Michigan Jeep trails in Michigan: seeking DNR map interpretation

TJ Don

TJ Don

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I'd like a second opinion on the rules for Jeeps on Michigan trails. Provided is a screenshot from the DNR map. I know we can run on the DNR ORV route (72" width) trails shown in dark brown, I'm not as confident that we can legally traverse the DNR roads open to ORVs shown on the map in green. I have both ORV permits but the language on the DNR site is clear as mud for what the 20 different colors they have for these trails really means. The onX app implies I can take the Jeep on the dark brown and green trails too. I ran a few of these green trails this past weekend but was getting some surprised/miffed looks from a few folks I passed on quads/side-by-sides. Maybe I was in the wrong or maybe these guys were just your run of the mill haters. :)

Before I run afoul of the trail cops, do any of you have experience on interpreting these maps/rules and can you confirm if I'm interpreting this right?

Map1.png
 
FWIW here's a like view of the onX map filtered to High-Clearance 4x4 Trails and Full-Width Roads. Albeit convenient, I wouldn't blindly trust this either. I'm familiar with a bunch of these trails having ridden them on snowmobile; DNR are typically present in the area during Winter.

Map2.png
 
After a pretty long text discussion with my 4x4 club, we're pretty sure the ORV trails that are not specifically called for full width vehicles are for 52" width and under (think four wheelers and small SxS). ORV Routes are OK, as are the seasonal roads. That is our understanding of the rules...

That being said, probably worth a phone call to the local field office though. I am pretty sure its up to the C.O. on how much they enforce.
 
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UPDATE
I sent an email to [email protected] requesting clarification on the brown and green lines. I got a call back this morning from Greg Kinser of DNR who has parks and recreation responsibility for the Northern Lower Peninsula. The short answer is yes, we can take our Jeeps on the DNR ORV routes (72" width) and the DNR roads open to ORVs. I was pleasantly surprised how quickly someone responded, Greg demonstrated he's knowledgeable and passionate on the subject of recreational roads/routes/trails.

Anything that is a ROAD may be traversed by a suitable, plated automobile with a valid registration. This includes all the state forest roads, DNR roads, and any other public roads. The green lines are just roads albeit many of them seasonally double as snowmobile trails during which automobile restrictions may apply. You don't need an ORV License or the ORV Trail Permit to travel on roads, however, Greg implied it's not a bad idea to have all your bases covered with valid automobile registration and ORV permits. State forest and DNR roads are subject to closure based on seasonality, road conditions, military exercises, etc.

Greg was between calls/meetings so our conversation was brief. He gave me his contact information as well as one of his lieutenants that specializes in the Lake and Manistee county area. Not sure if it's appropriate to post here but if you're interested PM me and I'll provide their contact info accordingly.
 
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I've been confused by this and the differences between state and National forest. In the NF I assume it's all legal as they are forest roads, with some that aren't on the map(s ?). On the state/DNR trails/routes/roads I've been on a "track" thinking I'm cool and a mile in I see it's not for Jeeps, oh well...i just keep going. Or I've been on a Jeepable track that turns orv after crossing a road only to see a sign further on making it legal :rolleyes::unsure:
I try to stay off non Jeep tracks but If I fuck up I don't get too worried about it.
 
TJ Don said:
UPDATE
I sent an email to [email protected] requesting clarification on the brown and green lines. I got a call back this morning from Greg Kinser of DNR who has parks and recreation responsibility for the Northern Lower Peninsula. The short answer is yes, we can take our Jeeps on the DNR ORV routes (72" width) and the DNR roads open to ORVs. I was pleasantly surprised how quickly someone responded, Greg demonstrated he's knowledgeable and passionate on the subject of recreational roads/routes/trails.

Anything that is a ROAD may be traversed by a suitable, plated automobile with a valid registration. This includes all the state forest roads, DNR roads, and any other public roads. The green lines are just roads albeit many of them seasonally double as snowmobile trails during which automobile restrictions may apply. You don't need an ORV License or the ORV Trail Permit to travel on roads, however, Greg implied it's not a bad idea to have all your bases covered with valid automobile registration and ORV permits. State forest and DNR roads are subject to closure based on seasonality, road conditions, military exercises, etc.

Greg was between calls/meetings so our conversation was brief. He gave me his contact information as well as one of his lieutenants that specializes in the Lake and Manistee county area. Not sure if it's appropriate to post here but if you're interested PM me and I'll provide their contact info accordingly.
Click to expand...

I would take that information in a PM, if you don’t mind. Thanks for the legwork and follow up
 
matkal said:
I've been confused by this and the differences between state and National forest. In the NF I assume it's all legal as they are forest roads, with some that aren't on the map(s ?). On the state/DNR trails/routes/roads I've been on a "track" thinking I'm cool and a mile in I see it's not for Jeeps, oh well...i just keep going. Or I've been on a Jeepable track that turns orv after crossing a road only to see a sign further on making it legal :rolleyes::unsure:
I try to stay off non Jeep tracks but If I fuck up I don't get too worried about it.
Click to expand...

I was interpreting the maps with a bias that most of the trails are for bikes/quads/SXS largely exclusively. I more or less came away from my conversation with Greg seeing the opposite is true. I’m Gonna try to follow the rules but if it fits, it ships may win out the day anyway. :)
 
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TJ Don said:
I was interpreting the maps with a bias that most of the trails are for bikes/quads/SXS largely exclusively. I more or less came away from my conversation with Greg seeing the opposite is true. I’m Gonna try to follow the rules but if it fits, it ships may win out the day anyway. :)
Click to expand...

I'm with you " if it fits it ships" LOL
Thing is, TJ's can fit through some REALLY tight stuff. 🤘😝🤘

Edit: I've been hanging out in the Huron National Forest and the DNR land near St Helen South of I75
 
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matkal said:
I'm with you " if it fits it ships" LOL
Thing is, TJ's can fit through some REALLY tight stuff. 🤘😝🤘

Edit: I've been hanging out in the Huron National Forest and the DNR land near St Helen South of I75
Click to expand...

Some of the newer SxS that are legal, are wider from the factory than a TJ, which is not legal. Its dumb.

We were cruising around manistee national forest and came up to lincoln bridge over the pine river. Its just a bit too narrow for a TJ, which is a major bummer because the road to it is a route and nothing indicates that its a narrow bridge.
 
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