Marl Lake

Marl Lake
Location	Roscommon County, Michigan
Coordinates	44°25′21.06″N 84°40′12.62″W / 44.4225167°N 84.6701722°W / 44.4225167; -84.6701722
Type	Fresh water
Primary inflows	Cut River from Higgins Lake
Primary outflows	Cut River to Houghton Lake
Basin countries	United States
Surface area	237 acres (95.9 ha)[1]
Max. depth	around 4 feet (1.2 m)[1]
Shore length1	2.43 miles (3.91 km)
Surface elevation	1,152 feet (351 m)[2]
Islands	none
Settlements	Markey Township Gerrish Township
1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure.

Marl Lake is a freshwater lake located in Markey and Gerrish Township, Roscommon County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The lake in its entirety is located within South Higgins Lake State Park. Covering a surface area of 237 acres (95.9 ha), Marl Lake is a significantly smaller and less-used lake compared to the nearby Higgins Lake. The two are connected by a small stream called the Cut River. Upon exiting Marl Lake, the Cut River continues to flow into Houghton Lake.

The lake can be reached through a state park access point along East Higgins Lake Road (County Road 100). The lake has a small public boat launch, but the use of electric or gas motors is restricted in favor of smaller vessels, as the lake itself is no more than 4 feet (1.2 m) deep.^[1] The waters may be difficult to fish due to its grassy nature and very loose marl bottom, but common fish within the lake include smallmouth bass, rock bass, sunfish, and several other small varieties. Other activities include hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing along the 5.5 miles (8.9 km) of trails cutting along and through the forest around Marl Lake.^[3] Kayaking, bird watching, photography, shore fishing, and picnicking are also popular activities.

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