Briar Hills Area

Area Status: Open

The Briar Hills area is located in Springville and Antioch Townships in Wexford County. A total of 3,494 acres of NFS lands and 38 acres of private lands are within the boundary of the area.

The terrain is characterized by rolling hills with relatively steep topography. Much of the area is densely forested with a mix of northern hardwoods, red and white pine and aspen. Wildlife species that commonly inhabit this area include white-tailed deer, black bear, bobcat, raccoon, porcupine, squirrels, pileated woodpecker and various songbirds.

Mushroom gathering, wildlife and scenery viewing, hunting and driving for pleasure are popular activities in the area. There are no developed campgrounds located within the area but dispersed camping occurs along the perimeter.

A groomed snowmobile trail is located along the southern and western boundaries of the area. A short hiking trail to the historic Briar Hills’ Lookout site is located in the western side of the area. Even though there are no remnants of the tower that once stood at this site, the location itself is popular for sightseeing.

At a Glance

Current Conditions:	Cadillac/Manistee Ranger Station
Operational Hours:	Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week unless otherwise posted.
Fees:	No Fee
Permit Info:	Special Use Permit - No special use permit is required for individuals or small groups (74 people or less). Permits are required for commercial, event or large groups (75 people or more). Visit the Passes and Permits section for more information on obtaining a special use permit.
Open Season:	January 1 - December 31
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 - Motorized Vehicle Use of Roads, Trails and Off-road Areas; R904-14-02 Occupancy and Use - Developed Recreation Areas, Dispersed Areas, Being Publicly Nude, Marine Prohibitions, Parking and Sanitation; R904-14-03
Operated By:	Cadillac/Manistee Ranger District - 231-577-8902
Information Center:	Cadillac/Manistee Ranger Station Phone: 231-848-7090 Email sm.fs.hmnf@usda.gov