Old Baldy - FS 4979

Trail Overview

Federal Forest Service Road (FS) 4979, also known as Old Baldy Road, is a federally owned/locally maintained, Level-2/Level-3 forest road with a surface composed of dirt, sand, gravel, and native material. This route is currently open and in fair condition; it is not a DNR road (ORV use is subject to local government regulations). It traverses through the Huron National Forest, and connects Mack Lake Trail to multiple H57 (MAT) intersections, FS 4579, FS 4319, FS 4077, FS 4069, and FS 4147- Deckerville Road

Photos of Old Baldy - FS 4979

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Difficulty

Dirt, sand, gravel path, typically unmaintained after rain or snow that may give rise to shallow water crossings and obstacles under 12" on the trail, including small ledges.

History

The area surrounding Old Baldy Road in South Branch, Michigan (Ogemaw County), is deeply rooted in the late 19th-century lumbering boom, with the nearby village of South Branch, Michigan. A historic logging community established around 1887-1888. Originally known as "Hunt" (post office 1889) or "Thompson's Station," it was platted in 1888 as South Branch. The area grew from lumbering, notably with Charles Goodar's 1878 camp, where Charles Taber served as an assistant.

Technical Rating

Old Baldy - FS 4979 can be accessed by the following ride types:

• High-Clearance 4x4
• SUV
• SxS (60")
• ATV (50")
• Dirt Bike