Black River Water Falls
Black River
Harbor Scenic Parkway & Campground
Black River Harbor - Michigan Upper Peninsula
Black River Harbor is the only Great Lakes harbor located administered by the USDA Forest Service. The harbor has full array of 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 store, 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.
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| ~~~"Click" on smaller images for a larger picture~~~ |
Harbor Park
The park has several picnic tables, a pavillion, and a store-visitor center at the waterfront. >>> |
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The suspension bridge crosses the river to provide access to the beach and the North Country Scenic Trail. |
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WaterFalls
Two shots of Rainbow Falls late May 2005 (near right) and early October 2005 (far right). > > > |
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Rainbow Falls from the North Country trail (near right) and upper part of Sandstone Falls (far right). > > >
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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 in May 2005, the trail to Gorge Falls was closed for repair) |
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| > > > See More Black River Waterfall pictures here |
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| 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. Reservations are available by calling 906-932-7250.
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A quarter mile trail leads from the campground to the harbor park.
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A map of the harbor camping and recreational facilities. > > > |
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|  Ottawa National Forest Camping Information
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| Color Tour Photos & Info - Black River Harbor, Waterfalls, & Camping |
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More Porkies - Waterfalls, Presque Isle River & Lake of the Clouds Scenic Area |
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Michigan UP Copper Harbor & Keweenaw Peninsula |
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Going east towards Munising and Pictured Rocks . . . More waterfalls and hiking pages from the Keweenaw Peninsula through Tahquemenon Falls to Sault Ste. Marie.
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Fall Color Tour Map
