Safety Series: Off-Road Vehicles
The hum of the engine intertwines with the sounds of nature – forest leaves rustling in your wake as you take another bend in the trail. A truly Michigan moment is riding in an off-road vehicle through dedicated forest trails, climbing over sloping sand dunes or even skimming across iced-over bodies of water.
Every twist and turn leads you to a new adventure – including some obstacles like deep water holes, narrow sand paths, steep hills, rocks and stumps. How you navigate the terrain depends on your level of skill and preparedness, and safety always comes first while riding an ORV or ATV in Michigan.
- According to statewide data from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), in 2023, 93% of ORV fatalities could have been prevented.
- As many as 77% of fatalities involved either no helmet or no seatbelt.
- All juvenile fatalities occurred while operating without parent supervision.
- All fatalities occurred on private property or on a county road.
First and foremost, gear up properly. Michigan law requires all ORV operators and passengers to wear a U.S. DOT-approved crash helmet and protective eyewear. A good pair of riding boots also goes a long way in improving both your safety and comfort. Don't skimp on safety – invest in quality gear that could save your life in case of an accident.
In addition to your gear, it’s always important to carry basic supplies with you. A good off-roading toolkit will have items like a socket set, adjustable wrenches, a ratcheting screwdriver and a variety of pliers. You’ll also want a first-aid kit and a flashlight, and you may as well tap into your inner MacGyver with a roll of duct tape. A map and compass will be helpful if your GPS fails to work.
Before you ride, familiarize yourself with the network of ORV trails (it can be confusing). Michigan has over 4,000 miles of state-designated ORV trails and routes, six scramble areas, and many eligible county roads, frozen public waters, state forest roads and eligible national forest roads. Click here for a map of Michigan DNR–approved trails and routes.
Staying on designated trails isn’t just about your safety, it’s for the sake of protecting fragile ecosystems and avoiding trespassing on private property.
While safety rules apply to all types of trails and terrain, there are a few standout spots that may require extra attention even if you’re an experienced off-roader:
Silver Lake State Park
Silver Lake Sand Dunes is an astonishing setting to navigate golden dunes over steep drops and sharp turns, with views of Lake Michigan stretching out as far as the eye can see. To ride here, you need both an ORV license and an ORV trail permit, and your vehicle must display an orange flag that is 10 feet in height when you’re at a standstill.
Drummond Island
The routes on Drummond Island are absolutely legendary. The lush landscape is clearly marked with 60 miles of ATV trails and 40 miles of OTV routes, crossing through hardwood forests, expansive meadows and natural limestone (the beach is off limits!). Click the link to learn everything you need to know about riding on Drummond Island.
Holly Oaks ORV Park
This park in southeast Michigan is a totally different kind of experience set on former and active sand and gravel mines. Riding “the mines” means crisscrossing old roads where the terrain can quickly transform into extreme vertical cliffs, rugged rubble crawls and vast mud flats. At this site, look for organized Disability Dirt Days events when individuals with disabilities are invited to experience off-roading with volunteer guides.
Find more adventure-filled ORV destinations here and check out Michigan’s Free ORV Weekends that take place twice a summer. Learn more about how to Ride Right with the Michigan DNR here.