Manistee National Forest Jeep Trail 22B
Deep sand technical through Michigan's pine barrens
Trail 22B cuts through some of the deepest sand in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, following old logging railroad grades through dense jack pine stands and wetland crossings. The route connects to the ghost town remnants of Marilla, where concrete foundations mark a long-dead logging operation, and crosses Manistee River tributaries at three technical ford points that’ll test your line choice and momentum management.
This is expert-level sand driving requiring aired-down tires, recovery gear, and ideally a spotter for the deeper sections. Best tackled May through September when water levels drop and the sand firms up slightly. You’ll earn solitude in some of Michigan’s most remote backcountry, plus excellent dispersed camping along the Manistee River corridor. Fuel up in Baldwin — it’s 40 miles of empty forest once you commit.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Expert |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Sand |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 18 mi / 29 km |
| Duration | 6-8 hours |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1150 ft |
| Best season | May-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Modified 4WD with recovery gear |
| Nearest town | Baldwin, Michigan |
| Land manager | US Forest Service |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Jeep Wrangler or 4Runner run Trail 22B without modifications?
No. Deep sand sections will swallow stock vehicles — you need aired-down aggressive tires (AT minimum, MT preferred), a locker or limited-slip, and a high-lift or sand recovery boards at minimum. A stock rig will get buried and ruin your day.
When does Trail 22B open and what's it like after a wet spring?
Best window is May through September. After heavy spring rain the creek crossings run higher and sand gets unpredictably soft in low areas — May conditions vary year to year. Avoid it during or immediately after significant rainfall if you're not confident in your recovery game.
Do I need a permit to run Trail 22B or camp in Manistee National Forest?
No permit is required to drive the trail. Dispersed camping on Manistee National Forest land is free with no reservation — standard USFS rules apply: 14-day stay limit, 150 feet from water sources, pack out everything.
What's the hardest section on Trail 22B and what makes it genuinely expert-level?
The deepest, loosest sand bowls mid-trail are where rigs get buried — momentum management is everything and there's no clean line, just commitment. The creek crossings add a second layer; combined with the remote location and zero cell service, a mechanical failure or stuck vehicle means you're relying entirely on your own recovery gear and whoever's with you.
How far is the nearest gas station and should I bring extra fuel for the 18-mile run?
Baldwin, Michigan is your last reliable fuel stop before the trail. Given the 6-8 hour duration and the fact that deep sand running kills fuel economy — plan on carrying a jerry can. Running out of gas with zero cell service on an 18-mile expert sand trail is not a story you want to tell.
Trail track
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