ATV & ORV
St. Ignace gets you started and keeps you going.
When everything finally thaws in St. Ignace, many of our local snowmobile trails don’t disappear with the snow. Instead, they transform! Until the snow comes back again, the self-same trails are ready to host all sorts of ATVs (those little four-wheel thunder machines) and ORVs (basically anything else on wheels that can roar through mud and woods).
Begin your own epic ride through Michigan’s Upper Peninsula in St. Ignace, where accommodations welcome riders with plenty of parking so you can unload once, then hit the trails. Even better, many stays offer breakfast for the early risers, so you can grab coffee and a quick bite knowing that adventures await the minute you step outside.
Safety First: What to Know
Before you venture out, make sure you’re totally covered. Every rider needs a Michigan DNR ORV license and a trail permit for the season. Helmets and eye protection are a must, and anyone under 16 needs a safety training certificate to ride on public land. No one under 10 can operate an ORV. Additionally, your vehicle should have working brakes and throttle, a spark-arrestor-type muffler, and lights that stay on while riding.
Don’t forget the practical stuff: bring plenty of water and fuel, and make sure to grab pertinent offline maps, because “the signal” can get super-sketchy once you’re into the woods. Stick to the rules, stay safe, and you’ll help keep the trails open for many years to come. For the latest maps and trail info, check the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Information Page before you head out.
U.P. Off-Road: Where to begin?
Begin In St. Ignace, of course.
Riders enjoy how accessible everything is here. You don’t need to haul your machine miles out of town just to find a trailhead. Simply stage in St. Ignace and then ride away into the Upper Peninsula.
Example: located within walking distance of the shops on State Street adjacent to the Little Bear East Arena & Community Center, a trailhead for the St. Ignace to Trout Lake Trail allows riders to park, unload, and connect, all within mere minutes.
From there, a marked trail system opens up in multiple directions at different points, linking rail-trails, forest roads, and signed ORV routes across Mackinac County (and beyond!). The place to find information on Upper Peninsula trails is the DNR-designated trails ORV trails and routes map. Check it out.
One Trail System, Four Seasons of Fun
Across the region, these shared pathways connect St. Ignace to places like Moran, Brevort, and farther east towards Cedarville and Hessel. The terrain changes with the seasons, but the structure stays the same: long-distance, connected riding with real destinations along the way.
St. Ignace Trail Favorites
The Core Route: St. Ignace to Trout Lake Trail
Length: ~25 miles
Skill Level: All permitted riders
This former railroad pathway is one of the most straightforward and beautiful rides in the area. Wide, (relatively) smooth, and easy to follow, it’s a natural “first ride” for visitors. Because it’s part of the same corridor used by snowmobiles in winter, it’s also one of the most established and reliable routes in the entire region.
- Travels north from St. Ignace through forest and wetland terrain.
- Passes near Moran and continues to Trout Lake.
- Ideal for a half or full-day ride.
Routes along Highway 2
Build Your Own Loop
Length: Varies
Skill level: Intermediate
Rather than a single trail, this is a network of connected ORV routes and forest roads that let you create your own ride. These routes link St. Ignace to surrounding areas including Brevort, Naubinway, and farther west. Like the snowmobile system, these routes are designed for continuous travel between communities, not just isolated trail segments.
- Multiple entry points from the main corridor (reference the map).
- Mix of gravel roads, sand, and wooded stretches.
- Opportunities to extend your ride.
Riding East Toward Hessel
Length: ~2–3 hours to Hessel (one way)
Skill level: Intermediate to Advanced
This route heads east from St. Ignace into a stretch of the trail system that connects riders toward the Les Cheneaux area and Hessel. It’s a longer ride with a more remote feel, ideal for those looking to go beyond. Plan for extra time and fuel, as distances between stops can be longer and the return ride adds up quickly.
- Access from the St. Ignace trail system near Little Bear East Arena or stage from Moran.
- Mix of wooded trail, open stretches, and occasional lake views.
- Fewer road crossings and a more secluded riding experience Connects into the broader eastern U.P. trail network toward Hessel.
Off the Beaten Path with Forest Roads & Connectors
Length: It’s up to you.
Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced
Look for state forest roads and smaller ORV connectors that branch off the main routes for a more rugged and exploratory experience.
- Accessed from signed ORV routes or paved road crossings
- Conditions vary from hard-packed gravel to sand and rocky terrain
- Function as connectors between larger trail corridors
Helpful Hints for the best Upper Peninsula Ride
➡️ Trail conditions change with the seasons: expect mud in spring and looser, gravelly terrain in summer.
➡️ Watch for ORV route signage to stay on designated paths.
➡️ Printed maps or downloaded GPS files can make a big difference once you’re off the main corridor (and far away from cell phone signals).
What is there to do in St. Ignace?
The riding up here is elite, and after a hard-hitting day on the trails, you can find plenty of aprés trail diversions in St. Ignace, including a thriving Social District. Try the Ice Cream at Molly Moo’s, or a burger and shake (and some great memories) at Clyde’s Drive-In; experience as much of the local cuisine scene as you possibly can. Go bowling if you feel like it. Additionally, a walk along the Huron Boardwalk is considered a must-do, and we suggest peeking into the unique local shops across the street and along the pathway.
You’ll definitely want to check out our iconic area attractions, and if your visit happens to line up with one of our seasonal events, so much the better! In late September, ATV/ORV enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Trek the Mighty Mac event. This is the one where off-road riders cross the Mackinac Bridge in unison, then go on to enjoy a full day of trails, food, and good times in St. Ignace.
➡️ Trek the Mighty Mac – September in St. Ignace!
➡️ Read about St. Ignace events in the St. Ignace Blog.
Links & Resources
➡️ Michigan DNR ORV Trail Information