Michigan Off-Road Trails

East Center Firelane Trail is an easy, straight-through road that meanders along the edge of the Bentley Marsh, a seasonal destination for thousands of migratory water birds.

Depending on the season, this trail is mostly dirt with sandy sections or shallow mud. Countless trails and two tracks connect with this road. 

There are dozens of dispersed camping sites, including secluded peninsula spots overlooking the marsh. An open, flat campsite for multiple rigs can be found at 43.99013, -84.18078

The aptly named Round About trail is the best way to move quickly around Rocks and Valleys offroad park. The trail acts as a connector to both open scramble areas and the other trails of all challenge levels. The surface is rough dirt and sand, typical for this part of Michigan, with a few small hills to climb. Depending on recent rainfall, there may be areas of standing water, and occasionally, fallen trees cross the path, although the park staff clears anything that would disrupt travel.

About Rocks and Valleys:

Rocks and Valleys is a privately owned offroad park in mid-Michigan. The park offers numerous trails for drivers of all skill levels across 200+ acres. The trails make use of the natural terrain, winding up and down densely wooded hillsides, with additional man-made challenges placed along the way. The park is typically open from April through October but does host occasional winter wheeling events. Rustic camping is available on the property for those wishing to stay very local. It is recommended to check the Rocks and Valleys website for the latest information on rates, hours, payment methods, and special events.

East Firelane Trail is a 2.6-mile trail deep inside the Gladwin State Forest. While not a difficult trail as it lacks obstacles, it is comprised primarily of soft sand and dirt that could turn into mud after heavy rain. There are also miles of unmarked trails throughout this section of the State Forest.

It offers many rustic camping opportunities overlooking marshland or hidden in the forest. A camping spot with a great view can be found at 44.02622, -84.18108.

East Johnson Road is a short down-and-back trail that starts as a two-track with several mud puddles along the way. Some of the mudholes can be soft, so four-wheel drive might be needed. Once the two-track ends, the trail continues on into the forest alongside a swamp that dead ends. There's one spot that will require mud tires or momentum to get through. Depending on how recently it rained, a winch may be necessary.

Pine River Road is an 8.5-mile trail that gives access to more than a dozen forest roads and two tracks in the Huron National Forest. There are sections of dense hardwood and evergreen forests, as well as open areas with young trees and scrub oaks recovering from logging activity.

 At the northern section of the trail, a narrow bridge passes over the South Branch Pine River, known locally for its exceptional fishing. 

No designated campsites are along the road, although dispersed camping is allowed in the national forest. There is also the Pine River Campground, a rustic forest service campground. 

This trail is generally pretty easy, with the most difficult spots having a bypass. This trail runs from West Burns Road to West Baker Road through the Gladwin State Forest. It has plenty of muddy holes, some hill climbs, and sand pits that provide a variety of obstacles. No camping is found along the trail.

Located within the Manistee National Forest, Road 6014 is a two-mile out-and-back two-track consisting of compacted dirt with some light sand in places. The trail is easily traversable by any high clearance vehicle and is open year-round. This gentle trek through dense woodlands is a great trail to seek solitude and enjoy a day on the dirt. There are no camping areas along this road.

Keeley Road is surrounded by a jack pine and hardwood forest along the north side of Mack Lake. The Mack Lake ORV Campground and ORV trail also starts there.  The road surface is primarily hard-packed dirt but can turn muddy with heavy rain or snow melt.