Manistee National Forest Forest Road 5629 High Bridge Circuit
Forgotten logging roads through pristine backcountry
Forest Road 5629 cuts through some of the Manistee’s most remote backcountry, following old logging rail grades that hauled white pine giants to Ludington mills a century ago. The route threads between towering second-growth forests and crosses Bear Creek at High Bridge, where concrete abutments mark an old railway trestle. Scattered along the trail, rusted cable and steam donkey remnants tell the story of Michigan’s timber boom.
This moderate route demands high-clearance 4WD for creek crossings and seasonal mud holes. Spring and fall bring the worst conditions — stick to summer through early October for best passage. The 18-mile loop offers excellent dispersed camping along Bear Creek, with crystal-clear water for filtering. Pack plenty of fuel; the nearest services are 30 miles away in Baldwin. You’ll earn solitude few Michigan trails deliver, plus some of the state’s best fishing for brook trout.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 18 mi / 29 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1200 ft |
| Best season | June-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Baldwin, Michigan |
| Land manager | US Forest Service - Manistee National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Jeep Wrangler or 4Runner handle FR 5629 without modifications?
Yes, a stock high-clearance 4WD like a Wrangler or 4Runner is the stated minimum and will handle this trail fine. Low-clearance crossovers and 2WD trucks are not appropriate — the dirt surface gets soft and the creek crossings add mud.
When does FR 5629 open after winter and is it passable in early spring?
The best window is June through October. Spring thaw in April and May turns the soft sandy soil into a muddy mess and the forest roads are often gated or deeply rutted — wait until June for reliable access.
Do you need a permit or pay any fees to drive or camp here?
No permit is required and there are no fees for dispersed camping in Manistee National Forest on this route. Standard USFS rules apply — camp 150 feet from water and roads, pack out your trash.
What's the hardest section of this trail and what should I expect?
The creek crossings are where most people slow down — water depth varies with recent rainfall and you won't know what you're getting until you're at the bank. The rest is straightforward two-track on soft sandy forest roads with nothing technically demanding.
Is there any cell service on the route and how far is the nearest gas from the trailhead?
There is zero cell service on this trail — download offline maps and save emergency contacts before you leave pavement. Baldwin is the nearest town with gas, roughly 15 miles from the trailhead area, so fuel up there before you head in.
Trail track
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