Michigan's Upper Peninsula offers 26 all-terrain vehicle (ATV) and off-road vehicle (ORV) trails. Vast tracts of undeveloped woods and national and state parks and forests make ideal territory for ATV/ORV trails in northern Michigan. Three trails that represent the varied terrain and scenery of the Upper Peninsula include the Danaher Plains Trail, Forest Islands Trail and Route, and Drummond Island Trail and Route. The trails are designated to provide recreation while protecting sensitive wildlife and rare plants.
The Danaher Plains Trail is a 26.8-mile loop in northeastern Schoolcraft County. The trail winds through state land in the Fox River State Forest. The trailhead is located on Highway 77, where parking is available for trailers. The lot is located several miles south of East Branch Fox River Campground. The trail proceeds east to the Luce County line, then veers north. Near the edge of the park, the trail heads west, loosely following the state forest boundary. The trail takes a detour to the center of the loop, carrying riders to Clear Creek Trout Pond. It then heads back toward Highway 77 and follows it south, returning to the trailhead. Danaher Plains Trail is designated for ATVs less than 50 inches wide.
Forest Islands Trail and Route is located in Delta and Menominee counties in the southern portion of the Upper Peninsula. The trail and route form two separate loops connected by a trail that runs along a portion of the Cedar River and through Cedar River North Campground. Forest Islands Trail is 18.7 miles long, and Forest Islands Route extends 19.7 miles to the south. Forest Islands Trail and Route is designated for ATVs less than 50 inches wide, and portions of each path allow ORVs of any size. The trailhead for Forest Islands Trail is located in Delta County on F Road just west of Little Bay de Noc. The trail proceeds south from there. The trailhead for Forest Islands Route is located on Camp O Lane B2. Most of the trail and route wind through state land just west of Little Bay de Noc.
Drummond Island Trail and Route is located in Chippewa County on the east coast of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The 39.5-mile trail is designated for ATVs less than 50 inches wide. The route is designated for ORVs of any size and covers 47.6 miles. Two trail entry points serve both the Drummond Island Trail and Route. One is located on Dry Lake Road, and the other is located on East Johnswood Road. The trail and route intersect more than 30 times, offering many different ways to experience the same pathways. The western portion of the route runs along Lake Huron at several points. The entire trail and route system is located within state land.
