Huron National Forest

Overview

The Huron-Manistee National Forests encompass nearly one million acres of public land in Michigan's northern Lower Peninsula, situated between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. Originally two separate forests established in 1909 (Huron) and later combined in 1945 for administrative purposes, the forests are currently open and offer year-round motorized and non-motorized recreation opportunities. The forests are home to four nationally designated Wild and Scenic Rivers (Pine, Manistee, Au Sable, and Pere Marquette) and host endangered/sensitive species including the Kirtland's Warbler, Piping Plover, Karner Blue Butterfly, and Pitcher's Thistle. Current alerts include: a March 2025 ice storm caused extensive downed trees across the Mio Ranger District affecting trail access; ongoing Hemlock Wooly Adelgid treatment in the Nordhouse Dunes Area; and standing 'Do Not Eat' advisories for deer within five miles of Clark's Marsh in Oscoda Township and for fish from Clark's Marsh and the lower Au Sable River due to contamination from the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base. Fire danger is currently low. The forests conduct prescribed burns for wildfire fuel reduction. The Manistee River Suspension Bridge reopened for foot traffic in April 2025. Motor Vehicle Use designations changed in October 2021, so verify current MVU maps before traveling.