Bald Mountain Recreation Area is home to some of the steepest hills and most rugged terrain in southeastern Michigan. Camping is limited to rustic cabins, but the extensive trails, inland lakes, trout streams and wild game provide year-round recreation opportunities.
Activities:
Boat Rental:
Rentals are available Monday through Friday by calling the park office at 248-693-6767. Weekend rentals are available at the Lower Trout Lake Beach from noon to 8 p.m. If the beach concession stand is closed, call the park office. Cash or check ONLY. You must present a valid ID at time of rental. Rates are $10 per hour. Discounted rates are available for half-day ($25 per four hour) and full-day ($50 per eight hour). Life jackets are included.
Cross Country Ski: Enjoy 8 miles of groomed trails in the North Unit Trails.
Disc Golf: This is a new recreational opportunity at Bald Mountain Recreation Area that is fully funded by the Friends of Bald Mountain Recreation Area. In spring 2018, the park will introduce a new, tournament grade 9-hole disc golf course open in the South Unit day-use area. As part of a four-phase project, we plan on having 18 holes open by fall 2018 and 36 holes open by the fall 2019. Two separate courses have been designed as the “Hills” Course and the “Lakes” Course offering different terrain and obstacles, both with amateur and professional tees to cater to all levels.
Fishing: Graham Lake is the most popular with anglers. Trout Creek and Paint Creek are designated trout streams. Panfish, northern pike and largemouth bass can be found in all of the park lakes. There are two universally accessible piers, including one on East Graham Lake in the north unit and one in Lower Trout Lake in the day-use area in the South Unit.
Geocaching: Caches can be found in both North Unit and South Unit.
Hiking: The park is home to some of the steepest hills and most rugged terrain in southeast Michigan, including 15 miles of marked hiking trails. The North Unit trails have elevation changes and the South Unit trails are mostly flat.
Hunting: The park is open to hunting and trapping Sept. 15 to March 31. Opportunities to hunt goose, deer, rabbit, squirrel, woodcock, duck, raccoon and woodchuck are good. Partridge, pheasant and turkey seasons have not been as successful. Trapping success for muskrat, mink and beaver has been noted.
Mountain Biking:
Nearly 15 miles of trails are available in two parcels. To the north, the green, white, blue and orange trails are shared with hikers. Parking and trails can be accessed from Lake George, Predmore, Miller and Harmon roads.
To the south, the red, yellow, orange, blue, green and white trails are also shared with hikers and can be accessed from Greenshield and Kern roads. Mountain bikes are discouraged in the North Unit when trails are snow covered to make way for cross-country skiing. Fat-tire biking is encouraged in the South Unit during the winter months because snowmobiling tracks make a great base.
Paddling: The North Unit lakes are small and not condusive to major powerboating, making them popular among canoers and kayakers.
Snowmobiling: Seven miles of trails are available in the south end of the park for snowmobiling.
Swimming: This sandy beach located on Lower Trout Lake was honored in 1986 as Detroit Monthly's "Best of Detroit" award.
Campgrounds
Bald Mountain-Rustic Cabins
Trails
Bald Mountain-North Unit Trails
Trail Length: 8.00 (Miles)
Bald Mountain-South Unit Trails
Trail Length: 7.00 (Miles)
Facilities:
Beach: The swimming beach encompasses 600 feet of sandy shoreline. A uncovered beach picnic area, restrooms and concessions is located nearby. The uncovered beach picnic area is available to rent by calling the park office at 248-693-6767.
Picnic Area: There are four different picnic areas, featuring picnic tables and fire pits/grills, located within the South Unit, including Cherry Ridge, North Trout, South Trout and the beach picnic area. The uncovered beach picnic area is available to rent by calling the park office at 248-693-6767.
Playground: Swings and slides are located in the South Unit in the beach area and the North Trout and Cherry Ridge picnic areas.