FAQs

There is no one entrance to the national forests as there are with National Parks. While on some maps it looks as if the forests are large chunks of unbroken land, the Forest Service system lands are interspersed within chunks of privately owned or state owned land, creating a checkerboard of private and federal land across the northern portion of the lower peninsula.

There are multiple roads that lead into and out of the forests. While this provides for better access into the forests, it also means you need to make sure that you know what is Federal land and what is not. All of our maps provide ownership information and it is recommended that you obtain a map by visiting the Maps and Publications section before visiting.

Weather alerts can be provided by adding the zip code for the area you are visiting to your favorite weather app for your smartphone or setting up a weather service to send you emails or text messages for that area from their website. You can look up zip codes on the United States Postal Service website ZIP Code Look Up page.

Any closures, alerts or notices for the Forests are posted on our website in Alerts and Notices.

Cell phone/data coverage depends entirely on where you are. Some areas have better coverage than others. Some have no coverage at all. You will need to check with your carrier or look on your carriers website to see a coverage map to determine what your level of coverage would be in any given area of the forests.

You can park at any of the day use areas across the forests. You can also pull off along a road, as long as you pull far enough off the road to not impede traffic, no more than 25 feet

Yes, you may bring your pet with you. For their safety we recommend they be on a leash that is 6 feet long or less.  Dogs are not allowed on designated swimming beaches, and in the spring there may be some areas closed to dogs for the protection of Threatened and Endangered Species.

Visit the Employment page for information on which jobs will be coming available and which jobs are currently open.

All job applications must be submitted through USAJobs.gov.

Youth Conservation Corps are for students aged 15 - 18. We begin accepting applications for Youth Conservation Corp positions in March of each calendar year. Applications are available from all offices.

To set up a job shadow opportunity, contact one of our offices or email us.

A variety of data is available for the Huron-Manistee National Forests, from the Forest Service, state, and Great Lakes atlas. For links and more information visit the Geospatial Information page.

Datasets include boundaries, ownership, roads, trails, surface water and more.

Data is available in KML, ESRI geodatabase and shape file

Interactive Visitor Map - The Interactive Visitor Map is a work in progress. The Forest Service will continue to update it with additional information as it becomes available. The map currently includes information for most National Forest recreation sites and roads. Trail information is currently not available on the map. We realize that trail map information is important to our visitors and we’re working to make it available. As updated trail map information becomes available, it will be displayed on the map, forest-by-forest. In the meantime, please contact your local Forest Service office for trail information.

Travel Access Map - This interactive travel map supplements the corresponding motor vehicle use map (MVUM) by displaying on detailed color maps the National Forest System (NFS) roads, NFS motorized trails and areas on NFS lands that are designated for motor vehicle use on that MVUM, as well as nearby points of interest. The interactive travel map also allows visitors to search for designated roads, trails, and areas by vehicle class and time of year. The interactive travel map does not display designations for motor vehicle use for dispersed camping or big game retrieval. The interactive travel map does not replace the MVUM, which makes designations of roads, trails, and areas legally effective pursuant to 36 CFR 212.56 and 261.13.

Other on-line maps are listed on the Maps and Publications page.

Trail maps can be downloaded on the Maps and Publications page.

Contact one of our offices or email us.

Permits MUST be purchased in person. Visit one of our offices to purchase your permit. Information on firewood permits is available in the passes and permits section.

Visit EveryKidOutdoors.gov for information on how to get your free Christmas tree tag.

Burn permits are issued through the Michigan DNR by visiting the Burn Permit website operated by the DNR.

If your campfire will be on National Forest System lands you will not need a wood permit to cut firewood. If you will be removing firewood from the national forest you will need a firewood permit.

Contact the Ranger District office in the area where you propose to conduct your services.

Contact the Ranger District office in the area where the service is being provided.