Jordan Valley Pathway

This 18.8-mile trek is a loop, eliminating complicated transportation arrangements, and features a walk-in campground near its halfway point. The fact that it is a two-day walk makes it an ideal weekend outing for backpackers.  It has enough climbs, especially on the second day, to give anybody a sense of accomplishment while many find its logging history an interesting aspect of the hike.  Most of all, the Jordan Valley Pathway is a scenic walk where much of the day is spent either skirting the cedar banks of blue-ribbon trout stream or climbing to overlooks for views of the valley below.  It’s also good to remember that the Jordan Valley Pathway is not an easy trek. You must be prepared to haul a backpack almost 10 miles each day and are constantly climbing in and out of the valley. If you include a side trip to visit to the Jordan River Fish Hatchery, which many hikers do, then it’s almost a 20-mile hike.  The main trailhead for the Jordan Valley Pathway is Deadman’s Hill, a scenic overlook posted along US-131, 11.5 miles north of Mancelona or 6 miles north of Alba. From US-131, turn west on Deadman’s Hill Road and drive 2 miles to the parking area and trailhead at the end. If driving north on I-75, depart at exit 282 and head west of Gaylord on M-32.

Click here for a detailed map.