Bald Mountain Recreation Area

Copyright: Michigan State Parks & Forests Bald Mountain Recreation Area consists of eleven lakes and two trout streams.

Bald Mountain's terrain varies from active or abandoned farmland with surrounding wood lots and hedgerows, to lowland with oak ridges, mature hardwood forest to tamarack and cedar swamp. Eleven lakes and two trout streams are found within the park boundary.

Attractions - Although, there is no family campground at Bald Mountain, the park provides several overnight options and a multitude of recreational opportunities. Contact the park office for details pertaining to rustic cabin rental and group camping.

A popular, sandy swimming beach is located on Lower Trout Lake, perfect for families with small children. In fact, in 1986 the Detroit Monthly magazine gave this beach its Best of Detroit award.

A modern, supervised shooting range provides opportunities for shooting skeet, trap, archery, rifles and handguns. A 25-position sporting clays course also is available.

Fishing, small boating and canoeing are all popular activities on Bald Mountain's 11 different lakes and 2 trout streams. Anglers will find pan fish, northern pike, and largemouth bass in all 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. Ice fishing is permitted on all bodies of water.

Bald Mountain Recreation Area is open to hunting and trapping for all species between September 15 and March 31. Early goose season hunting is permitted; check with park office for details. State regulations apply. The park has excellent to good hunting opportunities for white-tailed deer, rabbit, squirrel, woodcock, duck, and raccoon. Fair to poor opportunities for goose, partridge, pheasant and turkey. Trapping success for muskrat, mink and beaver have been noted.

The park 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, as well as 3,000 acres, are accessible to snowmobilers. Mountain biking is permitted on all of the marked trails, but is discouraged during the peak winter season. From Bald Mountain, the Paint Creek Trail, a rails to trails facility that connects Lake Orion to Rochester, can easily be reached as well.

Fall is a particularly nice time to visit Bald Mountain Recreation Area. The colors are magnificent during the first two weeks of October. It is suggested that park visitors combine a trip to Bald Mountain with an excursion to the Upland Hills Farm for a pumpkin and a hike on the trails. The farm is located within half a mile of the park's trails. A stop at one of the cider mills in Goodison would cap off a great fall outing. Goodison is located on Orion Road, which is about three miles from Bald Mountain.

Nearby entertainment venues make for a memorable vacation. Meadowbrook Music Hall, Meadowbrook Theater, Pine Knob, the Palace of Auburn Hills, and the Silverdome are all within a 20-minute drive of the park's headquarters.

Recreation - Pastimes at Bald Mountain include swimming, hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, hiking, cross-country skiing, boating, target practice, viewing wildflowers, picnicking, group picnicking, playground fun, group camping, cabin lodging, and touring the visitor center.

Climate - Southeast Michigan is the warmest region in the state with summer temperatures averaging 70 degrees F (above 21 degrees C) but it is not infrequent for days to reach the high 80s. Winter temperatures are warmer as well with averages hovering just below freezing. Yearly moisture amounts range between 18 - 32 inches.

Location - The park is located just below the town of Lake Orion. Travel Interstate 75 to exit 81. Take M-24 north about two miles.