When you are ready to add an element of adventure to your vacation, you should check out Off-Road Vehicle Trails (ORV Trails) in Michigan. These trails allow visitors and locals to take their dirt bikes, four-wheelers, side-by-sides, and off-road vehicles out for the thrill of a lifetime.
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Fill up your gas tank and check your tire pressure. It’s time to discover a few of the most popular ORV trails and Scramble Areas, thanks to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Keep reading for trail info, permitting, regulations, safety information, and more.
ORV Trails vs. Routes
Our beautiful state features over 4,000 miles of state-designated ORV trails, scramble areas, county and state forest roads, national forest roads, and frozen surfaces of public waters. With so many miles of trails, it is no wonder that Michigan is a top destination for ORV riders. There are trails for every skill level.
What is a “Designated ORV Route”? These routes are any roads the DNR has properly signed for ORV use.
What is a “Designated ORV Trail”?These are paths capable of travel by two- and four-wheel vehicles that are 50 inches wide or less and properly signed by the DNR for ORV use.
Please note there are three types of state-designated ORV routes/trails:
- Motorcycle-only trails, maintained at a 24″ width
- ORV trails, maintained at a 50″ width
- ORV routes, maintained at a 72″ width
Scramble Areas
Are you familiar with a Scramble Area? These are maintained areas featuring various terrains, including mud pits and rocky climbs. They offer a location where ORV enthusiasts can challenge their skills, meet other drivers & riders, and have a blast. Each of Michigan’s public Scramble Areas offers unique and exciting ORV riding opportunities for riders of all abilities and experience levels.
Here are the top Scramble Areas in the state:
Silver Lake State Park – Mears, MI
Holly Oaks ORV Park – Holly, MI
The Mounds ORV Park – Mt Morris, MI
St. Helen Motorsports Area – St. Helen, MI
Bull Gap ORV Hill Climb – Oscoda County, MI
Black Mountain Recreation Area – Mackinaw State Forest
ORV Trails & Routes
Tin Cup Spring ORV Trail – Pere Marquette State Forest (Moderate, 18.7 miles)
Keweenaw Point to Schlatter Lake and High Rocks Bay – Cooper Harbor, MI (Moderate, 17.1 miles)
Little Manistee ORV Trail – Pere Marquette State Forest (Moderate, 31.8 miles)
Silver Lake Sand Dunes OHV Loop – Silver Lake State Park (Easy, 2.8 miles)
Cedar Creek OHV Trail – Manistee National Forest (Moderate, 22.7 miles)
Little O ORV Trail – Manistee National Forest (Moderate, 42.0 miles)
Bundy Hill OHV Trail/Bundy Hill Offroad Service Road – Jerome, MI (Moderate, 2.9 miles/Easy, 2.2 miles)
For interactive trail maps and PDF maps, click here.
ORV License and Trail Permit
The cost for an ORV License is $26.25. This license is required to ride eligible county roads, frozen surfaces of public waters, state forest roads (open to ORV use), and eligible national forest roads.
In addition to the ORV License, you will need a $10 ORV Trail Permit when operating on state-designated ORV trails and scramble areas.
The ORV license and trail permit are valid for one year. You can purchase your ORV licenses and trail permits online or at DNR license agents and dealers.
Rules, Regulations, Safety, Age Limits, and Etiquette
The DNR has put together an entire handbook for ORV riding in the state of Michigan. This publication covers rules, regulations, permitting, safety equipment requirements, age limits for operating on ORV, trail signs & makers, riding etiquette, and more. Each person participating in riding ORV trails and routes should read the handbook and familiarize themselves with its content. This is for your safety and the well-being of other riders, hikers, bikers, and snowmobile operators.
Find an Epic Vacation Rental
When you have decided which off-road vehicle trails and routes you want to ride, it’s time to find an epic vacation rental. Freshwater Vacation Rentals offers a variety of rental homes throughout Michigan that make an ideal home base during your off-roading adventure. From cozy cabins on the Upper Peninsula to Northern Michigan lake homes, we have you covered!
Find an amazing Michigan vacation rental today!