Bald Mountain Recreation Area Loop

Oakland charter Township, Michigan

4.5/5
based on 2 reviews

Details

Distance

7.14 miles

Elevation Gain

571 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Travis Smith

Bald Mountain Recreation Area consists of 4,692 acres of some of the steepest hills and most rugged terrain in Southeast Michigan - including 15 miles of marked trails, 17 lakes, and 2 trout streams. Bald Mountain Recreation Area is broken into 3 main units. The most scenic, rugged unit is the north unit.

The main trailhead parking for the north unit is found on the west side of Harmon Rd, just south of Predmore Rd. The north unit consists of a west loop of this parking area (Blue and White trails) and an east loop (Orange trail). While both loops are rugged and scenic, the best loop is following the 3.6 mile Orange trail.

Hiking, biking, and skiing all share the same trail system. Here is what I recommend no matter which of the three you are doing. At the parking lot, you will see trailpost #1 with a map of the area. From #1, head north to post #6 and then east across Harmon Rd to post #7. At post #7, you are now at the beginning of the Orange Loop. Continue clockwise onto #8-15 and then returning back to #7, 6, and 1. Along the way, the well marked trail will take you through rugged terrain, scenic lookouts, a bridge over a trout stream, several secluded glacial lakes, hardwood and pine forests, and another beautiful bridge over a stream that connects Dorn Lake and East Graham Lake.  All together, this is a beautiful 4 mile trail that is fairly easy to hike but more intermediate for biking and cross country skiing.

If you want even more miles, pick up the Blue and White trails from the main trail head where you parked. This will be another 4 mile loop. This loop is more forested with less lakes - but still a very nice trail with plenty of rolling hills. Want even more miles? Bald Mountain's northeast corner connects to Addison Oak's trail system. Bikers often loop them both in one ride.

Now you know how you can enjoy Bald Mountain all four seasons. Enjoy! 

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Features

Photography
Mountain Biking
Skiing
Hiking
Bathrooms
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Food Nearby
Forest
Lake
Romantic
Scenic
Wildflowers
Wildlife

Bald Mountain Recreation Area Loop Reviews

very scenic and a nice hike when you don't have a ton of time

I have hiked all of these trails and enjoy them very much. Sometimes I am all by myself and others I have lots of company on the trail. It never feels crowded though. Great for a beginner because they are short, yet challenging enough to allow you to break a sweat if you want to work. I prefer the white and blue trails though maybe not as picturesque as the orange, the topography is a slight hit more challenging. If hiking in the fall or winter watch for covered rocks on trail. I have turned my ankle more than once. Happy trails!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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