Explore The Trails During Free ORV Weekends

The Michigan DNR invites off-road enthusiasts to enjoy the first Free ORV Weekend of the year this Saturday and Sunday (6/11, 6/12). Michigan residents and non-residents can legally ride DNR-designated routes and trails this weekend without purchasing an ORV license or trail permit. Riders can save up to $36.25. Here's a bulletin from the DNR.

Michigan’s public ORV trails system covers 3,800 miles of trails and routes throughout the state. Free ORV Weekend also includes the use of the state’s five scramble areas, including St. Helen’s Motorsport Area, Black Lake Scramble Area, Silver Lake State Park, Bull Gap and The Mounds. ORV state-designated trail maps are available at michigan.gov/orvtrails.

During Free ORV Weekends, all ORV rules and laws still apply. Riders should remember that:

Operators under age 16 must have a valid safety training certificate. Michigan will accept ORV/ATV education certifications that are issued by other states and provinces.
Operators and passengers must wear a U.S. Dept. of Transportation-approved crash helmet and protective eyewear.
Riders are encouraged to become familiar with the ORV Handbook of Michigan Off-Road Vehicle Laws, available online, at DNR Customer Service Centers or anywhere hunting and fishing licenses are sold.

"We hope ORV enthusiasts will enjoy riding Michigan's vast ORV trail system and find value in purchasing an ORV license and trail permit for the remainder of the year," said Ron Olson, chief of the DNR Parks and Recreation Division.

"The fees collected from trail riders are directly reinvested back into the ORV system,” Olson said. “These important dollars help fund trail expansion, maintenance and infrastructure improvements, such as bridge and culvert construction and repair, as well law enforcement and the offsetting of damage created by illegal use."

The second Free ORV Weekend is set for August 20-21 – a great opportunity to get a little trail time in with the kids before they head back to school. It’s also an excellent time to head to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula for a long weekend of scenic vistas, miles of uninterrupted trails, friendly lodging and dining experiences.

For more information, contact Maia Turek at turekm@michigan.gov or 989-225-8573 or Rob Katona at katonar@michigan.gov or 906-228-6561.

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