ATV, UTV and Snowmobile Routes near Allendale, Michigan
When you own an ATV, UTV, or Snowmobile you have access to pieces of wilderness that just can't be reached otherwise. With a few minutes ride you can find yourself far removed from the world, and experience the backcountry in a whole new way.
ATV and UTV Trails
Michigan's lower peninsula has 3,700 miles of trails for off road vehicle use. The trails predominantly run through Michigan's state forests. Half of the system is dedicated to ATV use, while around 20% of the trail system is designated for full sized UTVs. This means that no matter what kind of vehicle you have there are hundreds of miles of paths to explore if you know where to look. We've picked out a few fun rides for you to check out that are a perfect place to take your Polaris® ATV or Can-Am® UTV.
These trails are subject to seasonal closure so make sure to check with local authorities before you plan your ride, and as always make sure that you follow all licensing and safety regulations that pertain to the area you are using.
St. Helens Trail
The St. Helens trail is a ton of fun. This is a fairly easy ride that most riders should be comfortable on, however you'll still have the ability to put your ATV's suspension and and handling to the test through curves. There are also some long straight stretches where you'll have the opportunity to build up some speed. Parts of this trail will hold onto standing water for quite awhile, so be smart before you try to power through a puddle, you might be surprised at how deep it is. Most of this trail system is rated as an ORV Trail, meaning that your vehicle must be a maximum of 50” wide, however there are 23 miles of trails that are rated for full sized UTVs, so you can still use this as a place to play with larger vehicles. All in all the St. Helens trail is 37 miles of awesome backcountry riding you should take the time to explore.
Ogemaw Hills, Ambrose Lake and Rose City Trails
About three hours northeast of Allendale you can find an awesome system of paths that allow you to explore the wilderness of the lower peninsula. The Ogemaw Hills Trail and Route is a beautiful ride that connects to several other trail systems throughout the northern lower peninsula. The Ogemaw hills trail forms an 18 mile loop, however it also connects to the Ambrose Lake Trail which in turn continues on to the Rose City Trail. While none of these trails are more than 20 miles individually, together they form over 60 miles of excellent riding through the forest. To ride between these areas you must be on a trail rated ATV (under 50” wide) but you won't regret it, as it makes a great full day of touring. As with any long distance ride, you will want to consider bringing extra fuel along, or could wind up putting plenty of miles on your hiking boots.
Snowmobile Routes
These snowmobile routes are officially open from the beginning of December through the end of March. Obviously, this is subject to weather conditions. Some of these routes run across private land and are subject to change on a year to year basis. Make sure that when you ride you follow all safety protocols, especially when the route calls for riding on the road.
Route 591, 592, 593
This snowmobile route is a long loop through the heart of Allegan county, just south of Allendale. Starting in Allegan you can ride northeast until route 599 turns you north. After the first junction you'll head west on 593 which takes you north. When you reach 136th avenue you will head back to the east a short way. Just past the 18th St. intersection you will meet with route 591 which you can follow southwest until you reach the junction for route 592 and head directly west. Following this path you will make your way back down and around to your starting point in Allegan.
Route 59 -593
Very near the previously mentioned route (and overlapping in some parts) this track takes you through the western edge of Allegan County. Starting in Hopkins, head southwest until you reach the 599 junction. Follow this south for just a few miles until you reach the junction to continue east on route 59. Following this route you'll eventually loop back around above Wayland, and you'll be able to head back down 593 to your start point.
ORV Resources
- St. Helens Route and Trail Map (North)
- St. Helens Route and Trail Map (South)
- St. Helens Route and Trail Map (West)
- Ogemaw Hills Trail and Route Map
- Ambrose Lake to Ogemaw Hills Trail Map
- Ambrose Lake to Rose City Trail Map
Snowmobile Resources
Whether you're heading out on your Polaris® ATV to explore the trails, or taking a ride on your Arctic Cat® snowmobile to enjoy the beauty of the Michigan winter, you're guaranteed to have a great time in the outdoors here on the lower peninsula. Village Motorsports is proud to be your Polaris®, Can-Am®, and Ski-doo dealer of choice in Michigan!
