Off trail riding in UP of MI

[MrChetStuart]

Can anyone either point me to a thread or offer some input on the legality of off-trail riding in the UP of MI? Being from WI myself, where there is no off trail allowed (in my travels anyway), I'd like to ride off trail in the UP, but I can't seem to find any solid "rules" regarding this.

So, what's the bottom line with off trail riding in the UP? How do I make sure that a particular area is legal to be off trail (beyond those sections clearly marked with "stay on trail" signs)?

Thanks!

 

[dansranger]

the maps show you locations where it is legal near Bergland.

 

[nytrozula]

Its pretty much illegal to off trail in the UP from what I was told

 

[YAMMY]

Its pretty much illegal to off trail in the UP from what I was told

You can off trail anywhere in the state of Michigan as long its on state Land

 

[MadMax]

Please don't cross posted land that's private property. We loose more trails that way....... While following our trail system you can go off trail if it's "NOT" posted and staying away from farm houses etc.... Da-yoopers welcome sleds and allows some riding even on back roads..... Keep in mind the speed limit is as posted while on a road.. MM.

 

[Leno]

you can ride off trail anywhere as long as it is not posted "stay on trail" all i ride is off trail in the UP the best sports are out in kingston planes but there are some great spots out by munising and a few good spots by gwinn.

 

[MrChetStuart]

Appreciate the responses.

I rode through the Kingston plains area a few weeks ago and Baraga plains last week with a group I was with - both were mentioned in various places online as legit off trail areas... but you folks are saying that I could just pull off trail anyplace I wanted if it is not specifically signed to keep out of?

 

[MadMax]

As long it's on state or fed land..... Private land will be marked by the people in charge of the trail systems you are passing through....My GPS shows state and fed land right on my screen, pretty neat feature. It would be wise to get an up to date trail map because it would show you the outline of the areas OK to ride. Have fun in Da-yooper...... Most people up there will bend over backwards to help a sledder from out of state...... MM.

 

[Stu]

Appreciate the responses.

I rode through the Kingston plains area a few weeks ago and Baraga plains last week with a group I was with - both were mentioned in various places online as legit off trail areas... but you folks are saying that I could just pull off trail anyplace I wanted if it is not specifically signed to keep out of?

This is correct for state and fed owned land (not privately owned). The swamps +5 miles north of Newberry between M-123 and CR 407 are pretty much my favorite place to ride. Also ANY county road (preferably unplowed) is legal to ride on (most counties) doesn't hurt to check but riding off trail in the UP most often not illegal.

 

[Ding]

The forest roads in the hilly country around Munising, and Marquette, also west of Big Bay, and in the Keweenaw are great places to ride and obtain access to great federal and state land open to snowmobiling. There are even opportunities for extreme riding. Conditions are great right now, like a local rider just said to me yesterday "if you head off-trail you better do it with a purpose and you will get stuck at some point so be prepared". This is the best snow they have had in many years.