[keithert]

This summer I will be taking a trip to the Newberry MI area coming in from the Wisconsin side. I'd like to stay off of highways as much as possible. Are there logging roads that would take me that route? Also looking for places to go offroading in the Jeep from Newberry south to St Ignace. I've down searches on offroading in MI but most trails I've found say they are for ATV's not Jeeps.

 

[Mud Machine]

Last fall eleven of us spent over 200 miles in the wood of the U.P. without even seeing the same trail twice. Check out the Hiawatha National Forest. It's located in the central U.P. and there are many maps available. The best part is that you will be 100% legal and welcomed. (You must purchase an ORV Sticker for $16.25) I used a forest service map http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5155621.pdf and just plotted a course with a highlighter. A word of warning...don't just wing it. There are so many trails that it is almost overwhelming. You can go from Rapid River to Munising using nothing but trails. Google some more maps as I am 100% certain you will be able to go from Rapid River right to Newberry with very little roads. Surfaces range from sand, gravel, fire roads and two tracks. If you have any questions after plotting a course let me know as I am somewhat familiar with the area as well as some cool places to see.

 

[bridger04]

PURE Michigan!! I love it, thats great advice/info Mud Machine. I've had good luck in the western UP as well. Welcome indeed, yoopers love to have flatlanders spend their money on their turf. Everyones friendly, laid back, easy come easy go......if only the rest of the world would take note. Michigans sticker program is a success, now if wisconsin could get their act together. If not already doing so, WE all need to stand behind WOHVA as they fight for our privelage to wheel and more importantly help acheive a sticker program similar to MI's,,,,,,,,,,,,ahhhhhhh, the weathers getting warmer, time to load up the jeep point it north, and get the hell out of dodge, your trip begins at puremichigan.org

 

[JeepXJMike20]

i heard drummond island is nice to wheel at upper michigan.

 

[keithert]

Thanks for the great info. I ordered the DeLorme gazetter map book today.

 

[keithert]

What looks promising is FR 2231 from Rapid River to Moss Lake. On the FRS map I don't see 2231 past Moss Lake. On Google maps 2231 is called 28 rd.
It looks like I can take 28 to 29 and take that to Indian Lake. Any comments on that stretch?

 

[Mud Machine]

I took this route. It looks like you are going to Big Springs on Indian Lake to ride the open bottom raft. If not you absolutely need to. I can give you more details if you are not. I will try to get a chance to scan and send you my route. It is highlighted all the way there and then on North to Munising. #2231 goes almost all the way to Indian Lake (this is mainly gravel but a nice ride in the national forest) but you will eventually have to pick another road/trail. We went a little north and then back south just to try out a trail. It was worth it. These roads (at least in most areas) are all marked with forest service numbered signs. Damn, now you are making me want to do it again. In fact if you want, P.M. me the date you are coming through and if I am open I might be able to show you the way, at least to Munising. We also took an awesome trail from Munising back to Rapid River. This was the coolest section we took. Partially because it was a fall run and it was like being in a tunnel of leaves. (See Pic) If this fits into your plans for the ride back I can try to get you that highlighted route also. Fun times ahead my fellow Jeeper. :highfive:

 

[paul olllllllo]

This summer I will be taking a trip to the Newberry MI area coming in from the Wisconsin side. I'd like to stay off of highways as much as possible. Are there logging roads that would take me that route? Also looking for places to go offroading in the Jeep from Newberry south to St Ignace. I've down searches on offroading in MI but most trails I've found say they are for ATV's not Jeeps.

Hey, look. Whatever you did, I am sure it was for a reason. Just turn yourself in and I am sure the law will take it easy on you. Good luck.

 

[Jason]

tunnel of leaves. (See Pic)

Awesome pic.

Hey, look. Whatever you did, I am sure it was for a reason. Just turn yourself in and I am sure the law will take it easy on you. Good luck.

:rofl:

 

[paul olllllllo]

Last fall eleven of us spent over 200 miles in the wood of the U.P. without even seeing the same trail twice. Check out the Hiawatha National Forest. It's located in the central U.P. and there are many maps available. The best part is that you will be 100% legal and welcomed. (You must purchase an ORV Sticker for $16.25) I used a forest service map http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5155621.pdf and just plotted a course with a highlighter. A word of warning...don't just wing it. There are so many trails that it is almost overwhelming. You can go from Rapid River to Munising using nothing but trails. Google some more maps as I am 100% certain you will be able to go from Rapid River right to Newberry with very little roads. Surfaces range from sand, gravel, fire roads and two tracks. If you have any questions after plotting a course let me know as I am somewhat familiar with the area as well as some cool places to see.

Great post and thanks for the map link. I am going to Pictured Rocks this summer and plan to do some easy trails with the family. Your link will make it much easier.

 

[Mud Machine]

Keep in mind this is not the only map for the area. There is another map to get you from Indian Lake area to Munising and a map to get you between Sault Ste Marie and St. Ignace. I haven't seen the last one yet. You can also call them for hard copies. It's more like a small booklet with many pages. They sent them to me free of charge. Again, they welcome you.

Another link.
http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/hiawatha/maps-pubs/?cid=FSEM_033530

:thumbsup:

 

[paul olllllllo]

Keep in mind this is not the only map for the area. There is another map to get you from Indian Lake area to Munising and a map to get you between Sault Ste Marie and St. Ignace. I haven't seen the last one yet. You can also call them for hard copies. It's more like a small booklet with many pages. They sent them to me free of charge. Again, they welcome you.

Another link.
http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/hiawatha/maps-pubs/?cid=FSEM_033530

:thumbsup:

Who exactly do you call? how do you know what map/maps to order? Ha, can you tell I am a city boy?

 

[Mud Machine]

I talked to the people at the Rapid River Ranger District at (906)474-6442. It was actully the Escanaba Ranger District but I couldn't find the number. Either will help you. Ask them for any available maps for the U.P. I believe they are by county. You could also explain the areas you are interested in. These maps would only be for portions of the Hiawatha National Forest not the entire forest or U.P. They may know who to contact for the other areas I'm not sure. Once you get into private land things will really change.

 

[christinawulff]

Mud Machine, can you repost that map PDF link? I keep trying to open it and it won't work. I can't seem to find any good trail maps of the area anywhere.

We just got a Jeep and are from Florida, but are visiting family and friends up North this summer. We plan to see family in Wisconsin and then drive to Higgins Lake, Michigan. We will likely go through Marinette, then the Hiawatha National Forest, then Sault Ste Marie State Forest, and then south to Higgins Lake to meet friends.

If anyone knows of any easy trails or scenic routes we would appreciate it! Planning to camp along the way. Jeep is pretty stock at the moment, but hoping to have better tires and lift installed by this trip.

 

[Mud Machine]

I tried to find the links where I found them in the past but didn't have any luck.

You should start by contacting the Rapid River Forest Service Ranger Station. (906) 474-6442. Likely voicemail
Ask them how you can get the motor vehicle maps for the Hiawatha National Forest. Both the Munising Ranger Districts and the Rapid River / Manistique Ranger District. I'm not sure if you have to pay but they were free at one time. These are great maps.

If you end up getting them contact me and I can give you some ideas on where to go. If the timing is right maybe I can just show you the way.

 

[toximus]

I'd love to join up with you guys too once my Jeep is together! You're talking about my back yard here! In fact, you are welcome to camp in my woods too.

With some luck maybe we can go on a fall run?

 

[toximus]

(You must purchase an ORV Sticker for $16.25)

Depending on the trails you use you may also need the ORV Trail sticker too (another $10).

 

[Mud Machine]

I'd love to join up with you guys too once my Jeep is together! You're talking about my back yard here! In fact, you are welcome to camp in my woods too.

With some luck maybe we can go on a fall run?

I live in Freedom (Between Green Bay and Appleton) which isn't' to far from you. If you ever get over this way let me know. It would be cool to get a chance to talk Jeeps maybe over lunch or something.

I run this fall ride every October so if you are interested in joining let me know. Hell, if you want to pound it out some weekday I can get the time off and you and I can run it. As long as we leave early enough we could run this in one day if we want.

 

[toximus]

I live in Freedom (Between Green Bay and Appleton) which isn't' to far from you. If you ever get over this way let me know. It would be cool to get a chance to talk Jeeps maybe over lunch or something.

I run this fall ride every October so if you are interested in joining let me know. Hell, if you want to pound it out some weekday I can get the time off and you and I can run it. As long as we leave early enough we could run this in one day if we want.

You got it!

Right now I've got considerably more to do on my Jeep to get running again, I tell myself it'll be done by the end of summer but we'll see. Once I'm done I'll post here and see who all wants to go for a color run. Depending on work projects I could probably do it on a week day or take off early on a Friday and make a weekend of it and do a loop up to Copper Harbor or something (I've got a buddy up in Houghton who can guide us on some loops up in there.).

 

[Mud Machine]

Good luck with the Jeep. I hope it stays on schedule and goes together smoothly. Keep us posted.