HomeMichiganGrand Traverse County

Cedar Hedge Lake

Grand Traverse County, Michigan Lake Connected Water
66 ft deep1 launchRec Passport requiredIce fishing
Cedar Hedge Lake Access Map 1 launch
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Beaches & Public Access 2
Interlochen State Park
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Emerald Beach
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Campgrounds 7
Lake Dubonnet State Forest Campground
4.4★ (159)
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Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp
4.5★ (26)
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Interlochen State Park
4.6★ (1588)
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Green Lake Campground
2.6★ (5)
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Mr Joe’s Campground (a HIPCAMP site)
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Grass Lake Campground
4.8★ (4)
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Camp Dubonett
4.9★ (20)
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Marinas 5
Cedar Hedge Lake Boat Launch
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American Boat Rentals ☎ +1 231-645-1191
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Interlochen Storage Business - Interlochen Boat Shop ☎ +1 231-275-7112
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Up North Boat Rentals ☎ +1 231-590-3201
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Boat Launches on Cedar Hedge Lake
Cedar Hedge Lake Boat Launch
Interlochen State Park · Unimproved ramp, 1 lane, 7 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Rec Passport
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Connected Waterways

Cedar Hedge Lake is part of the Betsie River system, with its outflow feeding into the Green Lake Inlet, which connects to the Betsie River. The Betsie flows west through Benzie County to Lake Michigan at Frankfort, making Cedar Hedge part of a significant Lake Michigan tributary watershed.

Winter & Ice Safety

Cedar Hedge Lake's shallower areas should freeze reliably in a typical northern Michigan winter, though the 66-foot deep spots will be the last to set up solid ice. Always check thickness, especially over deeper water. Panfish would be the main ice fishing target here.

Frequently Asked Questions
How deep is Cedar Hedge Lake?
Cedar Hedge Lake has a maximum depth of 66 feet, which is deeper than you'd expect for a lake this quiet and off-the-beaten-path. The bottom profile varies significantly — some areas are very shallow while others drop off to that 66-foot max.
What fish are in Cedar Hedge Lake?
Largemouth bass and panfish (bluegill and other sunfish) are the main catches. Reviewers report good numbers of panfish and decent bass, though not many large fish. The mix of deep and shallow water creates varied habitat.
Is there a boat launch on Cedar Hedge Lake?
Yes, there's one launch — Cedar Hedge Lake Boat Launch. It's accessed via a dirt road to a small parking lot. It's suitable for small to medium boats and pontoons. Don't expect a paved ramp or heavy infrastructure.
Where is Cedar Hedge Lake?
Cedar Hedge Lake is in Green Lake Township, Grand Traverse County, in the northwestern Lower Peninsula. It's near Interlochen and part of the Betsie River watershed. The access road is dirt, so it feels more remote than its location might suggest.
Can you swim in Cedar Hedge Lake?
There's no designated swimming beach on Cedar Hedge Lake itself, but nearby Interlochen State Park has a beach, and Taylor Park and Emerald Beach are also in the area. The lake's shallow edges are inviting, but there are no lifeguards or facilities.
Are there campgrounds near Cedar Hedge Lake?
Several good options nearby: Interlochen State Park is the most developed, with full amenities. Lake Dubonnet State Forest Campground and Trail Camp are more rustic. Green Lake Campground and Turtle Lake Campground are also within easy reach.
Can you ice fish on Cedar Hedge Lake?
The lake's mix of depths and panfish population make it a reasonable ice fishing option. At 66 feet max depth, portions of the lake should freeze reliably, though you'd want to check ice thickness carefully over the deeper holes. Panfish would be the primary winter target.
Can you use a pontoon on Cedar Hedge Lake?
Yes — reviewers specifically mention it as a nice, easy lake for a pontoon. The launch accommodates small to medium boats. The lake is quiet with minimal boat traffic, which makes for relaxed cruising.
Scout's Notes
Lake Vibe & Fishing Intel

Cedar Hedge Lake sits in Green Lake Township in Grand Traverse County — a quiet, relatively remote lake that's part of the Betsie River system. At 66 feet deep, it has a surprising depth profile with a mix of deep holes and very shallow areas, which creates varied habitat. Access is via a dirt road to a small parking lot, so don't expect a polished launch — this is a small-boat and pontoon kind of lake. The 4.6-star rating from visitors reflects the trade-off: you give up convenience and get solitude.

Fishing runs to largemouth bass and panfish — bluegill and other sunfish seem to be the reliable catch, with bass present but not trophy-sized based on local reports. The lake's depth suggests some thermal layering in summer, which could hold cooler-water species deeper, though walleye and trout aren't mentioned. Wildlife viewing is a draw here — turtles, snakes, snails, and various fish are visible in the shallows. Interlochen State Park and several state forest campgrounds are nearby, making Cedar Hedge a solid side trip if you're camping in the area.

Sources: Wikipedia, Google Reviews, DNR data, campground & beach reviews, ShorelineScout enrichment