Jordan River Valley

     The Jordan River Valley is 7,000+ hectares portion of state-owned land in Antrim County, Michigan. The hardwood forest  is one of the most picturesque places in Michigan's Lower Peninsula, especially during peak fall colors. There are many trail systems within the forest including portions of the North County Trail. 
      

   There a several roads that provide access to designated features within the valley. Deadman's Overlook Road, off US-131 leads  to a scenic overlook (as shown above). Turner Rd. off US-131 leads  to the Jordan River National Fish Hatchery that offers tours. Harvey Rd. leads to another scenic overlook called,  Landslide Overlook. Yet, there is only one road that leads through the valley. The 15 mile road hugs the Jordan River, while it meanders through the surrounding forest and is aptly named the Jordan River Road.

 

   The road itself was gravel and not maintained. I had read that large vehicles were not recommended but, we would have gotten stuck several times had it not been for the V-8 1/2 ton that was able to plow through the mud. There were several low spots that had standing water and recent rains created very soft wash-out zones.