Recreational Opportunities in Grant Township
Black Mountain Forest Recreation Area
Hunting
Black Mountain Forest Recreation Area has a long been a popular deer hunting area, but hunters and wildlife viewers are finding increasing numbers of wild turkey and bear in the area, making it a more appealing hunting ground. Bird and small game hunting is also popular in the area.
Fishing
Black Lake, located in the Black Mountain Area, is one of the better sport-fishing lakes in northern Michigan. Black Lake is known for its walleye fishery as well as its unique lake sturgeon fishery. Other sport fish available to anglers include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, muskellunge, yellow perch and rock bass.
Camping
While using the many trails and pathways in the Black Mountain area, stay at Black Lake Rustic Campground, on the north shore of Black Lake. It has 52 campsites, boat access to Black Lake, access to ORV routes and trails, and a beach. For reservations, please call 1-800-447-2757 or visit Michigan State Park & Harbor Reservations. For more information about the area, please call (231) 627-2811. Twin Lakes campground on Smith Road is a rustic campround with 12 sites. You can enjoy fishing, hiking, boating and four-wheeling on well marked trails.
If you prefer modern camping facilities, Onaway State Park, with 96 modern campsites, is for you.
Horseback Riding
Riding the two-track roads through the flats and over the hills of the Black Mountain Recreation area on horseback has been a popular sport for a long time. Riding is specifically designated for the skiing/hiking pathway April through November. The snowmobile trails are also open to horses April through November.
There are many miles of old two-track roads and fire lines which may be used by equestrians. Horses are not permitted off established roads, pathways and trails.
A group campground, south of East Twin Lake, is available to horseback riders. Reservations are recommended, please call (231) 627-2811.
Snowmobiling
More than 80 miles of groomed trail await you, with trails from Cheboygan to Millersburg, and throughout the entire recreation area. Please stay on trails designated for snowmobiles.
Off Road Vehicles (ORVs)
Three parking lots serve as access points to about 60 miles of ORV trails and 15 miles of ORV routes. All terrain vehicles (ATVs) and dirt bike enthusiasts will find plenty to be excited about. In addition to the winding trails and generally straight routes, there is a 65-acre scramble area for motorcycles and ATVs. (This area is closed to 4X4 trucks). Legal access to trails, routes and the scramble area is at the upper level of Black Lake Campground.
Please follow the orange triangles marking ORV routes and trails. Riding in unauthorized locations is a violation of state law.
Hiking and Skiing
With more than 30 miles of trails, hikers and skiers have their choice of routes for every skill level. Special pathways have been constructed for the traditional diagonal skier and the skate-skier. Pathways range from “Easy” to “Most Difficult”.
Skiers may find themselves gliding under majestic pines, taking in views of Black Lake and, under the right conditions, even getting a glimpse of Lake Huron. Trail users travel through a number of forest types and are able to see what a managed forest looks like in its various stages of regrowth. Four separate parking lots provide skiers and hikers access to the pathway loops which best suit their abilities or interests.
Twin Lakes State Forest Campground
The Twin Lakes State Forest Campground is open from April to October with 12 sites. RV’s cannot exceed 20′ in length; tents are welcome everywhere. All sites are rustic (no electricity or running water). Tables, grills, fire rings, pump water and pit toilets are provided.
Activities include fishing, hiking, boating, four-wheeling on well marked trails and watching wildlife. A recreational passport is required for entry.
Black Lake
Black Lake is located in Cheboygan and Presque Isle counties in Northern Michigan. With a surface area of 10,130 acres (41 km²), it is the seventh largest inland lake in Michigan. The largest body of water in the Black River watershed, it drains through the Lower Black and Cheboygan Rivers into Lake Huron.
Black River
Black River is a 78.8-mile-long (126.8 km)[2] river in the U.S. state of Michigan, flowing mostly northward through four Northern Michigan counties: Otsego, Montmorency, Presque Isle, and Cheboygan. The Black River flows into the Cheboygan River at 45°36′13″N 84°27′47″W, just south of the City of Cheboygan.
Rippling Rapids Golf Course
The 18-hole “Rippling” course at the Rippling Rapids Golf Course facility in Cheboygan, Michigan features 4,934 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 70 . Rippling golf course opened in 1995. Lynne Daniels manages the course as the General Manager.
4849 North Black River Road
Cheboygan, MI 49721
Ph: (231) 625-2770
Black Lake Sturgeon Shivaree
Sturgeon For Tomorrow presents the Black Lake Sturgeon Shivaree, the 1st weekend in February. Proceeds to fund lake sturgeon hatchery, research, habitat conservation, and outreach programs. Organizers are seeking volunteers and sponsors to make the Shivaree a success.
The Shivaree will coincide with the opening of Black Lake Sturgeon season. Activities will be on Black Lake in front of the former Black Lake Hotel: 1701 Winifred Street, Cheboygan, MI 49721
For a complete schedule and more information please visit the Shivaree Page on the Sturgeon For Tomorrow website.