Michigan UP Adventure - recommended routes or trails?

[logan112]

Going to be up near Petosky in 2 weeks, and am looking to drive around the UP for a day with the family and friends.

Any recommended routes or trails we should hit? I hear good things about Drummond Island.

Have 35” tires, 2” lift and skids. So whatever you think best suits this build.

Also planning on hitting Silver Lake on my way up from St. Louis.

Thank you!!!

Sponsored

 

[I_Fly]

Hello Logan

I'm not sure what you are looking for (super challenging, a relaxing ride, something in between). Also, my experience is limited.

I have been to Silver Lake Sand Dunes a few times. It's worth the stop to check it out and have some fun. The dunes change a little over time, so each visit is a little different. There are a few areas of large hills that can be challenging. Also, a good amount of space with smaller hills and some water holes to explore. Definitely watch someone else go through the water before trying it. Some areas are one way to prevent trouble. Look for signs. You will need a trail pass (required for most MI trails) and a safety flag. Trail passes are available at the state staging area. Air is also available there. If you need one, Duneland will sell you a flag and mount just outside the entrance. The mount will not be Bronco specific so ordering online before arriving is a good move.

I've never been to Drummond Island but have been researching it. Trails range from easy to challenging. Some trails have large mud holes. Most are rock bottom, but a few are quite deep. My understanding is that there are bypasses or alternative trails. Some of the rock crawling spots have been closed recently but almost everyone says it's still worth the trip. Popular spots to see are Marblehead and Fossel Beach.

The upper peninsula of Michigan has thousands of miles of trails. These are not too far from the Mackinaw Bridge and the lower part of Michigan where you are planning to be. The St. Ignace to Trout Lake Trail is an easy scenic trail. There is also the Castle Rock to Round Lake trail in the Hiawatha National Forrest. There are a number of additional routs through the National and State forests in the UP. There are also Trails north of Newberry Michigan. The Back Country route to Crisp Point Lighthouse is very nice. The end of the trail is a historic lighthouse on Lake Superior. Plan to spend at least a little time on the beach. From there you can take forest roads and OVR trails to the mouth of the Two Hearted River. There is a state park there with a very nice campground. If you venture that far, don't miss Tahquamenon Falls (both upper and lower) and the shipwreck museum. In my opinion they are both worth the stop.

You may have to extend your trip if you are willing to adventure further West. There are thousands of miles of trails.

An app like OnX Offroad will have great information about trail and their difficulty. Or you can use the maps published by the State of Michigan - Where to ride ORVs

Have a great trip.

Carl

 

[stevenstommyboy1]

Silver Lake will not disappoint you. Air down to about 15-18 pounds in your tires and you will tear it up. Test Hill is great but stop and watch others before you attempt. The wind changes the top of the hill and angles so it pays off to see where others go up. Then let er rip. I was stationed in the UP for years at KI Sawyer AFB and the areas around the old base and Gwinn/Little Pake have great old fire roads that are not to technical. And the branches of the Escanaba River feature a lot of solitary areas to stop and camp ect. like Carl said get an app to guide you and prepare to smile.

 

[Q1svt]

Going to be up near Petosky in 2 weeks, and am looking to drive around the UP for a day with the family and friends.

… I love mittenland, if you haven’t heard the UP is beautiful. But need to be prepared for the flies.

https://bridgemi.com/michigan-environment-watch/black-flies-are-swarming-northern-michigan-and/

 

[logan112]

Hello Logan

I'm not sure what you are looking for (super challenging, a relaxing ride, something in between). Also, my experience is limited.

I have been to Silver Lake Sand Dunes a few times. It's worth the stop to check it out and have some fun. The dunes change a little over time, so each visit is a little different. There are a few areas of large hills that can be challenging. Also, a good amount of space with smaller hills and some water holes to explore. Definitely watch someone else go through the water before trying it. Some areas are one way to prevent trouble. Look for signs. You will need a trail pass (required for most MI trails) and a safety flag. Trail passes are available at the state staging area. Air is also available there. If you need one, Duneland will sell you a flag and mount just outside the entrance. The mount will not be Bronco specific so ordering online before arriving is a good move.

I've never been to Drummond Island but have been researching it. Trails range from easy to challenging. Some trails have large mud holes. Most are rock bottom, but a few are quite deep. My understanding is that there are bypasses or alternative trails. Some of the rock crawling spots have been closed recently but almost everyone says it's still worth the trip. Popular spots to see are Marblehead and Fossel Beach.

The upper peninsula of Michigan has thousands of miles of trails. These are not too far from the Mackinaw Bridge and the lower part of Michigan where you are planning to be. The St. Ignace to Trout Lake Trail is an easy scenic trail. There is also the Castle Rock to Round Lake trail in the Hiawatha National Forrest. There are a number of additional routs through the National and State forests in the UP. There are also Trails north of Newberry Michigan. The Back Country route to Crisp Point Lighthouse is very nice. The end of the trail is a historic lighthouse on Lake Superior. Plan to spend at least a little time on the beach. From there you can take forest roads and OVR trails to the mouth of the Two Hearted River. There is a state park there with a very nice campground. If you venture that far, don't miss Tahquamenon Falls (both upper and lower) and the shipwreck museum. In my opinion they are both worth the stop.

You may have to extend your trip if you are willing to adventure further West. There are thousands of miles of trails.

An app like OnX Offroad will have great information about trail and their difficulty. Or you can use the maps published by the State of Michigan - Where to ride ORVs

Have a great trip.

Carl

Appreciate the info!

I’ll be solo, with no winch, so nothing too crazy. Just something I can do to kill a day and see some fun stuff. I’m ok with some decently challenging terrain, but not anything that gets me into having to winch.

 

[logan112]

… I love mittenland, if you haven’t heard the UP is beautiful. But need to be prepared for the flies.

https://bridgemi.com/michigan-environment-watch/black-flies-are-swarming-northern-michigan-and/

Got it. I’ll bring bug spray!

Sponsored