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Iron Belle Trail The Iron Belle Trail is an ongoing and exciting new development in the area and across the state. It is a set of two trails that are planned to run throughout the state of Michigan from Ironwood to Belle Isle Park in Detroit. It is considered to be the longest designated state trail system in the nation. One trail is for hiking and the other for biking and other non-motorized use. The two scenic trails wind along the
beautiful Northwoods landscape along rivers and other natural landmarks. Locally, the Western Gateway Trail Authority has been instrumental in building a paved trail from Ironwood to Bessemer, along a former railroad grade. The pave trail crosses many bridges and reaches into Hurley on the western end. Plans are being made to extend this trail from Bessemer to Ramsay, and then again to Wakefield.
The North Country Trail along the Black River in northern Gogebic County and over to the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park has been designated as part of the Iron Belle hiking trail. It is anticipated that the expansion will continue in years to come with a potential for connection with the Northern Highlands Regional Non-motorized Trail which begins in Mercer, Wis.
Camping The Ottawa National Forest has 22 campgrounds encapsulating a wide range of camping experiences. Each campsite is accessible by road and service tent and camper bush living. A nightly fee is charged at most campsites, ranging from $12-16. Several campsites do provide free camping. Most campgrounds are opened by the Friday before Memorial Day and most close after Labor Day, although a handful remain open into the fall leaf season. Most campsites are located on streams or lakes and offer fishing opportunities. Additionally most managed campgrounds also include picnic tables, tent pads, fire grates, and toilet facilities. Some of the locations have drinking water available and can accommodate camping units from 45-60 feet in length. Camping in the Ottawa is on a first-come first-served basis with few exceptions. The most developed campsites in the Ottawa are located at Clark Lake and Black River Harbor areas with paved access, pressurized water systems, flush toilets and a trailer dump station. Camping in a developed campsite is not allowed to exceed 14 days without moving to another campground or disPage 28 – Summer Fun & Dining Guide
persed site for 24 hours or more. Dispersed campsites will allow camping for 16 days at the same location. After 16 days the camper is required to pack up and relocate to another site at least five miles away. Forty percent of the land within the Ottawa is privately owned. Three specific areas of the Ottawa are made available for those looking for more solitude, quiet and time to think. —The Sylvania Wilderness Area, which is 18,327 acres of wilderness located on the Watersmeet Ranger District only accommodates foot and canoe travel. Camping is available by permit only. —The McCormick Wilderness Area is 16,850 acres of wilderness in the Kenton Ranger District, ranging from rocky cliffs to outcrops. Access to the McCormick is primarily by foot. There are canoe opportunities for those portaging. —The Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness is 14,139 acres of wilderness in the Kenton Ranger District with deep gorges. Accessible by foot on old logging roads or cross country. Ottawa National Forest information is available at fs.usda.gov/ottawa or 906-932-1330.