1 Bedrooms,
1 Bathrooms,
Sleeps 4
Cabin
(700 sq. ft.)
in Frederic, MI
7.9 miles from Lake Margrethe
BLACK BEAR LODGE ON THE AU SABLE RIVER
BLACK BEAR LODGE ON THE AU SABLE RIVER
SLEEPS: 4
BEDROOMS: 1 (queen bed in master & bunk bed in hall)
BATHROOMS: 1 (full bath with shower only-no tub)
*RIVERFRONT (Au Sable River is difficult to access)
*TV with CABLE ONLY, NO WIFI
Just 100 feet off County Road 612, in Frederic Michigan (Crawford County), you'll find this small, charming, classic cabin alongside a beautiful section of the headwater on the Au Sable River. This cabin offers fishermen, hunters, hikers, golfers, ATV lovers, snowmobilers, and small families, a clean, comfortable, affordable place to stay with outdoor activities right outside your door! The view of the Au Sable from this cabin is often wide in the winter and narrow in the summer due to the leaves on the many, beautiful trees surrounding the cottage. Although the cabin rests alongside the Au Sable River, it is not easy to enter the river here. The entry to the river is in it's natural setting and not maintained as an entry point.
One of the great aspects of Black Bear lodge is it's location offers privacy! You can see cars driving down County Road 612 from time to time, and there is another home visible from the cabin, yet you will still enjoy plenty of space with no neighbors right beside you. (Drivers often tend to drive a bit fast on County Road 612, so please beware!) Black Bear Lodge is also only a few minutes from Grayling or Gaylord, Michigan, so it's the perfect place to spend a week or a weekend and have plenty nearby places to explore.
Black Bear Lodge offers a full kitchen where you can cook a great meal, and also a charcoal grill if you prefer to have a BBQ. The full bathroom (with shower only-no bathtub) ensures a hot shower after a day on the river or hiking in the woods. There is a queen bed in the main bedroom, built in bunks in the hall that kids adore (the 2nd sleeping area), and a futon is available in the living room for extra sleeping space.. Enjoy sitting on the patio with your cup of joe while you catch glimpses of the river down the hill, and at night, gaze upon the stars at the fire pit area, or just relax inside and catch your favorite shows on cable on the large, flat screen TV.
Enjoy the river right outside your door! Walk out to the river to cast your rod, or set your canoe or kayak on the headwaters of the Au Sable (also known as the Blue Ribbon trout stream). Please be careful walking down to the river, the first part is steep. The public access to the river is across the bridge (see map) for easier and safer entry.. If you love to explore, try your luck at the 'Holy Waters' in Grayling, or at the Manistee River just 4 miles down the road from the cabin. If golf is your activity, the cabin is only minutes from the award winning golf courses in Grayling, Gaylord and Shanty Creek.
In the wintertime, snowmobilers will enjoy the miles of state trails nearby. The closest trails are Trail 679 and Trail 7, located just 0.5 miles east of the cabin (See map photo). Not only are Snowmobiling/ATV Trails nearby, but also the legendary “Swamp III & Frederic Inn” is located just down the road (walking distance). If you enjoy downhill or cross country skiing, check out nearby Hanson Hills (Grayling), Treetops (Gaylord), Shanty Creek and Boyne. If the family wants to go tubing, Hanson Hills offers both day and night service.
With “one of the best” state parks only 9 miles away, Hartwick Pines State Park offers scheduled events and activities year round. Enjoy the museum, gift shop, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, snow shoeing, hiking, picnicking, bird watching, hunting, and fishing during the day, and return to your comfortable cabin in the woods to relax in the evening.
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:
Master bedroom: Queen bed
2nd Bedroom: (in the hallway) twin bunk beds
Additional sleeping: Futon in the living room
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: Yes! There is cable TV only. NO WIFI
Cell phone service: Generally good, however, it can get spotty.
Distances:
*Hartwick Pines- 9 miles/10 minutes
*Otsego State Park (swimming beach)- 11.3 miles/13 minutes
*Bear Lake (Kalkaska County): 15 miles/21 minutes
*Hanson Hill Recreational Park (ski) – 22 minutes/15.9 miles
*Marsh Ridge (golf) – Gaylord
Golf Courses (all within 30 minutes):
*Marsh Ridge- Gaylord
*The Loon Golf Club- Gaylord
*The Otsego Club/The Tribute- Gaylord
*Treetops Resort Premier Golf Course- Gaylord
*Michaywe- Gaylord
*Forest Dunes- Roscommon
Skiing:
*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: 6544 N Old 27, Frederic, MI 49733 989-348-8146
Internet: Technically, there is WIFI at the cabin, yet it is temperamental, so we do not consider it one of the amenities. It is a bonus if you are able to connect consistently. We are unable to receive a consistent, strong signal at this point. We are working on improving the system.
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.
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
Wood: All over the property you will find wood for burning. If you would like more, the local grocer also sells bundles.