsman online michigan. The most popular trails are honeycombs loop backpacking, three forks warm springs and echo rock hot spring.