The Garage

Where to ride

Where to ride in Michigan

7 official riding areas and the permits Michigan asks for, each from the managing agency's own page and dated. Areas close for fire, weather, seasons and repairs, so check the page before you go.

The state program

Michigan ORV riding program (ORV license and ORV trail permit), run by Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Michigan has over 4,000 miles of state-designated ORV trails, scramble areas, (eligible) county, state forest and national forest roads, and frozen surfaces of public waters, making it a top destination for ORV riders of all levels.

Michigan ORV riding program (ORV license and ORV trail permit), official pagechecked 2026-09-29

Permits and stickers

What the state's own pages say riders need, residents and visitors alike, quoted word for word.

  • Non-residents

    Michigan title (not required for non-residents)

    A Michigan title is not required for non-residents to operate ORVs in Michigan.

    Official pagechecked 2026-09-29

  • Everyone

    Michigan ORV license

    Your $26.25 ORV license is required to ride eligible county roads, frozen surface of public waters, state forest roads (open to ORV use) and eligible national forest roads.

    Official pagechecked 2026-09-29

  • Everyone

    Michigan ORV trail permit

    A $10 ORV trail permit, is required in addition to your ORV license ($36.25 total), when operating on state-designated ORV trails and scramble areas.

    Official pagechecked 2026-09-29

Riding areas

Places the managing agency describes for off-highway riding, grouped by who runs them. The list is a starting point, not every trail in the state: the Forest Service and the BLM publish motor vehicle use maps for everything else.

State 1

  • Silver Lake State Park ORV Area

    Michigan Department of Natural Resourcesnear Mears

    Discover the unparalleled thrill of the Silver Lake ORV Area, a one-of-a-kind scramble area for off-road enthusiasts.

    Silver Lake State Park ORV Area, official pagechecked 2026-09-29

National Forest 4

  • East Bull Gap ORV Trailhead (Bull Gap Hill Climb)

    USDA Forest Service, Huron-Manistee National Forests

    ORV riders may follow a short 5.7 mile 50' or less connector trail to Bull Gap Hill Climb or ride any size vehicle on the road.

    East Bull Gap ORV Trailhead (Bull Gap Hill Climb), official pagechecked 2026-09-29

  • Mack Lake Motorized Trail System

    USDA Forest Service, Huron-Manistee National Forests

    The Mack Lake and Meadows Trail Systems traverse the western portion of the Huron National Forest, creating a 158.6 mile trail with 13 trailheads.

    Mack Lake Motorized Trail System, official pagechecked 2026-09-29

  • Holton Motorcycle Trail

    USDA Forest Service, Huron-Manistee National Forests

    The 15 miles of trail heading north from the trailhead is open to both highway legal and non-highway motorcycles.

    Holton Motorcycle Trail, official pagechecked 2026-09-29

  • Cedar Creek Motorsport Trail

    USDA Forest Service, Huron-Manistee National Forests

    OHVs must display a valid ORV Sticker as required by State law.

    Cedar Creek Motorsport Trail, official pagechecked 2026-09-29

County 2

  • Holly Oaks ORV Park

    Oakland County Parksnear Holly

    DNR ORV and ORV Trail stickers are required.

    Holly Oaks ORV Park, official pagechecked 2026-09-29

  • The Mounds ORV Park

    Genesee County Parksnear Mt Morris

    That's why all kinds of ORVers bring all kinds of ORVs – from Jeeps and trucks to quads and cycles – to the Mounds.

    The Mounds ORV Park, official pagechecked 2026-09-29

Before you go

Each area's own page has its current status, seasons, fees and which trails take which vehicles. Rules differ between areas and change with fire danger and weather, so read it on the day.

Official maps

The state law behind the permits, helmets and young riders, cited: Michigan electric dirt bike law.

Nothing on this page says anyone may ride anywhere: it points to the agencies that decide. Reviewed 2026-09-29.