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Michigan
23

Michigan State Parks

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Michigan
Northeast Region
Ogemaw State Forest
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OGEMAW STATE FOREST
OGEMAW STATE FOREST
Ogemaw State Forest, located in Michigan, is a sprawling natural haven that captivates visitors with its serene beauty and diverse ecosystem. This forest encompasses over 58,000 acres of land, with its landscape characterized by rolling hills, woodlands, wetlands, and pristine lakes. This scenic forest provides opportunities for various recreational activities, including hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, and bird watching. With its rich biodiversity and well-maintained trails, Ogemaw State Forest offers a tranquil retreat, inviting nature enthusiasts to explore its enchanting wilderness, embrace its calming solitude, and immerse themselves in the wonders of Michigan's natural splendor.
History of the Area
Ogemaw State Forest is located in the northern part of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, primarily in Ogemaw County. It spans over 22,000 acres and is managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The history of Ogemaw State Forest can be traced back to the early 20th century when the area was severely impacted by excessive logging.

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Michigan experienced a booming timber industry, with extensive logging taking place throughout the state. Ogemaw County was no exception and saw extensive clear-cutting, leaving behind vast tracts of barren land by the early 1900s. Recognizing the need for reforestation and sustainable management, the state of Michigan began acquiring the devastated lands to establish state forests. Ogemaw State Forest was born out of these efforts.

The state started purchasing the previously logged lands in the 1920s to establish the Ogemaw State Game Refuge. The primary goal was to restore the landscape and wildlife habitat, particularly for deer. Over time, this refuge expanded, and additional lands were acquired, leading to the establishment of Ogemaw State Forest.

Throughout the 20th century, the DNR actively managed the forest for timber production, wildlife conservation, and recreation. Reforestation efforts were undertaken, and stands of hardwood and softwood trees were planted to replace what had been lost due to logging. Sustainable forest management practices, such as selective cutting and controlled burns, were adopted to promote forest regeneration and ecological diversity.

Ogemaw State Forest has become a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering various recreational activities such as hiking, hunting, fishing, birding, and wildlife watching. It is also home to several campgrounds and trails, providing opportunities for visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the forest.

The DNR has continued its commitment to sustainable forest management, ensuring a balance between conservation, recreation, and economic benefits. Ogemaw State Forest stands as a testament to the resilience and recovery of Michigan's forests, serving as a valuable resource for both humans and wildlife.
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.
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Location
Ogemaw State Forest is located near West Branch

Trails
1. Ogemaw Hills Pathway: This is a 13.4-mile loop trail located near West Branch, Michigan that features beautiful wildflowers and wildlife sightings throughout the year. The terrain varies from flat to hilly with some steep climbs.

2. Sterling Truck Trail: A moderately trafficked out-and-back trail of about 10 miles in length which offers scenic views and bird watching opportunities along its course.

3. Rifle River Recreation Area Trails: These trails offer over twenty miles of paths through varied landscapes including forests, open fields, marshlands and alongside riverside areas for hiking enthusiasts at all levels.

4. Hardwood Lake Loop Trail: An easy-to-moderate level hike covering around five miles within the forest area offering stunning lake views as well as dense woodland scenery.

5. Rose City - Lupton Multi-Use Route & MCCCT Motorcycle Connector: It's an approximately thirty mile long multi-use route suitable not only for hiking but also off-road vehicle riding or mountain biking during summer months while snowmobiling during winter season.

6. Ogemaw Nature Park Walking Track: Located adjacent to Irons park this one mile walking track provides great opportunity for leisurely walks amidst nature observing local flora-fauna especially birds species found here abundantly.

7. West Higgins ORV / Hiking Trails System - South Loops (Geels): Covering nearly fifty-five kilometers these south loops provide challenging terrains perfect both experienced hikers seeking adventurous treks across rugged topography filled with sand dunes, swamps etc.

8. Campground Road Bike/Hike Pathway: Starting from Clear Lake State Park till Mackinac Bridge it's almost sixty-two kilometer pathway mostly used by cyclists however equally enjoyable if you prefer long distance hikes exploring various campgrounds en-route.

9. South Dease Lake Non-Motorized Trailhead-North/South Loops: These two separate loops together cover around twenty kilometers offering moderately difficult hiking trails through dense forest areas with occasional lake views and wildlife sightings.

10. Ogemaw Hills Snowmobile Trail: Although primarily used for snowmobiling during winter months, this trail also offers a scenic hike of approximately 70 miles in the summer. The terrain is diverse featuring both flatlands as well as hilly regions.

11. Rifle River Valley Scenic Drive & Hiking Route: This fifty kilometer long drive cum hiking route provides breathtaking panoramic vistas over Rifle river valley especially beautiful during fall season when leaves change colors creating picturesque landscapes.

12. West Branch - Rose City Multi-Use Trails (North/South Loops): These two separate looped trails covering nearly thirty-five kilometers each are multi-use paths suitable not only for leisurely hikes but also horseback riding or mountain biking activities depending upon individual preferences.

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Area Campgrounds
Parkview Acres
2575 East Rose City Road
Rose City, MI
Beaver Trail Campground
4408 Grass Lake Road
West Branch, MI
989-345-7745
Troll Landing Campground
2660 Rifle River Trail
West Branch, MI
989-345-7260
Greenwood Campground
636 West Greenwood Road
Alger, MI
989-345-2778
Outdoor Adventures - Wilderness Resort
3070 Elm Drive
West Branch, MI
989-671-1125

Directions
1. Start by heading onto I:75 N if you are coming from Detroit or any other southern location.
2. Continue on I:75 N for approximately 130 miles until you reach exit 202 toward West Branch/Rose City.
3. Take this exit and merge onto M:33 W/M-55 W towards Rose City/West Branch.
4. Stay on M:55 W for about 7 miles until you reach downtown West Branch.
5. In downtown West Branch, turn left onto S Valley St/County Rd F18 (signs for Fairview).
6. Follow County Rd F18/S Valley St for around half a mile before turning right at the first cross street onto E Houghton Ave/E Main St (also known as Old US Highway 23).
7. Continue straight on E Houghton Ave/Old US Highway 23 and drive northbound out of town.

8. After driving approximately six miles outside of town, look out for signs indicating entrances into the state forest area such as "Ogemaw Hills Pathway" or "State Forest Campground.".
9. Turn left into one of these designated areas based on your desired destination within Ogemaw State Forest.

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Michigan
23

Michigan State Parks

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