Michigan offers an incredible diversity of off-road experiences, from coastal sand dunes to rugged forest trails and challenging rock formations. As the 2025 off-roading season approaches, here’s a countdown of the top 10 destinations for off-road enthusiasts in the Great Lakes State.
10. Bull Gap ORV Hill Climb
Located in Oscoda County within the Huron-Manistee National Forest, Bull Gap holds the distinction of being the ONLY designated motorized “Open Area Riding” in this national forest. The hill climb features a 0.2-mile sand hill with an impressive 35-40% grade that challenges even experienced riders.
Bull Gap is open from May 1 to October 31, making it perfect for summer adventures. The area accommodates vehicles of all sizes, though those 50 inches or less must use the designated return trail. With a 40-vehicle parking capacity and vault toilets, it provides basic amenities for a day of climbing. Remember that all vehicles require a valid DNR ORV trail sticker to access this unique challenge.
9. The Mounds ORV Park
When you want to “rip through nature on a big, bad machine,” The Mounds in Genesee Township delivers. This 370-acre facility is considered one of the premier off-road vehicle parks in the Great Lakes region, offering diverse, uncompromising terrain that challenges even the most experienced off-roaders.
Located at 6145 E. Mt. Morris Road, just 1.5 miles east of Genesee Road in Mt. Morris, The Mounds welcomes ATVs, motorcycles, dune buggies, Jeeps, and pickups. Unlike many seasonal destinations, The Mounds remains open year-round, operating Monday through Saturday from 8:00 am until sunset and Sundays from 10:00 am until sunset, providing off-road thrills regardless of the season.
8. St. Helen Motorsport Area
This expansive off-road area offers over 50 miles of designated motorized trails forming long loops through primarily flat, sandy terrain. What makes St. Helen special is its variety – beyond the trails, you’ll find several sandy play areas with moderate-sized hill climbs plus six short obstacle courses featuring large boulders and concrete pipes specifically designed for 4×4 trucks and Jeeps to crawl over.
St. Helen Motorsport Area features two designated staging areas that can accommodate large trailers. The northern staging area provides vault toilets and ample parking, while the southern staging area offers a fenced dirt lot. Open year-round with direct access to gas, food, lodging, and ATV rentals, St. Helen also connects to the nearby Saint Helen campground, which has 30 sites with electric and water hookups plus direct trail access, making it perfect for extended adventures.
7. Bundy Hill Offroad
Spanning over 300 acres in Jerome, Michigan, Bundy Hill Offroad has transformed from a commercial mining operation into an off-road paradise. The park opened to the public in 2009 and has since expanded to include twenty challenging trails specifically groomed for ATVs, ORVs, Jeeps, bikes, and side-by-sides.
Bundy Hill’s diverse terrain offers everything an off-road enthusiast could want: mud, rock crawls, tire crawls, wooded trails, steep hills, gullies, pea gravel climbs, hood-deep water, and plenty of off-camber challenges throughout the park. As of March 2025, Bundy Hill continues to expand its offerings while maintaining its commitment to being alcohol-free and family-friendly, making it accessible for wheelers of all ages and experience levels.
6. High Rock Bay
For those seeking a remote adventure in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, High Rock Bay delivers a classic UP trail experience. This 4.8-mile full-width road was once used to access a rocket range site on the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula and features numerous water crossings that vary in depth depending on recent rainfall.
High Rock Bay’s difficulty fluctuates with the seasons – in dry conditions, it rates as a moderate level 4, but during periods of high precipitation, it easily becomes a challenging level 5. Random boulders hidden in water holes add an element of surprise, requiring careful navigation. The trail offers spectacular views of Lake Superior and runs alongside the historic Manitou Island Lighthouse, though extreme cold and snowfall make this location inaccessible during winter months. For the best experience, plan your visit during spring, summer, or fall.
5. South Marblehead Loop – Drummond Island
Getting to South Marblehead Loop is an adventure in itself, requiring a journey to the easternmost point of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, followed by a 15-minute ferry ride to Drummond Island. This Badge of Honor trail can drastically change in difficulty depending on weather conditions, but it’s absolutely worth the effort.
The trail’s most prominent feature is “The Steps at Marblehead,” a dramatic stepped limestone formation that stands between adventurers and a stunning water overlook. These natural rock formations put both vehicles and drivers to the test while providing breathtaking scenery through the windshield. South Marblehead Loop is part of the broader Drummond Island trail system, which includes other notable routes like Nevenen’s Road and Glen Cove Road, offering a full day of mild to moderate off-roading experiences.
4. Black Mountain Recreation Area
Located in Cheboygan County within the Mackinaw State Forest, Black Mountain Recreation Area encompasses roughly 8,000 acres of forest recreation space with 60 miles of ORV trails. This rustic ORV scramble area features steep, sandy terrain that’s so challenging that side-by-sides aren’t allowed.
Black Mountain provides a more primitive off-roading experience compared to some of the more developed parks on this list, making it perfect for those seeking to test their skills in a natural setting. The combination of dense forest, varied elevation, and technical challenges makes this a favorite among experienced riders looking for an authentic northern Michigan off-road adventure.
3. Holly Oaks ORV Park
Located just north of Detroit in Oakland County, Holly Oaks ORV Park has quickly become one of Michigan’s premier off-road destinations since its opening. The park spans 265 acres of diverse and challenging terrain built on former sand and gravel mines, offering something for every type of off-road enthusiast.
Holly Oaks features two main loop trails with varying difficulty levels, from mellow paths to downright daunting challenges. The “North 60” freeride zone allows riders to forge their own paths through mud flats and up steep hills, with terrain features ranging from mud ruts to 40-foot vertical cliffs. Its proximity to Detroit makes it a rare find – a challenging off-road park near a major metropolitan area. For those wanting to extend their adventure, Groveland Oaks County Park directly across the road offers full-hookup campsites, cabins, and yurts.
2. Keweenaw Peninsula Trails
The Keweenaw Peninsula in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula offers some of the most scenic and challenging off-road experiences in the state. The 17.1-mile trail from Keweenaw Point to Schlatter Lake and High Rock Bay provides moderate difficulty riding with spectacular rewards.
What makes these trails special is their remote nature and breathtaking views of Lake Superior. Off-road enthusiasts eager to experience the sights and sounds of Lake Superior will find the journey to High Rock Bay particularly rewarding. Located at the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula, these trails run alongside historic landmarks like the Manitou Island Lighthouse while providing access to some of Michigan’s most pristine wilderness areas. The extreme isolation adds to the adventure, though it also means coming prepared with supplies and emergency equipment.
1. Silver Lake Sand Dunes
Topping our list is Michigan’s crown jewel of off-roading: the Silver Lake Sand Dunes. Located between Lake Michigan and Silver Lake, this unique destination offers 450 acres of coastal sand dunes specifically designated for ORV use – a rare find in the Midwest and one of the few places where you can experience dune riding outside the desert Southwest.
The Silver Lake Sand Dunes ORV Area provides a one-of-a-kind playground with thousands of acres of dunes to explore. Even if you’re not ready to tackle deep sand, there’s plenty of tamer landscape where you can enjoy stunning views of both Lake Michigan and Silver Lake. The area’s popularity has spawned numerous rental operations like Silver Lake Buggy Rentals, allowing visitors to experience the dunes without bringing their own vehicles. With options for solo exploration (1-6 hour rentals) or guided sunset tours, Silver Lake Sand Dunes offers the most distinctive off-road experience in Michigan, combining challenging terrain with breathtaking natural beauty.
As the 2025 off-roading season approaches, Michigan’s diverse terrain continues to attract enthusiasts from across the Midwest and beyond. Whether you prefer the coastal dunes of Silver Lake, the rocky challenges of Drummond Island, or the wooded trails of the Upper Peninsula, Michigan’s off-road destinations offer something for every skill level and vehicle type. Just remember to check local regulations, obtain the necessary permits, and practice responsible off-roading to preserve these incredible resources for future generations of adventure seekers.