Michigan is a great place to go snowmobiling, as it offers a plethora of trails to ride on and enjoy. The land offers many deep forests and frozen lakes (still check the conditions beforehand). Stop in at any one of the many snowmobile-sociable communities to rest and get a quick hot bite of food.
Michigan is one of the friendliest snowmobiling states, but you first need to know where to go to enjoy the fun. Michigan is one of several states that offer many trails to enjoy. Still, it’s the only one that offers snowmobiling in both the upper and low peninsula (given it’s the only state divided by a Great Lake).
Where Can You Snowmobile in Michigan?
Without further ado, here is our list of the best 24 snowmobile trails in Michigan:
Upper Peninsula
- Brimley
- Chippewa County
- Drummond Island
- Grand Marais
- Houghton County
- Keweenaw County
- Lake Gogebic
- Marquette
- Munising
- Newaygo Country
- Paradise
- Sault Ste. Marie
Lower Peninsula
- Allegan County
- Benzie County
- Cadillac
- Cheboygan
- Deckerville
- Gaylord
- New Buffalo
- Oscoda County
- Rose City
- Sanilac County
- Traverse City
- Wellston Area
Let’s take a closer look at the most popular snowmobile trails in Michigan!
24 Best Snowmobile Trails in Michigan
12 Well-Known Upper Peninsula Snowmobile Trails
What makes the Upper Peninsula such a worthwhile venture for snowmobiling? There are over 3,000 miles worth of snowmobile trails with optimum riding conditions in the winter. On top of that, the views are amazing. Besides the trails, you can also visit the state parks, lakes and ice caves.
If you’re looking to go snowmobiling, what trails does the upper peninsula of Michigan have to offer?
1. Brimley
This location can be found along the Upper Peninsula’s eastern side – on the shores of Lake Superior. Brimley offers many miles of trails that eventually bring you to Sault Ste. Marie, located on the northeast part of the peninsula. While riding, you can take in the lakeside sights and excellent snow.
2. Chippewa County
There are a little more than 400 miles of well-cared-for snowmobile trails. There are 36 snowmobiling Michigan trails, and Chippewa County is ranked as the 10th most popular. Many of the best snowmobile trails can be found in this county.
3. Drummond Island
This area is known for all its outdoor excursions (both winter and summer) and offers plenty of sights to take in and enjoy. Located on the eastern side of the state, there are more than 100 miles of snowmobiling trails to check out and ride.
4. Grand Marais
In the central region of the UP is Grand Marais. It’s located adjacent to Lake Superior, with the Sno-Trails Association takes care of its trails. They are committed to making sure the trail is safe for people to have fun.
5. Houghton County
In Houghton County is the city of Houghton with a 177-mile snowmobile trail with four nice loops to ride around. Since these trails are taken great care of, it’s regarded as a very popular Michigan snowmobile trail.
6. Keweenaw County
There are more than 230 miles of preserved snowmobiling trails of Keweenaw County that includes the Bill Nichols Trail and Brockway Mountain Trail. Its peninsula extends 100 miles into Lake Superior.
7. Lake Gogebic
One of the UP Michigan’s best-hidden secrets is located around Lake Gogebic, found in the western part. There are hundreds of miles worth of trails winding in and out of the forests. With a yearly average of 200 inches each winter, snowmobilers can partake in the fun the snow has to give.
8. Marquette
There is a massive trail system in Marquette, all of which are maintained quite well and provide ample snowfall to enjoy. There is also plenty of places to gas up near the trails, which means riders can fuel up before venturing out once again.
9. Munising
This town is regarded as the “Snowmobile Capital of the Midwest,” which is why most families head here. 10 trails span 300 miles. Not only are the trails outstanding, but the forests are stunning when the snow is fresh. There are numerous places to stay if you plan on staying for long.
10. Newaygo Country
There are 45 miles of well-cared-for snowmobile trail in the Baldwin/White Cloud Ranger District that runs into the Honeymoon Trail.
11. Paradise
Paradise fits its name well with hundreds of taken-care-of snowmobile trails for all kinds of outdoor adventures. Check out the Whitefish Point Lighthouse and the Tahquamenon Falls State Park to get the most out of your winter vacation.
12. Sault Ste. Marie
There are more than 100 miles of trails to snowmobile in the Sault Ste. Marie region. Here, riders can check out the Upper Peninsula areas of Cedarville, Newberry, Paradise, Pickford and Strongs. Sault Ste. Marie is also the place where avid snowmobilers can take part in the International 500, which is held at the I-500 Snowmobile Race Track.
12 Well-Known Lower Peninsula Snowmobile Trails
There is no doubt how breathtaking the views are along the UP trails, but the Lower Peninsula also has its fair share of enjoyable spots. Multiple snowmobile clubs tirelessly work to ensure the trails are in great shape that can be enjoyed all winter long.
1. Allegan County
With 98 miles of well-cared-for trails, Allegan County brings in snowmobilers from all across the Midwest. It’s also home to historic places and an array of events that can be enjoyed any time of the year, including winter.
2. Benzie County
This county has 135 miles of prepared snowmobile trails that are also clearly marked to ensure riders won’t get lost. Benzie County, located to the southwest of Traverse City, has two exceptionally-groomed trails, such as the Platte River Trail, where snowmobilers can get to either Maple City or Empire of Leelanau County.
3. Cadillac
200 miles of beautified trails, this is what Cadillac has to offer. The trail ties the south and north together, great for sledding or snowmobiling. One of its more popular trails is the White Pine Trails located in Fred Meijer White Pine Trail State Park. It’s about 90 miles long that includes an 88-mile section from Cadillac to Grand Rapids.
4. Cheboygan
There are roughly 500 miles of snowmobile trails for riders to have fun along. From here, riders can reach Gaylord. They can also explore the Black Mountain Recreation Area, which is a popular spot for avid snowmobilers.
5. Deckerville
If you want to learn about the snowmobile trails in Deckerville, you need to reach out to the Thumbs Up Snowmobile Club. The trails also lead to the Sanilac County trail systems, allowing you to explore even more of the area.
6. Gaylord
The Gaylord area is great for snowmobiling because it’s located in the Snowbelt region of the state. The average annual snowfall here is more than 180 inches, which means it’s got the best conditions to snowmobile in. The area is also ripe with various lodgings when you need to take a break from your day excursion.
7. New Buffalo
There is a well-defined snowmobile trail in the New Buffalo area, running along the Michigan and Indiana state line. Snowbusters Snowmobile Club maintains the trail to ensure snowmobilers are safe while riding. The trail connects to various other trail systems in more rural parts. Many events and rallying points are offered to riders.
8. Oscoda County
There are roughly 120 miles of snowmobiling territory in Oscoda County. Oscoda has some of the best trails and is regarded as one of the top 10 best snowmobiling trails in the state.
9. Rose City
The Ogemaw Hills Snowmobile Club has taken it upon themselves to maintain the trails offered around Rose City. Some trails are less than 100 miles long, while others are more than that. While riding, you could find yourself at Frank Alley Memorial Park.
10. Sanilac County
There are over 100 miles of well-preserved trails, with all of them on private land. Winter in the eastern portion of Michigan is an experience you’ll never forget. Have fun along the Thumbs Up Snowmobile Trail. There are over five trails spanning a distance of 122 miles. When in Sanilac County, check out Port Sanilac and Sanilac Shores Underwater Preserve.
11. Traverse City
There are miles and miles of well-cared-for snowmobile trails in Traverse City. In fact, the High Lake Spur Staging Area offers great trail access. The Traverse Area Recreation and Transportation Trail is just one of many stretches in Traverse City, with acres of marked corridors that connect so you’re sure never to become bored. Trails are most accessible during the summer but do have some winter fun for snowmobilers.
12. Wellston Area
Wellston Area has nearly 40 miles of well-maintained trails that extend to the Ward Hills Trail and Udell Trail system. The Manistee-Huron National Forest snowmobiling trails are taken great care of by Wellston Area Tourist Association members.
Conclusion
Where are the best places to go snowmobiling in Michigan? We have gathered 24 examples for you! But if you’re a newbie snowmobiler, it’s crucial to get some help from a local club to get some pointers on how to ride safely to enjoy the scenery the trails have to offer. A local club will also hold various functions and rides, which builds camaraderie with others in the group.
Before you go snowmobiling, go to msasnow.org to get up-to-date information about trail conditions and new snowmobile clubs! Then let’s go and visit one of the best places to ride a snowmobile in Colorado!
References:
https://www.michigan.org/article/trip-idea/guide-snowmobile-trails-michigan
