Gear up, grab a friend and download a map before hitting the open roads: Thousands of miles of state forest roads are open to hikers, off-road vehicles and adventure seekers!
Each year on April 1, following the annual road inventory and review, the DNR updates state forest road maps to keep them as accurate as possible. Available in both an interactive online format and as printable PDFs, these maps make it easier to plan your next outing.
Listed here by region are 11,841 miles of Michigan's forest roads and trails open to ORVs:
- Upper Peninsula: more than 5,752 miles (about 98% of the total mileage).
- Northern Lower Peninsula: more than 6,080 miles (about 84% of the total mileage).
- Southern Lower Peninsula: about 9 miles (about 2.5% of the total mileage).
This is an increase of 31 miles from the state forest roads open to ORVs in 2025.
"While significant progress has been made to clear debris from state forest roads, some roads remain closed due to extensive damage from last year's severe ice storm," said Amy Livermore, DNR forester. "Cleanup efforts are ongoing, and we appreciate the public's patience as crews continue working."
State forest road maps are regularly updated to reflect changing road conditions and data cleanup. Changes include feedback from residents. These maps show which state forest roads are open or closed to off-road and conventional vehicle use. Staying on these roads is essential to protecting wildlife and preventing erosion to surrounding landscape and habitat.
April 1 marks the start of Michigan's 2026-27 ORV season — a great time to purchase your license and trail permit. An 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. A trail permit is required in addition to your ORV license when operating on state-designated ORV trails and scramble areas.
Review ORV rules, regulations, closures and more at Michigan.gov/ORVInfo. Find updated maps and other information at Michigan.gov/ForestRoads.
Questions? Email DNR-RoadInventoryProject@Michigan.gov. Direct media inquiries to Amy Livermore at 906-287-5376.