Black Bear Lodge: Fish, Hike, and Relax in Michigan's Summer Paradise

BLACK BEAR LODGE ON THE AU SABLE RIVER
Sleeps: 4
Bedrooms: 1* (bunk bed in hall)
Bathrooms: 1
*Riverfront (Au Sable River is difficult to access)
*Patio furniture and grill are placed out by May 1st and is removed shortly after Labor Day. Both dates are weather dependent.

Escape to Black Bear Lodge, a charming one-level cabin on the Au Sable River that sleeps up to four guests. The cabin features a master bedroom with a queen bed, a hallway bunk area with twin beds, a full bathroom with shower, and a smart TV with streaming. Enjoy the riverfront setting, fishing right from the property, or bring your own kayak or rowboat. The space is ideal for ATV or snowmobile access, with trails just half a mile away, and offers plenty of parking for vehicles and trailers. Outdoor amenities include a fire pit, while inside you'll find air conditioning, ceiling fans, Wi-Fi, and all basic linens and towels provided. Perfect for those seeking privacy, a peaceful natural setting, and easy access to hiking, biking, and outdoor adventures.

Frequently Asked Questions:

A/C: There is a window unit only. Ceiling fans and box fans are also available to help keep it cool.

Animals: Coyotes, partridge, squirrels, rabbits, & standard bugs

ATV/Snowmobiles: Bring them and ride right from the property! Trail 679 and Trail 7 are just 0.5 miles east of the cabin!

Bathroom: The main bathroom has a toilet, sink, and shower (no tub)

Beach/Swimming: The river is not ideal for swimming. It is shallow and best for just wading and fishing. Otsego State Park, located 11.3 miles away (13 minutes) has a beach for swimmers.

Bedroom Configurations:
Bedroom 1: (Master) Queen bed
Bedroom 2: (in the hallway) Twin bunk beds

Boats: You are welcome to bring your own row boat or kayak.

Bugs: Yes, there are plenty of bugs in the wilderness. If doors are left open at the cabin, even for short periods of time, then bugs/flies/mosquitos love to sneak in. We do not spray outside for bugs, as with the natural landscape, along comes bugs. Depending on the level of rainfall, mosquitos can be plentiful. Bug spray is highly recommended.

Cable/Satellite TVs: No traditional cable TV. However, there is a smart TV with streaming.

Cell phone service: Generally good, however, it can get spotty.

Skiing:
*Forbush Cross-Country Skiing- 3 Miles/5 Minutes:
*Hanson Hill Recreational Park- 22 minutes away
*Weary Legs (trail length 7.5 mi), Hiking, Mountain Biking, Cross Country Ski
*Deer Run Trail (trail length 5 mi), Hiking, Mountain Biking, Cross Country Ski
*Au Sable River Trail (trail length 3 mi), Hiking, Cross Country Ski

Dock: No dock

Fire Pit: Yes! Enjoy some stories and s'mores! (During the winter time, it might be covered in snow and not accessible)

Fishing: Great fishing on the Au Sable River! Just walk out the back door and start fishing! On the part of the Au Sable where the cabin is located, the trout fishing season opens the last Saturday in April. Experienced trout fishermen do well. Bring your poles!

Fishing License: You can purchase your fishing license on the Michigan DNR website

Grill: There is a charcoal grill provided. Please bring your own charcoal and lighter fluid. (Not available in Winter)

Handicap Accessible: Space may be too tight for a wheelchair, however, it is a great space for those that have limited mobility as it is a one level property. You must be able to navigate rough terrain to walk down to the water.

Hunting: No Hunting on the property please

Grocery Store: Beacon &Bridge Market: Frederic, MI

Internet: Yes! Spectrum internet.

Linens: Yes, we provide you with basic bedding, sheets and linens. Just like a hotel, the beds will be made for you before you arrive. If you are particular about the thread count of your sheets, let us know and we will make sure we leave a bed open for your sheets.

Parking: Plenty of parking for vehicles and ATV/Snowmobile trailers.

Pets: There are no pets allowed. Please enjoy this pet free space.

Privacy: During the summer with the foliage, fewer cottages are seen.

Smoking: Absolutely no smoking allowed

Snowmobiles: a person (resident and nonresident) that operates a snowmobile in Michigan is required to purchase a snowmobile trail permit. The trail permit enables snowmobilers to ride state-designated trails and thousands more miles of public roads and on public lands (where authorized). It is valid for one year, which begins Oct. 1 and ends Sept. 30 of the following year. State-designated trails are open Dec. 1-March 31 and grooming occurs when there is enough snow on the ground.
* Otsego County Snowmobile Trails
Distance: About 5-10 miles (direct access to local trails).
* Vanderbilt Snowmobile Trails
Distance: Approximately 10-15 miles (short drive).
* Gaylord Snowmobile Trails
Distance: Around 15-20 miles (accessible with a short drive).

TV- No traditional cable TV. However, there is a smart TV with streaming.

Space: 1 level/1 bedroom home.

Towels: Yes, we provide towels. Please bring your own beach towels to take to the water.

Washer and dryer: There is no washer and dryer in the cabin. The closest laundry-mat is in Grayling, MI

Winter Activities:
*Snowmobiling
Distance: About 5-10 miles (Otsego County snowmobile trails).
*Cross-Country Skiing
Distance: 10-15 miles (local trails in Pine Baron Pathway or Gaylord State Forest).
*Ice Fishing
Distance: 10-15 miles (local lakes like Big Bear Lake or Lake Otsego).
*Downhill Skiing
Distance: 20-25 miles to Treetops Resort or Boyne Mountain Resort.
*Winter Hiking/Snowshoeing
Distance: 10-15 miles (local trails in Gaylord State Forest).

Wood: All over the property you will find wood for burning. If you want more, the local grocery store sells bundles.