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The Harbor at the Black River Scenic Recreation Area - Michigan Upper Peninsula
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 some fall visits, 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, pavilion, campground and a sandy beach.
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. Seventeen camp sites are no reservation, first come first serve; but 23 of the 40 sites can now be reserved through recreation.gov.
There are 2 "modern" vault toilets at each end of the campground. [During our recent visit we found them clean and free of odors.]
Hiking trails lead to the harbor park and to an extensive sand beach (see picture) offering lots of rock picking for rock hounds and agate seekers, plus swimming and a secluded peaceful stroll along the lake for relaxing exercise.
In 2022, the road through the campground and all of the campsite parking pads were freshly paved.
Hiking Trails & Campground
Click on the map of the harbor camping, hiking trails, and recreational facilities. A quarter mile trail leads from the campground to the harbor park. (Right Picture)
< < < Also a section of the North Country Hiking Trail runs through the park linking all the waterfalls.
Other Nearby Campgrounds
Black River Harbors sand beach is one of our favorite rock picking and agate hunting beaches. See our article on BRH Beach Rock Picking/Agate Collecting.
In the last two miles before the Black River empties into Lake Superior, it drops 200 feet. Along this stretch there are five waterfalls, each of which has a trailhead parking area and a trail leading to the falls.
See the Black River Waterfalls Here.
The North Country Trail runs adjacent to the river and crosses the suspension bridge near the mouth of the river. The trail goes by the eastern side of Rainbow Falls before turning east towards Porcupine Mountains State Park.
< < < see graphic of the North Country Hiking Trail running through the park linking all the waterfalls.
Jo and the Andrews family pause along the trail to Rainbow Falls by a huge old hemlock tree. A beautiful old growth climax forest lines the river's gorge.
Helpful Links
Ottawa National Forest Website - Info on Recreation & Camping
Black River Harbor Waterfall & Hiking Trail Map
Camping and information on Black River Harbor Recreation Area
Scenic Fall Color Drive - Black River Harbor & Little Girls Point
One of our favorite fall color drives runs from just north and west of Hurley from US Highway 2 towards the lake and Saxon Harbor, then crosses into Michigan to Little Girls Point. From Little Girls Point you can return through the wooded hills and hardwood forest away from the lake and eventually connect with the Black River Scenic Byway that will return you to the lake shore. Learn More about the Black River Scenic Byway and our this color tour drive here.
The Original Stormy Kromer Wool Cap in Red & Black
Stormy Kromer and his hat have a long history with Wisconsin (Stormy was born in Kaukauna, Wisconsin) and Yoopers. Originally hand made by Stormy's wife Ida beginning in 1903. Now continuing to be made in the USA in Ironwood, Michigan, this practical winter hat is made in a variety of colors and patterns.
See our article and pictures on taking the Stormy Kromer Factory Tour.
SuperiorTrails.com - Reinhold Development - 2023
Outstanding Fall Color Porcupine Mountains Lake of the Clouds scenic overlook.
Best Upper Peninsula Campgrounds
Lake Superior Camping
& Campground Directory
Best Camping along Lake Superior.
Tahquamenon Falls State Park and Waterfalls.
Copper Harbor and Brockaway Mountain
Hiking Michigan's Upper Peninsula
See Eric Hansen's guide to hiking the Upper Peninsula and other guides for best hiking in the Upper Peninsula [More info]
Michigan Upper Peninsula Waterfalls
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