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Blacksmith Bayou Access Site
One of many bayous along the lower portion of the river, Blacksmith is an oxbow lake left from an old river channel. The river channel moves during geologic time, creating new meanders in the mile-wide river valley. The North Country Trail follows the ridge along the bayou and crosses the entrance road. This is a good area for ice fishing.
Brochure with map:
This brochure is set to print on 11 x 17 paper, landscape (wide) orientation. To print on 8 1/2 x 11 paper set the print area to "shrink to printable area", this will make the text on the page smaller.
Flickr Photo Albums
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | Cadillac/Manistee Ranger Station |
|---|---|
| Operational Hours: | Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week unless otherwise posted. Forest quiet hours apply. |
| Rentals & Guides: | Canoe Rentals -
|
| Area Amenities: |
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| Fees: | Recreation Enhancement Act Fee - Day Use -
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| Permit Info: | Special Use Permit -
|
| Open Season: | April 1 - November 30 |
| Usage: | Light |
| Busiest Season: | May to October |
| Restrictions: | As a visitor to the National Forest, you are asked to follow certain rules designed to protect the Forest, natural resources and to provide for public safety of visitors. These rules are available to you on-line or at any office of the Huron-Manistee National Forests. Please take time to read and understand them. General Topic orders apply across the Forests. Applicable Orders -
|
| Closest Towns: | Brethren |
| Water: | None |
| Restroom: | Vault |
| Operated By: | Cadillac Manistee Ranger District - (231) 577-8902 |
| Information Center: |
|
General Information
Directions:From Manistee -
- Travel east on M-55 for 15 miles.
- Turn left and travel north on High Bridge Rd. for 2 miles.
- Turn left and travel west on Chicago Ave. for 1 mile.
- Turn right and travel north for .5 miles to the site entrance.
General Notes:
Location - Manistee National Recreation River
Nearby Recreation Areas -
- North Country National Scenic Trail
County - Manistee
Activities
Campground Camping
| No. of Sites | Single: 6 |
| Reservation Info | No reservation needed. All sites are first come, first served. |
River and Stream Fishing
| Fish Species | Salmon, Steelhead, Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Walleye, Sucker |
| Special Designations | National Recreation River |
| Fishing Mode | Boat, Shore, Wade |
| Fishing Platform | No |
| Water Temperature | Cold |
| Fishing Method | Fly, Pole |
Ice Fishing
| Fish Species | Salmon, steelhead, brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, walleye, sucker |
| Special Designations | National Recreation River |
| Fishing Platform | No |
| Fishing Method | Pole, Tip-up, Spearing |
Day Hiking
The portion of the North Country National Scenic Trail between Blacksmith Bayou and High Bridge, along the Manistee River, is a signed interpretive trail and is maintained in partnership with trail volunteers.
Backpacking
Picnicking
| No. of Sites | 1 |
| Reservation Info | No reservation needed. All sites are first come, first served. |
Boating - Motorized
| Type of Craft | Fishing Boats, Bass Boats, Dinghies, Electric Boats, Flat Boats, Jon Boats |
| Size Restrictions | 0 - 25 feet |
| Motor Type | Electric, Gas |
| Class of Rapids | 0 - 1 |
Boating - Non-Motorized
| Type of Craft | Canoe, Kayak |
| Size Restrictions | None |
| Class of Rapids | 0 - 1 |