Snowmobiling in Northern Michigan

Michigan is known around the state and country as a premiere snowmobiling destination, and Northern Michigan in particular is home to an extensive trail network criss-crossing the terrain.

The sport of snowmobiling draws thousands of recreation-seekers to Northern Michigan each season, thanks to abundant trail networks, clubs that groom and keep the trails in top condition and hospitable towns and restaurants along the way that cater to the snow-machine set.

Michigan, in fact, boasts top honors in the Midwest, with hundreds of thousands of registered snowmobilers. Several snowmobile clubs have joined forces with the state Department of Natural Resources and others to develop a system of trails throughout Emmet and Charlevoix counties. Several cities also have designated trails and special winter festivals for snowmobilers.

Note: As of October 2000, if your license to operate an automobile has been suspended by Michigan or your home state, you may not operate a snowmobile.

 

Where you can/can’t ride

Most of the trails found in Emmet and Charlevoix counties run on state land, though clubs have made easement agreements with private owners for crossing. Some routes demand county road shoulder runs. Maps are available at chambers of commerce offices and snowmobile dealerships throughout the area.

Emmet County: Snowmobiles are banned from Emmet County roads except for a few miles designated as part of the state trails system.

Petoskey: Snowmobiles are not allowed on city streets.

Harbor Springs: Snowmobilers using trails north of town can enter Harbor Springs on a route from the ball park on Hoyt Street to the city harbormaster’s office on the bay. City residents with snowmobiles are allowed to use city streets to drive in and out of town. They must use the most direct route and obey all traffic laws.

Alanson: A designated, signed snowmobile trail runs through the village. Village residents with snowmobiles are allowed to ride from their homes to the trail using the most direct route. Snowmobiles can be parked in a lot off the alley between East Street and Warren Street.

Pellston: Snowmobiles are allowed to ride through the village on a north-south trail that generally follows the old railroad right of way. Resident snowmobilers are allowed to take the most direct route from their house to the trail or out of town. There is a 10 mph speed limit, and snowmobiles are not allowed in Pioneer Park.

Charlevoix County: Right of way (shoulder) travel is permissible in some locations.

East Jordan: Routes are posted so machines can reach the extensive trail system around the city.

Charlevoix: The city allows limited snowmobile traffic to reach trails.

Boyne City: Snowmobilers are to stay clear of the central business district and stop at all intersections regardless of sign postings, but may use any road shoulder.

Boyne Falls: No set policy, but riders are asked to keep on the shoulders to get in and out of town.

Snowmobile clubs

Following is a list of snowmobile clubs in the area. Many offer Sunday morning breakfasts or bean pots on weekends, and they also organize weekend rides.
 
Petoskey Snowmobile Club, 5125 Evergreen Trail, Petoskey, (231) 347-9170, petoskeysnowmobileclub.org
 
Antrim County Snowmobile Club, 5515 Kregula Road, Alba, (231) 916-9057, antrimcountysnowmobileclub.com

Cheboygan Area Snowmobile Club, 2548 Gaynor Road, Cheboygan, (231) 625-2454

East Jordan Sno-Mobilers Inc., P.O. Box 80, East Jordan, (231) 536-2944, eastjordansnowmobilers.freeservers.com

Jordan Valley Trails Council, P.O. Box 1230, East Jordan, (231) 675-7737, jvtc.org
 
Charlevoix Snowmobile Club, P.O. Box 627, Charlevoix, (231) 547-5511, charlevoixsnowmobile.com
 
Harbor Springs Snowmobile Club, 3151 Kernow Lane, Harbor Springs, (231) 526-5223, harborspringssnowmobile.com
 
Inland Lakes Snowmobile Club, 8351 Big Mac Trail, Indian River, (231) 525-9315, indianriversnowmobiling.org
 
Indian River Snowmobile, Grooming Club, trail grooming information, (231) 238-7371
 
Michigan Snowmobile Association, State association for snowmobiling clubs and trails:
www.msasnow.org; or (800) 246-0260; reports available for the entire state

 

Michigan’s miles

Michigan has more than 6,200 miles of marked and groomed snowmobile trails, and more than 30,000 miles of undeveloped trails in state and federal forests, where permitted.

Michigan is one of only three states that offers a large system of interconnected snowmobile trails.

Approximately 50 percent of the snowmobile trail system is located on private lands; 20 percent on federal lands; 25 percent on state lands; and 5 percent on other public lands.

More than 150 grooming tractors are used by more than 65 grant program sponsors to groom the 6,200-mile trail system.

Source: Michigan Snowmobile Association, Michigan DNR

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