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Michigan
23

Michigan State Parks

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USA Parks
Michigan
Northeast Region
Higgins Lake State Forest
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HIGGINS LAKE STATE FOREST
HIGGINS LAKE STATE FOREST
Higgins Lake State Forest, located in Roscommon County, Michigan, is a breathtaking natural reserve characterized by its pristine beauty and tranquil atmosphere. Encompassing nearly 9,000 acres, this forest is adorned with towering stands of majestic hardwoods, lush green meadows, and winding streams that harmoniously intertwine with the sparkling waters of Higgins Lake, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. With its extensive trail system, visitors can indulge in a plethora of recreational activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, and hunting. The forest also offers camping facilities, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the serene wilderness, creating unforgettable memories amidst the picturesque landscape.
History of the Area
Higgins Lake State Forest in Michigan is situated in Roscommon and Crawford counties. The history of the state forest dates back to the early 20th century.

In the early 1900s, the land that now makes up Higgins Lake State Forest was heavily logged by the Higgins Lake Lumber Company. This logging operation aimed to extract valuable timber from the area, including white and red pine trees.

After the logging interests depleted the forest, much of the land was left barren and prone to erosion. Recognizing the importance of reforestation, the state of Michigan, in cooperation with the federal government, embarked on an extensive reforestation project.

The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a work relief program established during the Great Depression, played a crucial role in the reforestation efforts. CCC workers planted thousands of trees and implemented soil erosion control measures to rehabilitate the degraded land.

In 1935, the state of Michigan officially designated the area surrounding Higgins Lake as a state forest. The state forest comprises various sections, including North Higgins Lake State Forest Management Unit, South Higgins Lake State Forest Management Unit, and Denton Creek State Forest Management Unit.

The state has actively managed the Higgins Lake State Forest to promote sustainable forestry practices and maintain its ecological health. The forest serves multiple purposes, including providing recreational opportunities such as hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting.

Higgins Lake State Forest remains a valuable natural resource in Michigan, contributing to the state's forestry industry and offering a scenic outdoor destination for residents and visitors alike.
Passes
The Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. Details and information on how to obtain your Michigan Recreation Passport can be found by visiting the MICHIGAN RECREATION PASSPORT web page.
Camping
1. South Higgins Lake State Park: This park offers over 400 modern campsites with electrical service, picnic tables and fire rings. The campground also features a mini-cabin for rent.

2. North Higgins Lake State Park: It has two campgrounds offering more than 170 sites that are shaded under mature oak trees or in an open grassy area.

3. Marl Lake Campground: Located within the state forest, this rustic campground is near to both Marl lake and south higgins lake which provides opportunities for fishing & boating activities as well as hiking trails nearby.

4. Beaver Creek Resort: Although not directly located inside the forest but it's very close by providing cabins rentals along with RV camping options.

5. Cut River Camprgound: A small primitive style camprgound nestled on Cut river road just off of M:18 highway.

6. Hilltop Campground: Another smaller option situated at higher elevation overlooking beautiful views of surrounding areas.
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Trails
1. Marl Lake Trail: This 5-mile loop trail is a popular choice for hikers of all skill levels, offering scenic views of the lake and surrounding forest.

2. Cut River Trails: These trails span over 7 miles in total length with varying degrees of difficulty, passing through dense woods and along the beautiful Cut River.

3. Higgins Lake Nature Study Area Trail: A short but informative hike that spans about one mile round trip; this self-guided nature study area offers interpretive signs detailing local flora and fauna throughout its course.

4. Beaver Creek Loop Trail: An easy to moderate level hiking path spanning approximately three miles around Beaver Creek Pond within the state park boundaries - perfect for bird watching or spotting other wildlife species native to Michigan forests.

5. South Higgins State Park Hiking Trails System: Comprising several interconnected loops totaling nearly eight miles in distance - these well-marked paths traverse diverse landscapes including wetlands, hardwoods stands as well as pine plantations providing ample opportunities for observing different habitats at close quarters.

6. North Higgins State Park Ski/Hike/Bike Pathway: With four distinct loops ranging from two-and-a-half up-to five-miles long each-this multi-use pathway caters not only to hikers but also cross-country skiers during winter months besides mountain bikers year-round making it an outdoor recreation hub regardless seasonality factors involved hereafter.

7. Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Museum Walking Paths: Located adjacent museum premises itself, these relatively shorter yet historically significant walking routes allow visitors explore remnants former CCC camp structures while learning more about their role shaping present-day landscape features seen across entire region today.

8. Island Lake Shooting Range Footpath Network: Although primarily designed serve needs target shooting enthusiasts visiting onsite facilities available herein ; nevertheless multiple footpaths crisscrossing wooded areas nearby offer additional recreational options those seeking quieter pursuits amidst natural surroundings instead too thereby enhancing overall visitor experience further still.

9. Cross Country Ski Headquarters Trails: These trails, which are groomed for cross-country skiing in the winter months, offer a variety of hiking options during warmer weather with lengths ranging from 1 to over 10 miles.

10. North Higgins Lake State Park Nature Trail: A short but beautiful trail that takes hikers through lush forests and along sandy beaches on the shores of Higgins Lake - perfect for families or those looking for an easy stroll.

11. Marl Wetlands Interpretive Pathway: This half-mile long boardwalk pathway meanders its way across marshy wetland areas offering unique insights into this fragile ecosystem's diverse plant as well animal life forms inhabiting therein thus making it must-visit destination all nature lovers alike.


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Area Campgrounds
River Park Campground
2607 Peters Pond
Grayling, MI
989-348-9092
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park
370 West Four Mile Road
Grayling, MI
989-348-2157
Higgins Lake Family Campground
2380 West Burdell
Roscommon, MI
989-821-6891
Higgins Lake KOA
3800 West Federal Highway
Roscommon, MI
989-275-8151

Directions
From Detroit:
1. Start by getting on I:75 North.
2. Continue driving for approximately 140 miles until you reach Exit 244 toward Mio/Houghton Lake.
3. Take exit 244 and merge onto MI:55 West towards Houghton Lake/Merritt Township.
4. Drive for about 8 miles and then turn left onto N Higgins Lake Road/County Rd F97 (signs for South Higgins).
5. Follow this road for around 7 miles until you arrive at the entrance of Higgins Lake State Forest.

From Grand Rapids:
1. Start your journey by taking US:131 North out of Grand Rapids.
2. Continue driving northbound on US:131 for roughly 90 miles to Cadillac where it merges with M115 East.
3. Follow M115 East through Marion, McBain, and Merritt before reaching Prudenville near Houghton lake.
4. Turn right onto W Nestel Road after passing a McDonald's restaurant.
5. After traveling about half a mile take another right turn into E Robinson Bayou Dr which will lead directly to the park.

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Michigan
23

Michigan State Parks

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