From Sandy Shores to Forested Trails
By Stacey Drzewiecki, Contributing Writer
Michigan is a dirt bike rider’s dream, offering diverse terrain that stretches from the sweeping Silver Lake Sand Dunes of the Lower Peninsula to the rugged, technical trails of the Upper Peninsula. With over 4,000 miles of state-designated ORV (off-road vehicle) trails and routes, Michigan delivers a truly varied riding experience. Whether you’re carving through sand under a wide blue sky or navigating narrow forest singletrack, the Great Lakes State welcomes adventure seekers with open trails, beautiful backdrops, and friendly riding communities.
The most iconic riding destination in Michigan might just be Silver Lake Sand Dunes, located near the village of Mears along Lake Michigan. Spanning 450 acres, Silver Lake is the only place in the state where riders can legally ride directly on the dunes. It’s a fast favorite for thrill-seekers of all skill levels. The riding experience here is unlike any other: steep climbs, fast downhill runs, open bowls, and scenic views of Lake Michigan make this a bucket-list destination. Riders need to come prepared with the proper gear, including an ORV license, trail permit, a 10-foot whip flag for visibility, spark arrestors, and helmet and eye protection. The area is well-equipped for newcomers, too. Local businesses like Silver Lake Buggy Rentals and Silverback Offroad offer everything from vehicle rentals to safety training, dune tours, and sunset rides.
Silver Lake State Park Campground is an ideal home base, offering direct access to the dunes and ORV staging areas. For those looking for indoor comfort, options like Dunes Waterfront Resort or cabins around Irons, Michigan, provide cozy lodging close to the action. After a day on the sand, riders can unwind with local favorites like pizza from Chuck Wagon or burgers at Open Hearth Grille, both offering hearty portions and a welcoming, off-the-trail vibe.
Beyond the dunes, Michigan’s Lower Peninsula offers a host of trail systems that snake through dense forests, open fields, and rolling hills. St. Helen Motorsport Area is a standout, offering more than 60 miles of ORV trails, including challenging hill climbs, flowing loops, and even a dedicated rock crawl section. The town of St. Helen is extremely ORV-friendly, with trail access right from many lodging sites. The Lost Arrow Resort and The Chalet in nearby Houghton Lake are both rider-approved spots to crash for the night and recharge before hitting the trails again.
Other must-visit trail systems in the Lower Peninsula include The Mounds near Flint, a rugged 370-acre off-road park filled with deep mud holes and wooded loops. Bundy Hill Off-Road Park near Jerome offers more than 350 acres of varied terrain, including rock crawling zones, wooded technical sections, and mud bogs. These parks are great for riders looking to push their limits or test modifications in a controlled, legal environment. Overnight options range from primitive tent camping to more upscale hotels in nearby cities like Flint and Jackson.
The Little Manistee Trail System, located in Wellston, connects to the Lincoln Hills trail system, creating a network of more than 100 miles of winding forest routes perfect for dirt bikes and dual-sports. With plenty of shaded spots, tight turns, and varied terrain, this area gives riders a backcountry feel without venturing far from towns like Manistee or Ludington. Whiskey Creek ORV and Campground, near Custer, is another gem. This spot offers about 90 miles of connected trails, cozy campgrounds, and family-friendly amenities like fire pits and on-site pizza joints.
Exploring the Upper Peninsula
Then there’s the Upper Peninsula—a whole different beast entirely. While the LP offers plenty of sand and varied forest terrain, the UP is more remote, more rugged, and arguably more rewarding for those looking for serious adventure. The Kinross Motorcycle Trail near Sault Ste. Marie is a dirt-bike-only loop offering 36 miles of fast, narrow singletrack through classic UP pine forest. Tight turns, rooty climbs, and rock gardens make this trail a favorite for experienced riders. Complementing Kinross are the Birch Hill and Foreman Lake loops, which offer 8 to 9 miles each of high-challenge singletrack, great for those wanting technical skill-building rides without committing to full-day adventures.
For riders craving a long-haul experience, the Brevort-Trout Lake trail system offers nearly 50 miles of trails that wind through pristine wilderness, crossing bridges and creeks and rewarding riders with quiet immersion in nature. There’s also the Michigan Off-Road Expedition loop in the western Upper Peninsula, a multi-day, 486-mile ride that includes nearly 40 miles of singletrack and more than 300 miles of dirt roads and ORV routes. It’s the kind of ride that riders train for, dream about, and never forget.
Accommodations in the UP lean rustic but plentiful. Many trailheads offer adjacent primitive campgrounds, while towns like Pickford, Trout Lake, and Sault Ste. Marie have mom-and-pop motels, cabin rentals, and even a few resorts with ORV parking and trail access. The solitude of the UP, paired with its raw natural beauty, offers a distinct contrast to the busier trail systems below the Mackinac Bridge.
Statewide, Michigan’s trail infrastructure is impressive. The Department of Natural Resources maintains thousands of miles of trail, backed by dedicated riding clubs who volunteer time and equipment to keep paths clear and signed. There are six official scramble areas across the state, and riders are allowed to travel legal forest roads and some county roads in ORV-designated zones. The Motorized Cycle Cross Country Trail (MCCCT) spans over 600 miles and weaves together many smaller trail systems into one of the longest off-road motorcycle routes in the Midwest.
Before heading out, riders should ensure they have the required permits: a Recreation Passport for their tow vehicle, an ORV license (about $26), and a trail permit (about $10). Packing a trail kit with tools, spare tubes, fuel, and hydration is also key—especially in remote areas like the UP, where gas stations can be few and far between.
What truly makes Michigan a standout destination for dirt bike riders is its variety. On any given weekend, a rider can choose between high-speed sand dune runs, backcountry forest loops, muddy hill climbs, or tight technical singletrack. Add to that the ride-friendly culture of many small towns, the well-maintained state trails, and a vibrant community of enthusiasts, and it’s easy to see why Michigan remains a top-tier riding state year after year.
So whether you’re a lifelong local or hauling in from out of state, Michigan’s trails are waiting—and there’s no better way to experience its untamed beauty than from behind a pair of handlebars. •