Winter is off to a snowy start, providing lots of opportunities to embrace the elements and take to the trails. It’s also a good time to remember ways to ensure your outdoor exploring is as safe and enjoyable as possible. Here are a few reminders before you head to your favorite pathway:
Snowmobiling
Buy your trail permit, check conditions. Michigan’s 6,000-plus miles of DNR-designated snowmobile trails, public roads and public lands (only where riding is authorized) are open Dec. 1-March 31, and trail grooming occurs when there is enough snow on the ground. Purchase your trail permit and find maps at Michigan.gov/Snowmobiling. Be sure to check trail reports and trail closures while planning your excursion, and follow Ride Right safety precautions, including staying on the right side of the trail.
ORV riding
Know where you can go.Off-road vehicle riding is allowed on all county roads that are open in the summer as well as all DNR-designated multiuse trails; note that ORV trails in the Upper Peninsula are marked by letters. Snowmobile-only trails, however, are closed to ORV use Dec. 1-March 31, and snowmobile trails are identified by numbers only on diamond-shaped signs.
In addition, highway rights-of-way are closed until May 1 and therefore are not open to ORVs. (These are areas where the trail runs on the side of state and U.S. highways allowing a trail to connect.) Always be aware of icy sections, especially on morning and evening rides, and ride in a manner that minimizes trail damage given that some trails’ terrain may be soft.
In-the-woods exploring
Wear blaze orange, practice trail etiquette. With the new extended late antlerless firearm season Jan. 2-12 in the southern part of the Lower Peninsula, as well as archery deer hunting season remaining open until Jan. 1, be sure to wear your blaze orange while on the trails. For more details on these seasons, see Michigan.gov/Deer.
Also know when to yield and how to interact with other trail users
by practicing trail etiquette. Remember that courteous communication is often the safest way to pass when interacting with others on the trail. Also stay on marked trails, respect trail conditions and closures, and leave no trace – pack it in, pack it out, and if you see litter, please pick it up.
