Welcome to the beauty of the Ottawa National Forest's land and bountiful waterfalls that dot the approximate one million acres in the western end of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. This area is known for its hearty and friendly people as well as its hardwood forest, fishing, deer, grouse and bear hunting, spectacular fall colors, canoeing and plentiful winter snows.

The US Forest Service has updated the regulations for ATV riding in the Ottawa National Forest. These updates affect all recreational riding including hunting, fishing and any other transporting to activities within the national forest areas.

All roads and trails open to ORV use are displayed on a Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM). The MVUM reflects the designated system of roads and trails available for motor vehicle use by vehicle class (e.g., OHV motorcycle, passenger vehicle, etc.) and if appropriate, by time of year. These maps are available to the public free of charge. The MVUM will be updated annually to incorporte any changes/additions/re-routes, etc.

Motorized vehicles are not permitted in federally designated wildernesses. In the Ottawa these areas include: McCormick Wilderness, Sturgeon River Gorge and the Sylvania Wilderness.

Maps can be obtained at the Ottawa National Forest Office on US 2 in Ironwood, Michigan or call 906-932-1330 or online at: www.fs.fed.us/r9/ottawa

Trail Maps:

BILL NICHOLLS RAIL - TRAIL (.8meg. pdf)

IRON RIVER - MARENISCO ROUTE (1.8meg. pdf)

Additional DNR ATV Maps

Please enjoy your forest experience and be sure to check the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Off-Road Vehicle Guide for rules, licensing information, and State of Michigan designated ORV trail maps. The DNR can be reached at:

MI Department of Natural Resources
PO Box 440
Baraga, MI 49908
(906) 353-6651
www.dnr.state.mi.us

For more information on the Ottawa National Forest, please call 1-800-562-1201 (toll free in Michigan and 715 area code in Wisconsin).