[Cody_00_XJ]

If there are any Michigan wheelers who could lend some knowledge, it would be greatly appreciated.

First of all, i am currently going to college just outside of Grand Rapids (GVSU for those in the know) and I am interested on starting a "student organization/club" with the school and organizing trail rides for interested students with jeeps, trucks, and other 4x4 suv's.

My question comes down to: What/Where are the LEGAL trails/parks located near the Grand Rapids area?

So far, I know of Silver Lake Sand Dunes and the Mounds. Are there any small non-state sponsered orv parks in the area, or Michigan DNR trails? Most of the searching on the DNR website gave me what appears to be only dirtbike and 4 wheeler trails.

Does anyone know if the trails around the Grayling Ntl. Guard base are legal? I have relatives that have property in that Enchanted Forest place off the Waters I75 exit that say there are dirt/sand trails that go to the fences of the base where many locals wheel and take dune buggies. Just looking to make sure those are legal.

Also, is there any legal wheeling in the very north part of Indiana? i searched and came up with The Badlands, but that seems a bit far (remember were broke college kids).

Any info is greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!

[EMTimZJ]

Cody, there are not many legal places in Michigan. I am very happy to hear that you are only interested in LEGAL places to wheel. Check out www.greatlakes4x4.com Search around there for some places. The DNR here enjoys pushing the limits of their interpretation of the law. The Badlands is a very nice place to wheel and is not very far away, an easy four hours from GVSU.

As far as the base, if it is privately owned and you have permission from the land owners (get it in writting if you can!) then it is perfectly legal. Just because there are no signs that say "Keep out" or "No trespassing" does not mean it is ok.

Good luck

[Cody_00_XJ]

EMTim- thanks for the reply. I just registered on that gl4x4 link you gave me and I will start searching through there. Legal wheeling is definatly important, especially with a school club. Thank you!

[CKUPQ]

Originally Posted by Cody_00_XJ

EMTim- thanks for the reply. I just registered on that gl4x4 link you gave me and I will start searching through there. Legal wheeling is definatly important, especially with a school club. Thank you!

You poor poor soul. haha just kidding like EMTim said they's good people, they'll flame your a$$ to no end if you wheel illegally but they's good people. Check out their Rules and Regulations forum it will help you out with rules and such. ... then there is trail rides, Nuff said.

[Puhly]

check out www.swmjeepers.com

[Cody_00_XJ]

Hey, Thanks for the replies.

CKUPQ- yes, i completely understand about the whole illegal thing. It is nearly bad enough with the inquisition everytime someone posts their wheeling pics.

Puhly- thanks for another good link. already found another place to wheel from there: http://www.kidsinthemudd.com/ I guess I will just have to give them a call beforehand.



Kinda offtopic, but where can I get one of those 10' flags all the parks want you to have?

[Arcticcat843]

Welll silver lake sells them and you can get them at most atv shops. You will just have to look around. I went to the kidds in the mudd place yesterday and it is awesome. It is really going to suck if they close it down. There were protesters across the street and they were hiding behind there camper and snapping pics of us They feel that it is missuse of farmland. I think somone just needs to run them over with a jeep but thats jut me. The guy that owns it (i think his name was dave) is a really nice guy and he is trying to get the name out there. Right now they are not open because of the legal crap. So for now they are just leting people come out and play around for free. But when they open i think they plan to charge per vehicle. Im sure it wouldnt be a ton, just enough to cover his gas and stuff.

Also, like puhly said, join SWM jeepers. Im sure we will be making at least one more run there this year. We are also planing a trip to the mounds soon.

Here are a few pics from the kids in the mud farm




I flooded my jeep lol My tools were all underwater and stuff. Heres a little tip for you, when you see everyone staying aways from the seter of a mud hole, dont be the first idiot to try it.


here is the link to the rest of the pics
http://swmjeepers.com/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=60
Chad took alot better ones than me and im sure the other guys will be posting more up soon.

[Cody_00_XJ]

Articcat- I was looking at all of the posts on swmj and i did see you on there. Thanks for the flag heads up. Also, are Kids in mudd and mounds do-able stock? I'm looking at getting a JCR stage one front bumper or Nates rear bumper soon for recovery purposes, but I honestly have no money for tires or anything else (and I have street tires). Also, since I am planning a 4x4 club at my school, it would be more than just jeeps, would you let us all go on runs with your group? On top af all this I still need to convince my mom to let me bring the jeep over here and transfer money form my savings-debit account. Thanks!

edit: also, I noticed something on GL4X4 about an offroad park right by Silver Lake, anyone have any info on that?

[Arcticcat843]

Originally Posted by Cody_00_XJ

Articcat- I was looking at all of the posts on swmj and i did see you on there. Thanks for the flag heads up. Also, are Kids in mudd and mounds do-able stock? I'm looking at getting a JCR stage one front bumper or Nates rear bumper soon for recovery purposes, but I honestly have no money for tires or anything else (and I have street tires). Also, since I am planning a 4x4 club at my school, it would be more than just jeeps, would you let us all go on runs with your group? On top af all this I still need to convince my mom to let me bring the jeep over here and transfer money form my savings-debit account. Thanks!

edit: also, I noticed something on GL4X4 about an offroad park right by Silver Lake, anyone have any info on that?

Well, speig (guy that made the club) has a stock Grand cherokee overlander and he did fine. There was a couple things he couldnt do but i was shocked on what he could do. Mud tires would help alot but you would be fine. You do need some tow points for sure. I dont have front tow points and i wish i did a few times.

As for non jeeps running with us.....Im sure no one would really care. I know i dont. As long as you are having fun it doesnt matter what you are driving.