 CULTURAL |
 ON the TRAIL |
 LOCATION |
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Red Bridge Fire Tower | |||
| Exact Location: Manistee County- just a few feet west of the trail about a quarter mile north of Red Hill Lookout | |||
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Red Bridge is one of the many towers that were built across the country in the 1920s and 1930s. Although no specific information about this one is available, the following can be determined. The ridge on which it was built is 1101 feet above sea level, and the Manistee River is at 695 feet, a difference of over 400 feet. These towers were typically about 60 feet tall, adding to the height. The view must have been stunning, and provided a long distance for spotting fires. To find the tower from the North Country Trail, about a quarter mile north of Red Hill Lookout, and about 2 miles north of Coates Highway, the trail will be following a ridge, just below the highest level. A dirt road can be seen at the top of the ridge which is Red Bridge Fire Tower Road. Step off the trail to the road, and the tower footings are at the southern end of that road. The goal of the Forest Service was to have enough towers to visibly cover the forest with 8-mile radii. Also see: Udell Fire Tower Ward Hills Fire Tower | |||
Sources: personal experience | |||
| Every effort is made to provide up-to-date accurate information, but errors are bound to occur. Please contact explorer@exploreNCT.info about errors, corrections or additions. | |||
| Main Index MI Lower Peninsula Index |
| The North Country National Scenic Trail is 4800 miles long, spanning eight states. For more information, visit the North Country Trail Association |
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