07-16-2002, 09:02 AM
<IMG SRC="http://www.michigandnr.com/images/RecreationCamping/parkphotos/baldmountain2aerial250x163.jpg"><br><br><b>Bald Mountain Recreation Area</b><br><br>Bald Mountain Recreation Area consists of 4,637 rolling acres. The picturesque park area has some of the steepest hills and most rugged terrain in southeastern Michigan. <br><br>History Bald Mountain Recreation Area was created in 1944 when the State Legislature appropriated General, as well as Fish and Game Funds, towards the purchase of large parcels of property throughout Michigan. These recreation areas were created to provide recreation opportunities for a growing urban population. In 1981, nearly 1,500 acres were added to Bald Mountain. <br><br>Camping and Day Use Although, there is no camping at Bald Mountain, the park provides a multitude of recreational opportunities for the day use visitor. A popular, sandy swimming beach is located on Lower Trout Lake. This beach is excellent for families with small children, and in 1986, Detroit Monthly magazine gave this beach its "Best of Detroit" award. The park has several picnic areas with shelters, a modern shooting range, large hunting areas, several fishing lakes, two trout streams, and 15 miles of marked trails. <br><br>Rustic Cabins Two rustic cabins are located on Tamarack Lake and are located adjacent to eight miles of hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing trails. Each cabin has space for up to 20 occupants. <br><br>Boating and Fishing Fishing, small boating and canoeing are all popular activities on Bald Mountain's 11 different lakes. Anglers will find panfish, northern pike, and largemouth bass in all these lakes. The Graham Lakes in the north unit draw the most fishing activity. Lake Orion, East Graham Lake, Prince Lake, Chamberlain Lake and Lakeville Lake all have access sites. Trout Creek and Paint Creek are designated trout streams. <br><br>Hunting Bald Mountain Recreation Area is open to hunting and trapping for all species following the regular State hunting and trapping regulations between September 15 and March 31. Note the following are exceptions to the regular hunting rules or special seasons. <br><br>There is no summer hunting in Park or Recreation Areas. Hunting during the early goose season in Southeastern Michigan Parks and Recreation Areas from September 1st to September 15th is subject to various restrictions. Please check with the Park Office for details. <br><br>Bald Mountain Recreation Area has excellent to good hunting opportunities for the following species: Deer, rabbit, squirrel, woodcock, duck, raccoon, and woodchuck. Fair to poor opportunities for goose, partridge, pheasant and turkey. Trapping success for muskrat, mink and beaver have been noted. <br><br>The vegetation and terrain varies from active or abandoned farmland with surrounding wood lots and hedgerows, to lowland with oak ridges, mature beech/ maple/oak forest to tamarack and cedar swamp. Eight lakes and several streams are also found within the Park and Recreation Area lands. <br><br>Off road vehicle use is prohibited, except under special permit for those with mobility limitation. These permits will be issued at the park office with the necessary documentation. The State Park Motor Vehicle Permit is required of all motor vehicles parked within State Park and Recreation Area lands. <br><br>Winter Activities Bald Mountain Recreation Area is immensely popular for its cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, sledding, and ice fishing. Eight miles of trails are groomed expressly for cross-country skiers. An additional seven miles of trails, as well as 3,000 acres, are available to snowmobilers. Users should call the park office for updated times and snow conditions. <br><br>Trail Information Bald Mountain Recreation Area has 15 miles of marked hiking trails. Eight miles of these trails in the north unit are groomed and tracks are set for cross-country skiers. An additional seven miles of trails in the south unit are accessible to snowmobilers. Mountain biking is permitted on all of the marked trails, but discouraged during the peak winter season. <br><br>Area Attractions Bald Mountain Recreation Area is near many entertainment venues. Meadowbrook Music Hall, Meadowbrook Theater, Pine Knob, the Palace of Auburn Hills, Tiger Stadium, and the Silverdome are all within a 20 minute drive of the park's headquarters. <br><br>Location The park is located eight miles north of Pontiac, just off of M-24 (Lapeer Road). The park is accessible from I-75 using exit #81. From I-75, take M-24 north for two and one-half miles and follow road signs to the park. <br> <br> <br> Bald Mountain- Rustic Cabins - (248) 693-6767, 2 site(s), $45.00, Rustic Cabins Year Round <br> Bald Mountain- Organization - (248) 693-6767, $6.00 (6 people), Organization Camp for Non Profit use <br> <br><br><br><br><br><A HREF="http://myweb.ecomplanet.com/MESS6438/" target="_new">http://myweb.ecomplanet.com/MESS6438/</A> <br>For Kids Sake <br>Recycle your old Equipment<br>Dave