Bessemer Ranger District
The Bessemer Ranger District has a variety of traditional lands, fisheries, and timber programs with new challenges in wildlife partnerships, recreation (Region 9’s only harbor), and with the 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 numerous waterfalls, many miles of rivers and streams, and access to a few miles of Lake Superior shoreline.
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 involve the whole the community. The Labor Day weekend ushers in the fall color and salmon run in the Black River Harbor area.
The Black River Harbor Recreation Area is a popular destination for many when visiting the Bessemer Ranger District. This recreation area provides a harbor, campground, waterfall viewing, Lake Superior access, and trailheads to the North Country Trail. Additionally, 4 small and rustic campgrounds near Marenisco, Mi provide base camp opportunities for hunting, fishing, hiking, canoeing, motorized trails, and more.
Bessemer is in the heart of Big Snow country where fresh powder graces numerous ski resorts with novice to expert trails atop three historic ridges; kilometers of groomed cross- country ski trail; and almost limitless snowshoeing opportunities across the 1-million-acre Ottawa National Forest. The forest has 5 ranger districts and a nursery that serves the Great Lakes area. The Eastern/Central time zone boundary cuts across the center of the forest.
Complexes
Known for its spectacular waterfalls, idyllic beaches, scenic hiking trails, and tranquil campground, the Black River Harbor Recreation Area is a popular destination throug
Located just 11 1/2 miles northwest of Bessemer, Mi. these waterfalls can be accessed by a 3/4 mile hiking trail from a paved parking lot. The hiking trail d
Located just 12 1/2 miles northwest of Bessemer Mi. there are well marked brief hiking trails that will take you from a double looped paved parking lot to a serie
A 1/2 mile hiking trail will take you from a paved parking lot to a stairway dropping down to an observation platform overlooking the scenic Black River and Rainbow Falls.&
Located 13 miles northwest of Bessemer, Mi. the 1/4 mile trail to Sandstone Falls is short but steep, with a series of steps. Pace yourself and avoid over e
Recreation Sites
Black River Harbor Recreation Area
Bobcat Lake Campground
Conglomerate Waterfalls
Henry Lake Campground
Kakabika Falls
Langford Lake Boat Launch
Moosehead Lake Campground
Pomeroy Lake Campground
Potawatomi and Gorge Waterfalls
Rainbow Falls