Driving down Mandan Rd.

[revx6002003]

I am coming up to the Keweenaw on Thursday and always want to climb up Mt. Houghton by foot, and drive for a while down Mandan Rd. I snowmobile down it so wanted to go down it with my truck once to get off the beaten path. I have a F150, how is the road? Could I possibly make a loop all the way to Copper Harbor driving down it? Any info would be appreciated before making this journey.

 

[Admin]

You'll be fine. The mandan is what is called a "capital" road, meaning it is one of the main arteries for logging and is kept in very good shape. A regular auto should be able to make it through all the way from Mandan up around the tip and back west to Copper Harbor. I would suggest heading to High Rock (follow the snowmobile trail) too. Very cool place.

-John

 

[mezz]

Does one need an ORV sticker using the trail?-Mezz

 

[Admin]

Does one need an ORV sticker using the trail?-Mezz

That's a good question and one I was going to bring up in my post, but forgot. I would venture to say, yes. At least to be on the safe side.

-John

 

[m8man]

i'm pretty sure you do. I saw a beamer on the Mandan a week or so ago. heads up for some fast traveling UTV's ...

You should be just fine. It is in great shape and I've run both ways within the last 3 weeks. It's a nice ride. you'll love it.

m8man

 

[revx6002003]

So even though I would be driving down there with my pickup truck I would need a sticker? Even though it is marked as a road on the maps. Where would I get these, and how much? Same place I get my snowmobile trail stickers? Heading up tomorrow and tent camping at Sunset Bay campground.

 

[eao]

No, if the vehicle has license plates and is driven on a forest road it DOES NOT require an ORV sticker UNLESS you leave the road and travel where no road exists.

ORV is defined as any motor vehicle that can be operated cross-country wihout benefit of a road or trail over land, snow and other natural terrain.

Vehicles that are licensed under the Motor Vehicle Code as "street vehicles" require an ORV license only when they are being used as an ORV. A street-licensed ORV does not need an ORV license to use forest roads, but it will need an ORV license if it is used on designated trails or in areas designated for cross-country use.

An ORV license is not required for street-licensed vehicles used on the frozen surface of public waters or designated ORV routes.​

 

[mezz]

IF they stay on the forest road the sticker is not required, considering the number of "trails" one can get to from that road, it would be in their best interest to have the ORV permit, for the $16.25, well worth it in the event they get turned around & end up on any of the designated connecting trails.-Mezz