Snowmobiling

There are approximately 450 miles of groomed snowmobile trails within the Ottawa National Forest.  These trails are maintained through a cooperative effort between the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, numerous local snowmobile clubs, and the U.S.D.A. Forest Service.

Generally, snowmobile season runs from December 1 through March 31.  This includes groomed snowmobile trails and unplowed Ottawa National Forest System Roads, and other areas as allowed.

The use of snowmobiles cross-country is permitted on the Ottawa, except in areas designated closed to snowmobiles.   Snowmobiles are prohibited in designated wildernesses, Sylvania Perimeter Area, and on plowed Forest System Roads.  In Semi-primitive Non-motorized Management Areas and Wild and Scenic Rivers Corridors snowmobiling is limited to designated trails.  Forest Service Visitor maps identifying these areas are available at all Forest Service offices, these maps can be purchased for $14.  Forest Motor Vehicle Use Maps do not provide regulations for snowmobile use.

Beginning March 1, the area of the Ottawa National Forest south of M-28 and east of Highway M-64, is closed to cross-country snowmobile use.  This is to prevent disturbance of nesting eagles.  During this time, snowmobiles are only permitted to use groomed trails or unplowed Forest System Roads within this area, which have not been signed, gated, or otherwise closed to such use.  During this period, all other areas of the Ottawa, north of M-28 and west of M-64, are open to cross-country travel, the use of groomed trails, or operation on unplowed Forest System Roads which have not been signed, gated, or otherwise closed to such use.

If you choose to operate your snowmobile on the Ottawa National Forest it must have a current, valid state registration and a current Michigan snowmobile trail sticker.  For more information and regulations regarding snowmobile operation in Michigan please contact Michigan Department of Natural Resources or visit them at http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/

Snowmobilers coming to the area need to remember that the Ottawa National Forest is only one of the many land managers and land owners of Michigan’s world-class snowmobile system.  It is extremely important to respect the rights of private landowners, as well as other public land managers to assure that snowmobile trails will remain open in the future.

And remember:

Some of the groomed trails and Forest System Roads are narrow and have sharp curves, visibility can be reduced by weather and daylight hours, please use caution when snowmobiling: watch out for other snowmobilers, wildlife and any other obstacle on the trail, and maintain appropriate speed for conditions.  When snowmobiling, be sure you are familiar with the area and that you have a reliable map and compass.  Don’t go alone without some kind of communication or backup plan in place.  Be sure to dress appropriately in layers for the weather conditions, and bring plenty of food and water.   Minor injuries while snowmobiling can easily turn into life threatening situations in winter weather.   Stay off ice, particularly river ice.

Western UP Trail Reports

Dual Use Roads and Trails

For more information:

Michigan DNR

Hiawatha National Forest

Huron-Manistee National Forests