Bald Mountain Recreation Area

1330 E. Greenshield Road
Lake Orion MI, 48360-2307

248-693-6767
TTY/TDD711 (Michigan Relay Center)

4600 (Acres)

Required

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.
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More Information

Bald Mountain Recreation Area consists of 4,600 rolling acres that are home to extensive trails, inland lakes, trout streams and wild game accented by some of the steepest hills and most rugged terrain in southeastern Michigan. The park provides year-round recreation opportunities, including hiking, mountain biking, swimming, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, hunting and much more. In addition, the park features a beach that was voted "Best of Detroit" by Detroit Monthly. There is no camping available in the park; however; there are two rustic cabins available to rent.

Water Warrior Island, features a 20-foot wall, the 25-foot slide and more. The course will challenge your abilities to climb, jump, balance and grip and test your strength. Ticket and reservation information, rules, height requirements and hours of operation can be found at waterwarriorisland.com.

track chair iconThe park's track chair – capable of handling trails, snow, sand and shallow water – expands access beyond traditional wheelchairs. The chair is available for visitors to borrow at no cost.

Campgrounds

Bald Mountain-Rustic Cabins
800-447-2757
(2)

Trails

Bald Mountain-North Unit Trails
Trail Length: 8.00 (Miles)
Bald Mountain-South Unit Trails
Trail Length: 7.00 (Miles)

About the Area

View Online Visitor's Guide.

Meadowbrook Music Hall, Meadowbrook Theater, and Pine Knob are all within 20 minutes of the park's headquarters. In addition, easy access from the park to Paint Creek Trail and Pollyann Trail rails-to-trails facilities and the Bald Mountain Shooting Range are nearby.

Activities (Display as List)

Boat Rental Item is accessible.
Boat Rental:

Water Warrior Island rents kayaks and stand-up paddleboards and operates the floating water park in the day-use area Monday-Thursday 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday-Sunday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Cross-Country Skiing Item is accessible.
Cross-Country Skiing: Enjoy 8 miles of groomed trails in the North Unit Trails.
Disc Golf Item is accessible.
Disc Golf: Disc golf is fully funded by the Friends of Bald Mountain Recreation Area. 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. It's open in the winter.
Fishing Item is accessible.
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 Item is accessible.
Geocaching: Caches can be found in both North Unit and South Unit. Visit geocaching.com and www.mi-geocaching.org.
Hiking Item is accessible.
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 Item is accessible.
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.
Metal Detecting Item is accessible.
Metal Detecting: Metal detecting is recognized as a legitimate recreation activity when it is conducted in ways that do not damage natural and cultural resources in Michigan state parks nor violate applicable state statutes. This park map clearly shows where this activity is allowed to take place. Any items found must be reviewed by park staff and may be retained for further investigation. Areas located within the campground are limited to registered campers only.
Mountain Biking Item is accessible.
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.

Nature Programs Item is accessible.
Nature Programs: Seasonal naturalists offer weekly nature-based nature programming Memorial Day through Labor Day. View weekly programming calendar (PDF).
Paddlesports Item is accessible.
Paddlesports: The North Unit lakes are small and not conducive to major powerboating, making them popular among canoers and kayakers.
Radio Controlled Flying Item is accessible.
Radio Controlled Flying: The flying field is located off Scripps Road. Visit Skymasters for information about the Skymasters R/C model airplane club.
Snowmobiling Item is accessible.
Snowmobiling: Seven miles of trails are available in the south end of the park for snowmobiling.
Swimming Item is accessible.
Swimming: This sandy beach located on Lower Trout Lake was honored in 1986 as Detroit Monthly's "Best of Detroit" award.

Facilities (Display as List)

Beach House Item is accessible.
Beach House: Men’s and women’s changing courts, showers and restrooms are available in the beach house.
Boat Launch Item is accessible.
Boat Launch: Boating access sites are located on East Graham, Lower Trout, Prince, Chamberlain and Shoe lakes. The East Graham Boating Access Site is accessible.
Cabins & Lodges Item is accessible.
Cabins & Lodges: There are two cabins available to rent in the park.
Concession/ Store Item is accessible.
Concession/ Store:

Water Warrior Island sells hot dogs, fries, chicken fingers and more in the day-use area Monday-Thursday 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday-Sunday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Fishing Pier Item is accessible.
Fishing Pier: There is a pier located at the East Graham Lake boating access site in the North Unit and one at the Lower Trout Lake boating access site in the day-use area in the South Unit.
Picnic Area Item is accessible.
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.
Picnic Shelter Item is accessible.
Picnic Shelter: Shelters can be reserved up to one year in advance by calling 1-800-447-2757 or visiting www.midnrreservations.com.
Playground Item is accessible.
Playground: Swings and slides are located in the South Unit in the beach area and the North Trout and Cherry Ridge picnic areas.
Shooting Range Item is accessible.
Shooting Range: Click here for additional information on shooting sports in the park.
Vault Toilet Item is accessible.
Vault Toilet
Water Access Item is accessible.
Water Access: 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.