Offroad Trails in Michigan

Michigan provides a natural playground for outdoor enthusiasts, with thousands of miles of off-road trails for ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes, trucks, and other off-road specialists. With many choices, the only question for Michigan residents is which trail you should hit next. We've made the decision easier with our selection of the Great Lakes State's top off-road trails.

Silver Lake ORV Area, Mears

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For a different off-roading experience, head to Silver Lake ORV Area, part of the Silver Lake State Park. With approximately 450 acres of off-road space, it's one of the state's largest and most popular ORV sites. If you love sand dunes, you'll appreciate this family-friendly scramble area. Make sure you stick to your designated area. Silver Lake State Park spans more than 2,000 acres, but only around a quarter of it is open to off-road vehicles. Access Silver Lake ORV Area from April until the end of October.

Gladwin Trail, Gladwin

If you're getting comfortable with your off-road vehicle, the 20-mile loops of the Gladwin Trail can help you get some practice behind the wheel. Most of the trails are accessible, so you won't feel tempted to push past your abilities. They're typically sandy and flowing, although you'll get experience crossing bridges, making short climbs, and taking on gentle camber trails. The trails move through open fields and lush woodlands, giving you a sense of what it's like to go off-roading in a range of different environments.

The Gladwin Trail suits dirt bikes and small ATVs and off-road vehicles measuring less than 50 inches. It's no coincidence that these vehicles are the perfect size for people who are gaining their confidence with off-roading. The trail can get busy during the summer due to its central location. Try visiting when the temperatures are slightly cooler for less congestion on the trails.

Twisted Trails Off-Road Park, Copemish

Outdoor enthusiasts love warm weather because it means they can return to Twisted Trails Off-Road Park. At 400 acres, it's the state's largest off-road park. “Mild to wild” trails, mud runs, and technical rock crawl obstacles ensure riders of all skill levels feel challenged here. If you're having fun, consider staying the night. Twisted Trails has back-to-basics and powered campsites.

Twisted Trails is open to visitors from May to October. Time your visit to coincide with one of Up North Michigan's most significant off-road events, such as the SXS Family Jamboree, Mudathon, and Summer Dog Party.

Kalkaska Trail and Route, Kalkaska

Another option Up North, Kalkaska offers a wealth of entertainment. Many off-road trails suit day trips but can become tedious over time, but the Kalkaska Trail and Route has a seemingly unending network of trails and connecting routes that circle the entire Kalkaska County. Many sections feature sandy terrain with good drainage that doesn't get too muddy after rain, although a few rocky parts offer variety. Long smooth sections encourage speed, but don't get too cocky because the tight, technical passages can catch you unawares.

Officials restrict access on the Kalkaska Trail and Route to vehicles that are no more than 50 inches wide. Some sections around the woods are open to larger off-road vehicles.

St. Helen Motorsports Area, St. Helen

St. Helen is a small unincorporated community in Richfield Township. Many people wouldn't know it was there if not for St. Helen Motorsports Area, a sizeable off-roading area that caters to OHVs up to 72 inches wide. Jumps and berms help to spice up the flat section. If you're looking for more elevation, head to the scramble area. Its sandy hills and rocky areas put confident riders to the test. Unlike Twisted Trails, St. Helen Motorsports Area is open to riders throughout the year. It's popular with ATVs and dirt bikes during the warmer months and snowmobiles once winter arrives.

Bundy Hill Off-Road Park, Jerome

Similarly, Bundy Hill Off-Road Park put Jerome on the map. Located around 30 minutes south of Jackson, this off-road park is worth the drive to experience the variety of this 300-acre all-terrain park. Novices will find some trails that suit their skill level, but riders with more experience will have a lot more fun. With steep ascents, rock crawls, deep water and mud crossings, and off-cambered technical portions, this park can push your skills to the limit.

Bundy Hill Off-Road Park is open throughout the year. It welcomes dirt bikes, side-by-sides, ATVs, large Jeeps, and four-wheelers, although three-wheeled ATVs are not permitted on the site. The on-site campground encourages visitors to soak up the atmosphere and linger longer.

Holly Oaks ORV Park, Holly

Opened in September 2020, Holly Oaks ORV Park is the latest addition to Michigan's enthusiastic off-road scene. The park occupies former sand and gravel mines, which provide challenging terrain for various off-road vehicles. The park has several Adventure Areas, which provide unique riding experiences for people of all skill levels, connected by an Endurance Trail. Take on the Bathtub, with its retention pond, or the Big Valley, which has a gravelly hillside, clay fill, and muddy crossing.

Holly Oaks ORV Park welcomes off-road vehicles of any size, from dirt bikes to full-size off-road vehicles, so long as they have a muffler and are no louder than 94 decibels. Entry costs $15 per vehicle. You'll find plenty to explore already, but more amenities await visitors in the coming years. By 2023, visitors should be able to use all 235 acres of Holly Oaks ORV Park.

Blasting your favorite playlist can enhance your off-road adventures on Michigan ORV trails. Before you set off, explore the audio equipment offerings from Wet Sounds. Wet Sounds has a high-quality range of powersports audio equipment that has been made specifically for ATVs, UTVs, side-by-sides, and other off-road vehicles. Whatever you ride, you'll enjoy the experience more when you have a superior sound system from Wet Sounds.

Title Tag: Top Off-Road Trails in Michigan | Wet Sounds

Meta Description: Discover a selection of some highly rated off-road trails in Michigan that delight and inspire people with ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes, and other off-road vehicles.