Day Hiking

Ottawa Lake Recreation Area provides paved roads and short accessible trail through the picnic area to the fishing pier in the day use area and through the campground. This area can be reached west from Iron River on US2 to Hwy 73 south approximately 3/4 mile to Lake Ottawa Road, then approximately 4 miles to Lake Ottawa Campground area.

Day Hiking Areas

Bergland Ranger District
The Bergland Ranger District is managed by the Ontonagon Ranger District. Currently the Old Ranger Quarters houses the Bergland/Matchwood Historical Society and the Administrative Offices is home to the Bergland Cultural & Heritage Center. The Bergland Cultural & Heritage Center provides information about the Ottawa National Forest and surrounding attractions during the summer months. This district offers miles of hiking trails and wildlife/nature viewing.
Cascade Falls
Trap Hills
Bessemer Ranger District
Bessemer Ranger District has a variety of traditional lands, fisheries, and timber programs with new challenges in wildlife partnerships, in recreation (Region 9's only Harbor) and with management of our Wild and Scenic Rivers, and Scenic Byway. The district has an excellent reputation for being team participants at both the district and Forest levels.

There is something for everyone with 32 waterfalls; 1200 miles of rivers and streams; over 1,100 lakes; and 30 miles of Lake Superior shoreline just 15 minutes north on County Road 513.

It's a perfect spot for fishing, picnicking, swimming, boating, canoeing, hiking, camping and hunting for grouse, black bear, and white tailed deer. BESSEMER'S Fourth of July celebration and Pumpkinfest are among the finest in the Midwest, and involves the whole community. A Lake Superior fishing derby on Labor Day ushers in the fall color and salmon run for the Black River Harbor area.

The Black River Harbor Recreational Area is a popular destination for many when visiting the Bessemer Ranger District. This recreational area provides a marina/harbor, campground, watersfalls, access to the North Country Trail.

BESSEMER is in the heart of Big Snow country where fresh powder graces four ski resorts with novice to expert trails atop three mountain ranges; kilometers of groomed cross-country trail; The almost one million acre Ottawa National Forest is located throughout the western half of the Upper Peninsula. The forest has five ranger districts and a nursery that serves the Great Lakes area. The Eastern Time zone cuts across the heart of the Forest.
Black River Harbor Recreation Area
Known for its spectacular waterfalls, idyllic beaches, scenic hiking trails and tranquil campground, the Black River Harbor Recreation Area is a popular destination throughout the year. Originating in Wisconsin, the Black River flows through forested areas of large pine, hemlock and hardwood trees. The River has a series of scenic waterfalls as it drops in elevation to meet Lake Superior. Tannin (tanic acids)from hemlock trees is what gives it its unique color.

The Harbor offers one of the area's few access points to Lake Superior, with boating being a major summer time activity. The boat ramp can accommodate almost any craft trailered in. There is no launching fee. Boat fuel and snacks are available through the concessionaire. Parking for trucks and boat trailers is ample.

A historic pavillion built by the CCC is also located here. Review guidelines on use of the pavilion.

2023 Updates

FAQ

Maps
- Black River Harbor Map (Updated 4/25/2011) - pdf
- Black River Harbor Waterfall Map (Updated 1/18/2017) - pdf
Conglomerate Waterfalls
Potawatomi and Gorge Waterfalls
Rainbow Falls
Sandstone Falls
Kakabika Falls
Wolf Mountain
Yondota Falls
Iron River Ranger District
Iron River is located in Iron County, in the western portion of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, just seven miles from the Wisconsin border. The border is shared with the Nicolet National forest. The Iron River Ranger District is 138,000 acres in size. Recreation opportunities include two camping for fee campgrounds and two rustic campgrounds. Three wilderness areas are located on adjacent districts. The area's climate is truly unique for each season of the year. The weather is summarized as follows: 31 inches of average annual precipitation, 68 inches of snowfall, an average of 62 frost-free days, 59 degree F. average temperature May through September, and long cold winters.
Four-season recreation is Iron County's claim to fame. 2,175 lakes and 902 miles of streams offer unlimited challenges for both warm and cold-water fishing. Three rivers on the district have recently been designated as recreational rivers under the Wild and Scenic rivers Act. Northern hardwoods, pine, balsam fir, and spruce cover 80% of the county. More whitetail deer Boone and Crockett entries have been taken from the forests of Iron County than any other Michigan county. Add to this, the title of woodcock capital of the world and one cannot find any better small and big game hunting anywhere in the Midwest.
When winter arrives, it's no time to rest. 212 miles of snowmobile trails connect to a vast system of trails throughout upper Michigan and northern Wisconsin. The Iron River District, in cooperation with Covenant Point Bible Camp, grooms and maintains a Nordic ski trail, and Ski Brule, a major ski resort, is just minutes from town.
Cooks Run Trail Head
Lake Ottawa Recreation Area
Lake Ottawa Recreation area is in a beautiful forested northwoods setting located 5 miles southwest of Iron River, MI, on the Iron River Ranger District. Located in the general area is Lake Ottawa, Brule Lake, Hagerman Lake, Brule River, Bass Lake, the Historic Mile Post Zero/Treaty Tree, The Ge-Che Trail, and miles of hiking trails. Lake Ottawa Campground is 95% surrounded by National Forest System Land and offers a picnic shelter with two stone fireplaces and original log picnic tables, and two log toilet buildings, which were constructed by the CCC in the late 1930's. A pressurized water system and sewage dump station is located in the campground. Adjacent to the campground is a CCC era day use recreation building, with flush toilets, swimming beach, playing field, picnic areas and boat launch.

For guidelines regarding use of the Day Use Pavillion, check out the attached document: Lake Ottawa Day Use Guidelines.

Fish Your National Forests: This site can be accessed by Passenger Car; Fish available include: Trout, Native Trout, Bass, Walleye, Panfish; Types of fishing available include: Shore, Motorized boat, Float tube, Fly, Spin, Bait, Ice; and boat launch available

Map of recreation area (pdf).
Brule Lake
Ge-Che Hiking Trail
Stateline-Miles Post Zero Trail
Timber Lake Trail Head
Morrison Creek Hunter Trail Head
Kenton Ranger District
The Kenton Ranger District is the largest and oldest district on the Ottawa, dating back to 1931, when the forest had only one district. The recreation program includes a wide variety of dispersed activities including hunting, fishing, remote camping and hiking including two wildernesses, snowmobiling on numerous maintained trails, recreational driving with a variety of potential destinations including lakes, waterfalls and other scenic attractions. Developed recreation includes 7 campgrounds (3 on rivers, 4 on lakes), 2 waysides on M-28 and a CCC era organizational camp, which is used seasonally by a wide variety of organizations for outdoor education and other purposes.

The McCormick Wilderness and The Sturgeon Gorge Wilderness are located on the District.
The district is a premium spot for the outdoorsman. Whitetail deer are numerous. Black bear are common and getting more numerous. Upland game birds include ruffed grouse and woodcock. There is some local Canada geese and ducks in addition to migrants, which concentrate on local farm fields and Michigan DNR wildlife projects. Wild turkey hunting is also available with a two-hour drive. Fishing includes brook, rainbow and German brown trout, Chinook and Coho salmon, walleye, large and small mouth bass, northern pike, musky and numerous species of pan fish. The area is also home to a wide variety of other wildlife including moose, gray (timber) wolves, fisher, pine marten, bald eagles, osprey, loons, river otter, bobcat, mink, beaver and many more. Sightings of bald eagle are common occurrences with local population being among the highest in the Midwest along with numerous nesting sites. In general, it is a good place if you enjoy clean air, water, outdoor experiences and nature.
Agate Falls
Duppy Falls
Jumbo Falls
Lake Ste Kathryn Campground
Sparrow Rapids Campground
Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness
The Wild and Scenic Sturgeon River rushes out of the northern portion of this wilderness, over the 20 foot volcanic outcroppings of Sturgeon Falls, and through a gorge that reaches 350 feet in depth and a mile in width. Throughout this rugged, steep Wilderness, the Sturgeon and Little Silver Rivers and their tributaries have carved falls, rapids, ponds, oxbows, and terraces. Stunning views are possible from the eastern rim of the gorge. Except for a few naturally bare slopes, most of the land is forested with pine, hemlock, aspen, sugar maple, birch, and basswood. When the leaves of the hardwoods change color in the fall, they form a vivid tapestry. There are few established trails in Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness, and the few overgrown logging roads are hard to find and follow. The North Country National Scenic Trail parallels the northern and eastern boundaries for about eight miles. Sturgeon River Campground offers seven sites on the southeastern boundary. In spring and during peak runoff, kayaking and white water canoeing are challenging, and only recommended for advanced paddlers.

Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness Map
Sturgeon Falls
Sturgeon River Campground
McCormick Wilderness
Three generations of McCormicks, the descendants of Cyrus McCormick, inventor of the reaping machine, held the deed to this area before Gordon McCromick willed the land to the U.S. Forest Service. McCormick Wilderness has recovered from the logging era that ended in the early 1900's. Today, you'll find a mixture of northern hardwoods and lowland conifers interspersed with small patches of towering white pine, Michigan's State Tree. Straddling the divide between Lake Superior and Lake Michigan, this region ranges from nearly level terrain to rocky cliffs. McCormick's water is what draws most visitors, with the Huron, Dead, Pahokee, and the Wild and Scenic Yellow Dog Rivers all have part of their headwaters within the wilderness. Many cascading waterfalls on the Yellow Dog make it unnavigable. The Yellow Dog is one of a few Eastern rivers designated "Wild". Eighteen small lakes add sparkle to the landscape. Trout, pike, and bass live here, but only in small numbers due to the less-than-fertile-waters. The three mile White Lake Trail connects County Road 607 to White Deer Lake where the McCormick Estate once stood. Remnants of old, unmaintained trails can sometimes be found, but the rest of the Wilderness is fairly rugged, isolated, unspoiled, and relatively difficult to access.

McCormick Wilderness Map
Yellow Dog Falls
Ontonagon Ranger District
Ontonagon Ranger District is on the shores of Lake Superior, largest of the Great Lakes, and the mouth of the Ontonagon River. There are numerous outdoor recreational opportunities. Hunting, fishing, swimming, hiking, boating, and ATV riding are available in the summer and fall months. In the winter downhill, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing are available.
Bob Lake Campground
Courtney Lake Campground
Courtney Lake Campground, located 22 miles southeast of Ontonagon, Mi., on the Ontonagon Ranger District features a single loop with 21 spacious sites that can accommodate tents, trailers, or larger motor homes.

Courtney Lake Campground also features two "walk-in" sites for tent campers.

Of the 21 sites, 6 of them accommodate equestrian camping. All 6 have high lines and 3 have a corral. There is also a hitching post at the campground restroom. Currently it is “pack it in, pack it out” for horse waste cleanup.

This campground provides a scenic view and access to the lake. Each site offers wooden picnic table, fire ring, lantern post and parking spur. Two sets of vault toilets and two pressurized water faucets are located within the camping loop. Adjacent to the campground is a boat landing, picnic area, and a sandy beach. The 2.2 mile Circle of Life Trail with its bog viewing platform adjoins the campground with trailheads at the south side of campsite #7 and across from the beach day use area parking area. One of the Ottawa's only equestrian trails can also be found adjacent to the campground.

Courtney Equestrian Trails Map
O Kun de Kun Falls
Watersmeet Ranger District
The Watersmeet Ranger District is one of five districts on the almost one million acre Ottawa National Forest. The District has approximately 25 people who manage a variety of traditional lands, fisheries, recreation and timber programs. Both the Wilderness and the recreation area receive high use, particularly during the summer season. Six developed campgrounds and a major visitor center, add to the heavy recreation program. The Ottawa Visitor Center is currently open year round with about 30,000 annual visitors.

Watersmeet is located in Michigan's Western Upper Peninsula, an area known for its woods and waters. This Headwaters area boasts beautiful, deep, clear, glacially formed lakes that provide water to the Lake Superior, Lake Michigan and Mississippi Watersheds. Waterfalls are numerous and the major attractions to thousands of visitors annually.
The Watersmeet area is a perfect spot for fishing, picnicking, swimming, boating, canoeing, hiking, camping and hunting for grouse, black bear and white tailed deer. Tourism and timber products are the major industries in this area of forested hills and interspersed lakes and rivers. There are several resorts for those who wish to come to the Northwoods to stay in a comfortable cottage, or the Sylvania Wilderness for those wishing a more primitive experience in a pristine setting.
Watersmeet is in Big Snow Country where the rolling hills provide some of the best cross-country skiing in the mid-west. With snowfall averaging more than 100 inches a year, skiing usually begins in early December and sometimes doesn't end until after Easter. A half-dozen Alpine ski resorts are nearby - with Thanksgiving the declared opener for some. Major snowmobile trails cross the district and some trails even take the riders to view waterfalls in winter splendor
Ajibikoka Falls
Bond Falls Watefalls
Mex-i-mine Falls
Imp Lake Campground
Little Falls
Ottawa National Forest Visitor Center
Sylvania Wilderness Backcountry Camping
The Sylvania Wilderness encompasses 18,327 acres of primitive lands and is part of the National Wilderness Preservation System.

Visitors can camp in 50 designated campsites within the Sylvania Wilderness. Visitors enjoy endless canoeing, fishing, hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Natural Features: The old-growth forests and pristine lakes in the region provide habitat for a wide range of animal and plant life, including rare orchids, bald eagles, loons and osprey. The wilderness contains 34 named lakes, some with sandy beaches and others surrounded by record-size red and white pines.

The Ottawa National Forest is comprised of nearly 1 million acres and is located in the western reaches of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The forest's rolling, forest covered hills extend from the south shore of Lake Superior to the Wisconsin border. Lakes, rivers and waterfalls are found throughout this beautiful landscape.

Recreation: Sylvania's abundant lakes provide plentiful non-motorized boating, canoeing, kayaking and fishing opportunities. Other popular activities include hiking and viewing wildlife.

Facilities: Sylvania Wilderness Backcountry Camp is not a physical campground located at one location. The 50 individual sites are located along eight lakes within the Sylvania Wilderness. Camping is allowed only at designated sites. Campsites are primitive, but each is equipped with a campfire ring and a wilderness latrine.

Camping is permitted at designated sites by permit only. Permits MUST be reserved by visiting Recreation.gov (see details below). No first-come, first-serve walk in sites available in 2020.

Fish Your National Forests: Fish available include: Trout, Native Trout, Bass, Walleye, Panfish, Pike; Types of fishing available include: Wade, Shore, Non-motorized boat, Float tube, Fly, Spin, Ice;

Maps:
- Sylvania Wilderness Map
- Clarks Lake Campground Map
2022 SYLVANIA WILDERNESS AND RECREATION AREA UPDATES
Sylvania (Clark Lake) Campground