Off Trail riding in the Ottawa National Forest

snowdance

snowdance

Member
Is this legal? I thought it was. Somebody I talked to said they thought it was illegal to ride off trail in a national forest? I thought this was public land and OK. I'll make a call to the forest service iI don't get a clear answer. Thanks
 
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anonomoose

New member
"There are approximately 450 miles of groomed snowmobile trails within the Proclamation Boundaries of the Ottawa National Forest. These trails are maintained through a cooperative effort between the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, numerous local snowmobile clubs and the U.S. Forest Service. Generally, the snowmobile season runs for 16 weeks, from December 1st through March 30th on groomed snowmobile trails and un-plowed Ottawa National Forest Roads. After March 1st, each spring, the area of the Ottawa National Forest, which lies south of M-28 and east of Highway M-64, is closed to cross-country snowmobile use to prevent disturbance of nesting eagles. Snowmobiles are permitted to use any designated trails, or Forest Service roads within this area, which have not been snowplowed, signed, gated, or otherwise closed to such use. The remainder of the forest (north of M-28 and west of M-64) is open to cross-country, designated trail use, or operation on unplowed Forest Service roads which have not been closed to such use. Snowmobiling is prohibited in Federally Designated Wildernesses (McCormick, Sturgeon River Gorge and Sylvania Wildernesses) and is permitted only on designated trails within Semi-primitive Non-motorized Management Areas and Wild Segments of Federally Designated Wild and Scenic Rivers Corridors."

http://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/ottawa/recreation/wintersports/?recid=12303&actid=92
 
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blkhwkbob

Active member
Snowdance, it's good that you asked and got the right answer, rather than guessing and possibly getting a big fine or riding somewhere you weren't supposed to be. Have fun up there.
 
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anonomoose

New member
whitedust said:
Said it many times only unplowed FRS others stay off unless marked trail.
Click to expand...


"The remainder of the forest (north of M-28 and west of M-64) is open to cross-country, designated trail use, or operation on unplowed Forest Service roads which have not been closed to such use."

I would read this to mean OPEN TO CROSS COUNTRY, which is not designated trail use, operation on unplowed forest service roads, or anything posted off limits.

I would also print a copy of the full captioned piece sited above and put it in my coat pocket and if stopped sound intelligent and informed by presenting this to any authority who stops you.
 
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whitedust

Well-known member
My problem with cross country in the State, County or National Forest is you never know when on private land so I don't do it. I have that situation 1/4 mile from my house so you have to know who owns what land lots of crossover ownership in straight lines. Both MI & WI as far as FRS if unplowed I ride it if not I don't unless marked trail. Keeps me out of trouble.
 
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