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Black River Harbor is the only Great Lakes harbor located administered by the USDA Forest Service. The harbor has services for day and transient boaters, including several dock-side picnic tables. The scenic hiking trails through an old growth hemlock and hardwood forest and five waterfalls make this one of our favorite scenic stops around Lake Superior. And as we discovered in 2005, the waterfalls can be as spectacular in the fall as they are in late spring. Black River Harbor and Recreation Area is located 15 miles north of Bessemer, Michigan via County 513 - the Black River Scenic Byway. In 1904, this was a wagon road from Bessemer to Lake Superior. In 1924 Gogebic County began construction of the harbor park, later transferred to the USDA Forest Service. The park includes a vending machine kiosk, picnic area, playground, pavillion, campground and a sandy beach. The National Forest Campground has 40 nicely maintained and spaced wooded campsites on a bluff overlooking Lake Superior. While no campsite electric service is available, there is a dump station and fresh water. The bathrooms, while not offering showers, are nicely maintained and have flush toilets, running water, and electric service. Hiking trails lead to the harbor park and to a secluded beach offering lots of picking for rock hounds and a secluded peaceful stroll along the lake for relaxing exercise. ~~~"Click" on smaller images for a larger picture~~~ |
Harbor Park The park has several picnic tables, a pavillion, and a vending machine kiosk on the waterfront. ![]() ![]() The suspension bridge crosses the river to provide access to the beach and the North Country Scenic Trail. ![]() ![]()
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Two shots of Rainbow Falls late May (near right) and early October (far right). > > >
| ![]() Rainbow Falls from the North Country trail (near right) and upper part of Sandstone Falls (far right) ![]() ![]() Potawatomi Falls (near right) and Conglomerate Falls (far right). The trail to Potawatomi Falls is barrier free, providing an opportunity for people with disabilities to see the falls. Large, old growth hemlock, white pine, and climax forest hardwoods add to the area's beauty. (When we visited, the trail to Gorge Falls was closed for repair. Since has been re-opened) ![]() ![]() Black River Harbor Campground |
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The Ottawa National Forest campground is on a bluff overlooking the lake. It has 40 well spaced and nicely maintained campsites, some with Lake Superior Views. No reservations, camp sites are first come first serve. ![]() ![]()
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A map of the harbor camping and recreational facilities. ![]() |
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Camping RV Parks
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