Park entrance: 3361 S. Lapeer Road Orion Charter Township, MI 48360. Park headquarters: 1330 E. Greenshield Road, Lake Orion, MI 48360.
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.
Boating access sites are located on East Graham, Lower Trout, Prince, Chamberlain and Shoe lakes. The East Graham Boating Access Site is accessible.
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.
There is a picnic shelter located in the day-use area that includes picnic tables, charcoal grills, a water source, electrical service (reservations only) and vault toilets. Shelter reservations can be made 12 months in advance at MiDNRReservations.com.
The Bald Mountain Shooting Range includes archery, clay target, rifle and pistol shooting opportunities. There are member/nonmember user fees in addition to the Recreation Passport.
The park's track chair expands access beyond traditional wheelchairs. The chair is available for visitors to borrow at no cost.
Men's and women's changing courts, showers and restrooms are available in the beach house.
Due to construction delays beyond the control of Water Warrior Island and the DNR, the water park and food concessions will not open for the 2025 season.
Water Warrior Island sells hot dogs, fries, chicken fingers and more in the day-use area Monday-Thursday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday-Sunday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Enjoy 8 miles of groomed trails in the North Unit Trails.
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.
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.
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.
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 is allowed in certain park areas. Please consult the park map for designated locations and review applicable regulations. Only registered campers can metal detect in campgrounds.
Seasonal naturalists offer nature-based programming at the park during the summer and/or fall. Check the park's explorer program calendar for dates, locations and topics.
The North Unit lakes are small and not conducive to major powerboating, making them popular among canoers and kayakers.
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.
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.
Swings and slides are located in the South Unit in the beach area and the North Trout and Cherry Ridge picnic areas.
The flying field is located off Scripps Road. Visit Skymasters.org for information about the Skymasters R/C model airplane club.
Seven miles of trails are available in the south end of the park for snowmobiling.
A buoyed swim area is in the park’s day-use area.
The park features a few inland lakes, including Lower Trout, West and East Graham and Prince lakes.
Arrowroot Rustic Cabin (sleeps 20) - Parking for 12 vehicles is available approximately 300 feet from the cabin.
Morel Rustic Cabin (sleeps 20) - Parking for 12 vehicles is available approximately 600 feet from the cabin.
Escape to these rustic, electricity-free cabins with stunning lake views. Inside, find comfortable accommodations for large groups: six triple bunk beds and two single beds. The cabin is equipped with a countertop, cabinets, a table and chairs for dining and a propane cooking stove. Screened windows provide fresh air, and a woodstove (with provided wood) ensures warmth during colder months. Outside, enjoy a hand-pump for water, a vault toilet, two picnic tables, a grill and a fire ring.
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While there aren't any upcoming park events listed at this time, you can check out the DNR's calendar of events.
The park also offers weekly nature programs not listed in the online calendar.
