Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV)
Effective October 1, 2021, the Huron-Manistee National Forests (HMNFs) changed the Motor Vehicle Use (MVU) designation of Forest Service roads to include Off-Highway Vehicles (OHVs) to allow for consistent use across the Forests and other public lands statewide. This designation will allow for OHV use on HMNFs roads.
About the Change
Why was this change made?
- Aligning Forest road MVUM designations with those of the State/Counties alleviates confusion and undue burden on the public.
- This project aligns MVUM designations with designations of other Michigan National Forests.
What are the safety implications of this change?
- Members of the public and Forest Service Subject Matter Experts have completed an analysis of roads to determine feasibility of OHV use on roads already open to highway legal vehicles.
- It is important to note that Forest Service roads are not designated as motorized trails, rather the allowable use on Forest Service roads will be extended to include additional motorized vehicles, including OHV’s.
- Some existing roads will remain closed to legal OHV use because they pose a safety concern to the public.
- Existing roads may remain closed to legal OHV use if connecting State/County roads are closed to OHV use, to maintain consistency with state and local agencies.
- This project results in an additional form of motorized use (OHV’s) on roads that are already open to highway legal vehicles.
How will this change be evaluated in the future?
- Roads will continue to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis as deemed necessary by the Ranger Districts. Comments can be submitted to Contact Us
- We will continue to work with our State/County partners to maintain, and look for better ways to ensure the safety and enjoyment of the public on our roads.
OHV Road Riding
There are a few road routes noted below that have been established to allow visitors to enjoy day or multiple day road rides through our forests. Additionally, you may pick your own route, utilizing a FREE paper or digital copy of our Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM).
OHVs/ORVs on Forest Roads
Effective October 1, 2021, the Huron-Manistee National Forest roads open to passenger vehicles are generally open to OHVs. Some roads are closed to OHVs due to safety hazards caused by mixed use and traffic volume.
Temporary/Seasonal Road Closures
Huron-Manistee National Forest roads or trails may be closed temporarily for safety, to minimize impacts to wildlife, or to prevent road damage. Current conditions are available by calling the local Forest Service District Office or checking the Huron-Manistee National Forests website under “Road Conditions.”
Access Through Gates
When passing through unlocked gates, leave the gate as you found it. Parking a vehicle in front of a closed gate is not allowed. Blocked gates interfere with emergency access for firefighting, search and rescue, etc.
Please practice Tread Lightly! Principles
OHV Trail Riding
Motorized vehicles may only be operated on designated roads, trails or areas open to that use. To find what roads and trails are open to a particular use, visitors should obtain a Motor Vehicle Use Map.
Where You Can Ride
Any road or trail that does not appear on the MVUM is not open to motorized vehicles.
- Roads not designated for motorized use may not always be signed on the ground, but will be identified on the MVUM.
- ORV’s cannot be used for cross-country game retrieval.
Rules and Requirements
For a full list of ORV regulations consult the MI-DNR ORV Handbook.
Please practice Tread Lightly Principles.
OHV Open Area Riding
Bull Gap Hill Climb is the ONLY designated motorized "Open Area Riding" on the Huron-Manistee National Forest.
OHV Camping
There are two designated ORV trailhead Campgrounds - Mack Lake and Meadows located on the Huron portion of the Forest. Otherwise, camping is not permitted at trailheads.
Designated and/or Dispersed Campground/Sites
OHVs are not allowed to be ridden on campground roads unless posted otherwise. Please camp away from streams, avoiding wetlands and practice "Leave no Trace” etiquette.
Hunting & Retrieving Game Cross-Country Prohibited
The use of OHV/ORV is allowed only on designated roads and trails. Cross Country travel is NOT allowed. It is illegal to hunt, chase, pursue, harass or shoot at wildlife from a motorized vehicle and/or from road and trails. Firearms (except handguns) and bows carried on an OHV must be fully enclosed in a hard or soft case. Firearms (except handguns) must be unloaded.
Search for Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV) Opportunities
Big O OHV Trail
Bull Gap ORV Hill Climb and Trailhead
Cedar Creek Motorsport Trail
Holton Motorcycle Trail
Horseshoe Motorcycle Trail
Huron NF OHV Trails
Huron ORV Trail
Little O ATV Trail
Luzerne ORV and Snowmobile Trailhead
M-20 Motorsport Trail