LANSING, MI – Michigan has more than 19,000 km of forest roads available for public use.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources announced the latest update to its interactive maps of the vast network of trails that stretch from the Upper Peninsula to the southern Lower Peninsula.
In accordance with Public Act 288 of 2016, the DNR annually updates maps of state forest roads and informs the public of changes. New maps will be available online April 1st in an interactive web format and as printable PDF maps.
The maps are updated every year based on changing road conditions, data cleansing and inputs from public comment periods.
The maps show which state forest roads are open for the use of off-road vehicles. The NDR noted that it is important for drivers to stay on these roads to avoid damage to the environment and wildlife habitat in these areas.
After the annual road inventory and review, ORVs have the following available:
- More than 6,312 miles on the upper peninsula – about 98% of the total kilometers.
- On the northern lower peninsula about 6,101 miles – about 84% of the total kilometers.
- A little more than 14 km of forest trails on the southern lower peninsula.
You can check ORV rules, regulations, closings, and more at Michigan.gov/ORVInfo. For updated maps and other information, see Michigan.gov/ForestRoads.
