It's the Law—Land Use Rules

ORV Operation on State-Owned Lands

State Forest Lands: ORV restrictions vary by location.

• Upper Peninsula: ORV operation is permitted on designated trails and forest roads in the Upper Peninsula unless posted closed.
• Lower Peninsula: ORV operation is permitted on all designated trails, designated areas, and designated routes (forest roads that are posted as open) in the Lower Peninsula.
• Statewide: ORV use on designated trails is limited to vehicles 50 inches or less in width. Off-trail or off-route operation outside of a designated area is prohibited except for licensed hunters operating an ORV at speeds of 5 mph or less for the purpose of removing deer, bear, or elk.

State Game Areas: All motorized vehicle operation is prohibited except on established roads open to the public. ORVs are specifically prohibited. These areas are found primarily in the southern third of Michigan.

State Parks and State Recreation Areas: ORV operation is prohibited in all state parks and recreation areas except in designated areas of Silver Lake State Park.

Cross-Country ORV Operation

Cross-country ORV operation on state-owned lands is permitted only at:

• Designated areas at Silver Lake State Park in Oceana County
• St. Helen Motorsport Area in Roscommon County
• Black Mountain Scramble Area in Cheboygan County (the Scramble Area is restricted to ORVs that are 50 inches or less in width)

Other designated areas may be developed in the future.