The forest is mostly second growth with some pine plantations. The soil is quite sandy, so the walking can be easy on the feet. I hiked the entire Manistee section a few years ago and had no problem at all sustaining 16 mile days, even though it rained 5 of 8 days. The trail sees a few visitors on weekends, usually equal numbers of bikers and hikers. The week is solitude city.
Camping is backcountry style.
There are few established campsites or even fire pits. Yet it is easy to find places to pitch the tent as there are few rocks, the undergrowth is thin and the land flat. Much easier than Virginia. Water is abundant. If you have additional questions about this section of trail, feel free to e-mail me directly.