Black Mountain (Michigan) facts for kids

Black Mountain is a big hill in Presque Isle County, Michigan. It's about 11 miles north of Onaway, Michigan. This mountain is a popular spot for fun outdoor activities! It's part of the Black Mountain Forest Recreation Area, which is a state park. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources takes care of it.

How Black Mountain Was Formed

Black Mountain was made by huge sheets of ice called glaciers. This happened during the last big ice age. Woodland Lake, which is nearby, was also formed by these same glaciers.

Long ago, Native Americans lived in this area. Later, around the 1800s, new settlers arrived. Over time, more and more homes and buildings were built around Black Mountain. Sadly, cutting down too many trees has caused some parts of the mountain to wear away, which is called erosion.

Since the 1990s, more land around Black Mountain has been developed. Roads were made longer, and some houses were built at the bottom of the mountain. Eventually, the people who owned the mountain gave the land to the state of Michigan. That's how it became a state park for everyone to enjoy!

Geography and Climate of Black Mountain

Where is Black Mountain Located?

Black Mountain is in northeastern Michigan. It was shaped by glaciers during the last major ice age. The area has hills that go from gently sloped to very steep. There are also deep valleys and high peaks.

The lowest part of the mountain is about 950 feet (290 meters) high. The highest point is over 1,000 feet (305 meters) tall. The hills around Black Mountain can rise from 20 feet (6 meters) to as much as 100 feet (30 meters) on the mountain itself. Woodland Lake is at the base of the western hills and is about 50 feet (15 meters) deep.

What is the Weather Like?

The area around Black Mountain has four different seasons. Winters are cold, and summers are hot. The most snow and rain usually fall in December and January. July and August are the driest months.

Winter usually starts in November and lasts until March. The area gets about 70 to 90 inches (178 to 229 centimeters) of snow each year. In January, daytime temperatures are usually 20 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit (-7 to -1 degrees Celsius). Nighttime temperatures can drop to 5 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit (-15 to -9 degrees Celsius).

In July, the warmest month, daytime temperatures are usually 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (24 to 29 degrees Celsius). Nighttime lows are around 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit (13 to 18 degrees Celsius).

Fun Activities at Black Mountain

Skiing and Hiking Trails

Black Mountain has over 30 miles (48 kilometers) of trails. These trails are great for both hikers and skiers. There are paths for all skill levels, from "Easy" to "Most Difficult." Special paths are made for traditional cross-country skiing and skate-skiing.

As you ski or hike, you might glide under tall pine trees. You can see amazing views of Black Lake. On a clear day, you might even catch a glimpse of Lake Huron! The trails go through different types of forests. This lets you see how a managed forest grows back over time. There are four parking lots to help you access the trails that are best for your adventure.

Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Trails

Black Mountain is also a fantastic place for off-road vehicles. There are three parking lots that lead to about 60 miles (97 kilometers) of ORV trails. There are also 15 miles (24 kilometers) of ORV routes. If you love ATVs or dirt bikes, you'll find plenty to explore!

Besides the winding trails and straight routes, there's a 65-acre (26-hectare) "scramble area." This special area is just for motorcycles and ATVs. (It's not for 4x4 trucks). You can legally get to these trails and the scramble area from the upper level of Black Lake Campground.

Other Mountain Sports

The paths throughout Black Mountain are used for many other fun sports too. While dirt biking is popular, people also enjoy mountain biking and unicycling. In the winter, these same paths become a favorite spot for snowmobilers.