Black Mountain Forest Recreation

Black Mountain Forest Recreation Area of Cheboygan and Presque Isle County, Michigan

Trail Distance:

32 miles long.

Trail Description:

People who enjoy recreation in a forest setting should find something to their liking in the Black Mountain Recreation Area. From the traditional pursuits of hunting and fishing, to camping, skiing, hiking, horseback riding and snowmobiling, outdoor recreationists will find their pleasure here.

Features:

• Hunting - Black Mountain Forest Recreation Area has a long been a popular deer hunting area, but hunters and wildlife viewers are finding increasing numbers of wild turkey and bear in the area, making it a more appealing hunting ground. Bird and small game hunting is also popular in the area.
• Fishing - Black Lake, located n the Black Mountain Area, is one of the better sport-fishing lakes in northern Michigan. Black Lake is known for its walleye fishery as well as its unique lake sturgeon fishery. Other sport fish available to anglers include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, muskellunge, yellow perch and rock bass.
• Camping - While using the many trails and pathways in the Black Mountain area, stay at one of the two rustic state forest campgrounds. Black Lake rustic campground, on the north shore of Black Lake, has 50 campsites, boat access to Black Lake, access to ORV routes and rails and a swimming beach. Twin Lakes rustic campground has 12 sites in a peaceful atmosphere with canoe access to West Twin Lake. Make reservations by calling 517-785-4251. If you prefer modern camping facilities, Onaway State Park, with 96 modern campsites, is for you.
• Horseback Riding - Riding the two-track roads through the flats and over the hills of the Black Mountain Recreation area on horseback has been a popular sport for a long time. Riding is specifically designated for the skiing/hiking pathway April through November. The snowmobile trails are also open to horses April through November. There are many miles of old two-track roads and fire lines which may be used by equestrians. Horses are not permitted off established roads, pathways and trails. A group campground, south of East Twin Lake, is available to horseback riders. Reservations are recommended, call 517-785-4251.
• Snowmobiling - More than 80 miles of groomed trail await you, with trails from Cheboygan to Millersburg, and throughout the entire recreation area. Please stay on trails designated for snowmobiles.
• Off Road Vehicles (ORVs) - Three parking lots serve as access points to about 60 miles of ORV trails and 15 miles of ORV routes. All terrain vehicles (ATVs) and dirt bike enthusiasts will find plenty to be excited about. In addition to the winding trails and generally straight routes, there is a 65-acre scramble area for motorcycles and ATVs. (This area is closed to 4X4 trucks). Legal access to trails, routes and the scramble area is at the upper level of Black Lake Campground. Please follow the orange triangles marking ORV routes and trails. Riding in unauthorized locations is a violation of state law.
• Hiking and Skiing - With more than 30 miles of trails, hikers and skiers have their choice of routes for every skill level. Special pathways have been constructed for the traditional diagonal skier and the skate-skier. Pathways range from "Easy" to "Most Difficult". Skiers may find themselves gliding under majestic pines, taking in views of Black Lake and, under the right conditions, even getting a glimpse of Lake Huron. Trail users travel through a number of forest types and are able to see what a managed forest looks like in its various stages of regrowth. Four separate parking lots provide skiers and hikers access to the pathway loops which best suit their abilities or interests.

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