Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (U.P.) is a premier destination for off-road vehicle (ORV) enthusiasts, offering miles of scenic and challenging trails. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or new to the off-roading scene, the U.P. offers a wide range of experiences—from adrenaline-pumping rides through rugged wilderness to laid-back cruising along lakeshores. With diverse terrain, well-maintained trails, and access to outdoor beauty, the U.P. is the ultimate ORV destination.
Here’s how to plan your perfect ORV adventure, with The Kingfisher Lodge as your base camp.
Why the Upper Peninsula is an ORV Paradise
The U.P. boasts over 3,800 miles of ORV trails, meandering through forests, hills, and along the shores of Lake Michigan and Lake Superior. It’s an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, with a trail for every skill level—from novice to expert. The trails take you through some of the most scenic areas in the state, including state and national forests, rivers, lakes, and wetlands.
The best part? The Upper Peninsula’s ORV-friendly towns make it easy to find trailheads, fuel, and amenities while you explore. And if you’re staying at The Kingfisher Lodge, you’ll be perfectly positioned to experience the heart of the U.P.’s trail network.
Start with the Perfect Location: The Kingfisher Lodge
Located in Cornell, MI, The Kingfisher Lodge is the ideal place to base your ORV adventure. This cozy and secluded lodge is just 20 minutes outside of Escanaba, providing easy access to South Central U.P. trails and popular routes that explore the surrounding wilderness.
Here are a few reasons why Kingfisher Lodge is the perfect spot for your ORV trip:
- Ample parking: The lodge offers plenty of parking space for trucks, trailers, and ORV haulers, making it convenient for groups and families traveling with multiple vehicles.
- Post-ride relaxation: After a long day on the trails, relax in the hot tub and soak in the tranquility of the surrounding nature.
- Convenient location: The lodge is close to Escanaba and Gladstone, where you can easily access restaurants, grocery stores, and gas stations for all your trip essentials.
Where To Go: Trails To Get Your Ride On
The Central UP is packed with thrilling trails that deliver everything from peaceful, scenic rides to challenging backcountry routes. Each of these trails offers a unique ORV experience, from challenging terrain to peaceful rides through beautiful forests. They are all conveniently located near The Kingfisher Lodge, making it the perfect base camp for exploring the best ORV routes in the Central UP! Whether you're after long, smooth trails or some off-the-beaten-path excitement, we’ve got you covered, here's our top spots.
1. Escanaba to Hermansville Rail Trail (28 min away)
The Escanaba to Hermansville Rail Trail offers an incredible 25.5-mile ride along the historic Soo Line Railroad. This crushed-gravel trail is ideal for ORV riders seeking both a smooth ride and scenic beauty. Heavily wooded areas, rolling hills, and bridges with panoramic winter views make it an exciting yet peaceful trail. Easily accessible from Escanaba, the trail winds its way to Hermansville, providing an excellent day-long ORV experience through Michigan’s beautiful landscape. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced rider, this trail delivers a fantastic blend of nature and fun.
2. Felch Grade Trail (24 min away)
Stretching 45 miles along M69 near Felch, the Felch Grade Trail is a ORV hotspot that offers a more rugged riding experience. Known for its wildlife sightings and forest-lined paths, this trail gives riders a chance to enjoy the peaceful winter landscape of the UP. The trail’s challenging terrain, which includes sharp turns and elevation changes, makes it an adventurous ride for those looking to push their skills. It’s also a favorite among mountain bikers during the off-season, so be on the lookout when enjoying this exciting route.
3. Nahma Grade Trail (37 min away)
The Nahma Grade Trail is a lesser-known gem that offers 27 miles of fantastic riding through the Hiawatha National Forest. Located just east of Rapid River, this trail follows an old logging railway, winding through pine forests and wet lowlands. It's perfect for ORV riders looking for a mix of serene, scenic riding and occasional bursts of challenging terrain. The wide, open spaces and excellent grooming make this trail a pleasure to ride, especially for those seeking a more relaxed ORV experience with fewer crowds.
4. Haywire Grade Trail (65 min away)
The Haywire Grade Trail is a 35-mile trail that runs from Manistique to Shingleton and offers one of the most scenic rides in the UP. As Michigan’s first rail-trail, it winds through six different forest ecosystems, providing a mix of towering hardwoods, beautiful wetlands, and rivers. With regular grooming, the trail offers a smooth and enjoyable experience for all skill levels. However, riders should stick to the trail as the surrounding swamps can be hazardous. This historic route promises an exciting and beautiful ORV adventure.
5. Coalwood Trail (50 min away)
The Coalwood Trail offers ORV riders an exciting ride through a variety of terrains in the Hiawatha National Forest. This 26.4-mile trail is perfect for those seeking a challenging yet scenic experience, with winding paths that take you through dense woods and across open stretches of land. Along the way, you’ll find some of the most pristine and untouched landscapes, making it an adventure well worth the effort. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just looking for a new route to explore, the Coalwood Trail won’t disappoint.
6. Little Lake to Chatham (41 min away)
The trail connecting Little Lake to Chatham is part of Trail 8 and offers one of the best ORV experiences in the Upper Peninsula. This route takes you through a mix of dense forests and wide-open spaces, providing riders with spectacular views and exciting terrain. Frequent grooming ensures a smooth ride throughout the season. Chatham is a friendly stop along the way, offering food, fuel, and hospitality.
7. Forest Islands ORV Trail (40 min away)
The Forest Islands ORV Trail is a quiet and remote trail located deep within the Hiawatha National Forest. Spanning 38 miles, this trail is perfect for ORV riders seeking solitude and natural beauty. Winding through dense forests and open clearings, the trail offers a unique opportunity to experience the wild, untouched landscapes of the UP. Regular grooming ensures a smooth ride, while the peaceful surroundings make this trail a favorite for those looking to escape the crowds.
8. Moss Lake ORV Trail (40 min away)
The Moss Lake ORV Trail is known for its challenging terrain and technical riding, making it a perfect trail for experienced ORV riders. This 21-mile loop, located east of Rapid River, takes riders deep into the Hiawatha National Forest, where the rugged landscape and old growth trees create a breathtaking ORV adventure. With steep hills, narrow turns, and dense forest, the Moss Lake Trail is as thrilling as it is beautiful, offering a ride that’s both exhilarating and rewarding.
9. Garden Grade ORV Trail (50 min away)
The Garden Grade ORV Trail, located in the Hiawatha National Forest, is a beautiful 18-mile trail that takes ORV riders through some of the most scenic landscapes in the UP. With its tree-lined paths and serene atmosphere, this trail offers a peaceful escape for riders looking to enjoy the quieter side of ORV riding. The trail is well-maintained and less crowded than others, making it a hidden gem for those seeking a tranquil ride in the heart of nature.
ORV Trail Resources
For detailed trail information in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, here are some useful websites:
- Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) - This official site offers maps, trail conditions, and permits for ORV trails across the Upper Peninsula. It’s a great resource for understanding regulations and trail closures or openings.
- Michigan Trails and Recreation Alliance of Land and the Environment (MI-TRALE) - MI-TRALE maintains many trails in the western U.P. and provides trail maps, conditions, and information on ORV routes, including the Western Upper Peninsula's extensive ORV network.
- Ride the U.P. - This site focuses on ATV and ORV trails in the U.P., offering interactive maps and trip planning tools for riders. It covers the major trail systems, providing details on difficulty, trail conditions, and nearby amenities.
- AllTrails U.P. ORV Trails - AllTrails is a popular app and website for exploring outdoor trails, including off-road routes. You can find user-generated reviews, maps, and GPS-guided routes for ORV and ATV trails in the Upper Peninsula.
- Trailshead U.P. - This site offers interactive trail maps for both snowmobiles and ORVs, with information about trailheads, nearby businesses, and updated trail conditions. It focuses on tourism and exploration of the U.P.
- UP Travel ORV - UPTRA provides a comprehensive guide to the U.P., including trail maps for ORV and ATV riders, with suggestions for scenic routes, trip itineraries, and seasonal updates for trail availability.
Unwind and Have Fun at the Lodge
After a day of riding, The Kingfisher Lodge is the perfect place to kick back and relax. Soothe your muscles in the hot tub, enjoy some downtime in the media room with a 75" TV and Xbox, or get competitive with a game of shuffleboard or enjoy drinks around the bar. Our spacious lodge comfortably sleeps 12 and has everything you need for an unforgettable stay, including a large kitchen and dining area for your group meals.
Ample Parking for Your Rigs
Other Fun in the Area
Ready for more than just ORV trails? Try your hand at fishing in one of the nearby rivers or lakes, or head to the Island Resort and Casino for some gaming, live shows, and dining. Want to stay in? Gather your friends for a cozy night in front of the fire or take a leisurely soak in the hot tub under the stars.
Dining and Supplies Nearby
Fuel up before hitting the trails or grab dinner after a long day at one of these great local spots:
- Freshwater Tavern – Great food with stunning waterfront views.
- The Stone House – A local favorite for hearty, gourmet meals.
- Upper Hand Brewery – Grab a craft beer and unwind with friends.
Need to stock up? Here’s where to get everything you need:
- Elmer’s Market – Fresh produce and bakery items.
- Walmart – Convenient for all your trail essentials.
- Frapps Meat Market – Perfect for grabbing steaks or supplies for a cozy lodge dinner.
Book Now and Save 15%
Book your getaway at The Kingfisher Lodge today and get ready for an unforgettable ORV adventure in the Central UP. Whether you’re here for the endless trails or just looking for an escape with friends and family, our lodge has everything you need for an amazing stay! Give us a call if you need help planning your ORV getaway or book online and save 15% over AirBNB and VRBO.