Country Forest Area
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Michigan has plenty of forested areas that are worth visiting, including the Country Forest Area.
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Summary
This forested area is located in the northern part of the Lower Peninsula and covers about 27,000 acres of land. There are many reasons to visit the Country Forest Area, including its natural beauty, wildlife, and recreational opportunities.
One of the main attractions of the Country Forest Area is its network of hiking and biking trails. There are more than 80 miles of marked trails that wind through the forest, providing visitors with opportunities to explore the area's diverse plant and animal life. The trails are accessible year-round, making this a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Another popular attraction in the Country Forest Area is the Au Sable River, which runs through the heart of the forest. The river is known for its excellent fishing, particularly for trout and salmon. Visitors can also enjoy kayaking, canoeing, and tubing on the river.
Aside from its recreational opportunities, the Country Forest Area is home to many interesting plant and animal species. Visitors may spot rare birds, such as the Kirtland's warbler, or observe large mammals like black bears, coyotes, and white-tailed deer. The forest is also home to a variety of trees, including oak, maple, birch, and pine.
The best time to visit the Country Forest Area depends on what activities you have in mind. Summer is the peak season for outdoor recreation, while fall offers visitors a chance to see the forest's stunning autumn colors. Winter visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, while spring is the ideal time to observe wildflowers and migratory birds.
Overall, the Country Forest Area is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts in Michigan. Its vast forested areas, natural beauty, and recreational opportunities make it a great place to explore throughout the year.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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