Off Highway Vehicles (OHV)

The Ottawa National Forest has over 2,300 miles of Forest Service road and trail open to off-highway vehicles (OHVs).  Free Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUMs) are available to show what routes are open to highway legal vehicles, what routes are open to OHVs, and what routes are open to all vehicles. The maps are available at our offices and online. 

The Forest Service also has an online Interactive Visitor Map to help you understand where you can legally enjoy travel opportunities in the Ottawa National Forest.  Zoom in to the western Upper Peninsula of Michigan to find the Ottawa National Forest.  This online service does not replace the MVUMs. 

Roads and trails designated as open to OHVs are open to vehicles 65 inches or less in width and utilizing off-road low-pressure tires.

Free dispersed camping is allowed along roads and trails open to OHVs on Ottawa National Forest land. While OHV use is prohibited is some campgrounds on the Forest, OHV use is allowed in the following campgrounds and must stay on the roadway and camping spur:

• Pomeroy Campground
• Black River Harbor Campground
• Lake Ste Kathryn Campground
• Norway Lake Campground
• Lake Ottawa Campground
• Paint River Forks Campground
• Sturgeon River Campground

OHV Trail Riding

Several OHV routes cross the Ottawa National Forest, including:

• Pioneer Trail (P)*
• Bill Nicholls Trail (BN)*
• Sidnaw - Bergland Trail (SB)*
• Iron River - Marenisco Trail (IM, also called the Stateline Trail)*
• Ottawa East Connector Trail (OC)*
• Land O' Lakes Trail (LL)
• Choate Road (CR)
• County Line Line (CL)
• Potato Farm (PF)
• Gardner Road (G)
• Points North Trail (PN)
• Choate - Ewen Trail (CE)
• Calderwood Road (CR)

For more information on state-designated trails (*), visit the Michigan DNR ORV/ATV Trail Maps web page.

All these routes are maintained by MI-TRALE (Michigan Trails and Recreation Alliance of Land and the Environment). The MI-TRALE Multi-Use Trails Guide has maps for all the above routes.

The Ottawa National Forest allows OHV riding on identified roads and trails that are identified on the Motor Vehicle Use Map as open.  Cross County travel is prohibited on the Ottawa National Forest.  Please be aware that all roads and trails that are designated as "Seasonal" are open from May 16th through March 14th annually.  OHVs are considered vehicles 65 inches or less in width and utilizing off-road low pressure tires.

To obtain a Motor Vehicle Map contact the nearest USDA-Forest Service Ranger Station, or call (906) 932-1330. Information about how to obtain a Motor Vehicle Use Map can be found under Maps & Publications. These maps are free and are published annually.

The Forest Service also has an Interactive Travel Map to help you understand where you can legally enjoy travel opportunities in the Ottawa National Forest.  Zoom in to the western Upper Peninsula of Michigan to find the Ottawa National Forest.  This online service does not replace the MVUMs.

Search for Off Highway Vehicles (OHV) Opportunities