We’re back at it again with finding the best trails in Michigan! An interesting thing about this state is that their left turns often confuse people who aren’t from there. If you’re from Michigan, you might not realize how confusing it is. But do you know what does make sense? Ripping your UTV or ATV through the trails that leave you with breathtaking views.
It’s no secret that Michigan is known as the Great Lakes State. It gives you everything you want for an off-road trip. There are plenty of OHV-friendly lakes and sand waiting to be shredded. And cooling off in the lake sounds like a smart idea after sweating around hot engines all day. Then there are more than enough traditional UTV trails in Michigan to keep you busy.
Now, let’s check out the best riding spots. These UTV trails in Michigan are in no particular order and can give you the ride of your life.
Note: Park details and prices reflect what was current as of July 2026. While most trails are free to access, an ORV trail permit ($10) may be required.
Baraga State Park is a great place to start exploring Michigan. The area gives riders access to wooded trails where dirt, mud, and beautiful scenery come together for a fun day on your machine. The 28-mile Baraga Plains Trail is an ATV/ORV loop in the surrounding area and is designated for machines under 50 inches wide.
When you’re riding through wooded trails, a SuperATV windshield can make the whole experience a lot more comfortable. Branches, mud, dust, and whatever else the trail throws at you can make their way into the cab pretty quickly. A windshield helps keep that stuff outside so you can spend more time enjoying the ride.
Note: The Michigan DNR currently lists the Baraga Plains Trail as temporarily closed because of winter storm damage. Check the DNR closures page before planning your trip.
Bull Gap is the kind of place you visit when you want more than a leisurely stroll through the woods. This area is known for its sandy terrain, steep hills, and ORV hill climb, with more than 100 miles of trails surrounding the riding area. There’s plenty of room to explore while still finding terrain that will put your ATV or UTV to work.
All those hills and rough areas can be really hard on your suspension. Upgraded SuperATV A-arms give you a stronger setup for tackling uneven terrain and trail debris. If your idea of a good ride involves finding the hill that makes everyone else a little weary, upgrading your suspension is a pretty good place to start.
Haywire Grade gives you 32 miles of riding through Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The trail follows an old railroad grade between Manistique and Shingleton. You’ll go through wooded scenery with a mix of sand, gravel, and limestone. It’s a little different from a technical trail packed with obstacles, making it a good choice when you want to settle in and enjoy the ride.
With miles of trail ahead of you, you need to make sure you’re protecting the underbelly of your machine. A SuperATV skid plate helps shield vulnerable parts of your rig from rocks and other trail debris. They’re especially useful when the trail gets rougher than the scenery makes it look.
The Kalkaska area gives you plenty of room to explore different terrain. From sandy sections, hills, rocks, and wooded terrain—it’s got it all. Rather than thinking of it as one trail, it’s better to view it as part of a larger network of Michigan ORV trails and routes. That means you can put together a longer ride without feeling like you’re constantly repeating the same stretch of trail.
A SuperATV lift kit is a great match for a riding area with this much variety. Extra ground clearance gives you more room underneath your machine when rocks, ruts, and other obstacles get in your way. It’s nice knowing you have more room when you do.
The Little Manistee area is a solid choice when you want to spend a full day riding through the woods. The current riding area includes separate motorcycle trails and ORV routes, so you’ll have plenty of ground to cover. It’s easy to turn one trail ride into an entire weekend adventure.
When you’re putting serious miles on your machine, your axles are taking a beating right along with you. SuperATV Axles are built with heavy-duty materials. They’re a good upgrade when you want to spend less time worrying about your drivetrain and more time exploring.
Little O is another favorite for riders who want to explore Michigan’s wooded trails. The Little O and Big O area includes miles of motorcycle and ATV trails, giving you plenty of opportunities to spend the day amongst the trees. It’s a good choice when you want a beginner-friendly ride without giving up the chance to put some serious miles on your machine.
The right tires can make a big difference when you’re spending hours on the trail. SuperATV tires are designed to give your machine the traction it needs to handle changing conditions. From loose dirt to mud and everything in between. When you’re exploring unfamiliar trails, having dependable grip means you can keep moving when the terrain gets unpredictable.
Silver Lake is where Michigan’s sand riding really gets to show off. The 450 acre ORV area gives you open dunes, steep hills, and plenty of sand to shred. It’s a completely different experience from riding through Michigan’s forests, and the dunes give intermediate riders a chance to test their skills on climbs, descents, and loose terrain.
Dune riding can be hard on your drivetrain, especially when you’re constantly climbing and putting power to the ground. SuperATV GDP Portals give you a gear reduction at the hubs while also adding ground clearance. That means more torque at the wheels and more room underneath your machine when you’re tackling steep sandy climbs or running larger tires.
Silver Lake also has its own set of requirements. All motor vehicles riding on the dunes must have an ORV license, ORV trail permit, and Recreation Passport. There are also specific equipment and safety requirements, so check the DNR’s current Silver Lake information before you head out.
St. Helen Motorsport Area gives you more than 50 miles of trails along with sandy play areas and hill climbs. That variety makes it a fun option when you don’t want to spend the entire day riding the same type of terrain. You can cruise through the trees, hit the sand, or find a hill that gives you a little more of a challenge.
When there’s mud, sand, hills, and rough terrain involved, having a recovery plan is always a good idea. A SuperATV winch gives you a way to pull yourself, or your buddy, out when your tires stop cooperating. You might not need it every time you ride, but when someone gets caught in a sticky situation, you’ll be glad you brought it.
Tin Cup Spring is a solid option when you want to spend the day exploring Michigan’s wooded riding country. This area connects with other trails and routes, giving you plenty of opportunities to stretch out your ride instead of turning around after a few miles. Trees and dirt make up most of the terrain, so it’s the kind of place where you can settle into a rhythm and enjoy the ride.
A set of SuperATV Nerf Bars can be a smart addition when you’re navigating tight, wooded trails. They help protect the sides of your machine from rocks, trees, and other obstacles that can sneak up on you. You might not notice how useful they are until you clip something on the trail, but that’s exactly when you’ll be glad they’re there.
Even though OHVs aren’t allowed on regular roads unless special conditions are met, there’s still a ton of UTV trails in Michigan that can satisfy your riding needs. We’d love to name every single one, but sadly, no one has time for that.
But that’s why trail riding is full of incredible possibilities. And they’re not all in Michigan! To see more of what’s out there, check out some of the top riding spots in the US.
Did you see any UTV trails in Michigan that interested you? Tell us where you plan on going for your next off-road adventure. If you haven’t found it yet, keep a look out for the next state we cover because it could be calling your name.
Disclaimer: This article was written by an employee of SuperATV. The views, opinions, and recommendations expressed in this blog are the writer’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of SuperATV. This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as safety advice or official technical guidance. Modifying vehicles and using aftermarket parts can impact performance and safety. Readers are responsible for ensuring proper installation, compatibility, and safe operation. SuperATV makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of this information and assumes no liability for any actions taken based on it.
3 Comments
Even though all these trails are “free”, they are not. A trail permit is required but the fee is nominal and good for 6 months.
Hey Rupert! You make a good point. We’ve added a link to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website so readers know where to buy a permit. Thank you!
Permits are good for a year. Better also get the vehicle permit at $36 a year for non resident. Many of the staging areas require it. You can order all online, just give yourself at least 21 days to get by mail.
No resident for ATV trail stickers was $26.50 each. I order ours every April for our truck and machines.
I do not know if dirt bikes are different costs or trucks/jeeps for the trail passes. We no longer take take the jeep out in Michigan due to it being mostly sugar sand. It tears the hell out of shocks, rotors and brakes.
It also does a number on air filters on all machines, so keep that in mind.
Another great trail system not listed is Grayling Michigan. You can ride for days in the area and get it world renowned fly fishing for trout and soon Atlantic grayling as they are reintroducing the grayling subspecies back into the waters.
Early June is best for ATV and fishing due to weather and the spinner hatch.