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Drummond Island ORV and ATV Trails
S.U.V. climbing rock shelves
The Steps at Marble Head.
What makes Drummond Island the ORV paradise of Michigan? Is it the miles of routes and trails resting beneath the tree canopy? Is it the scenic view of wildlife? The variety of trails and routes suitable for experts and novices alike? The easily accessed food, lodging, entertainment, service, or emergency aid? The clear signage indicating location, destination, and points of interest? Well, yes,  it is, but all of the items above make it a really good trail system; what makes it great is the ‘secret sauce.’ 

​There you have it; that is what sets Drummond Island apart. It’s a riding adventure, and the trails are fun. The off-road vehicle (ORV) trails on Drummond are some of Michigan's most scenic and rugged. Drummond’s DNR-sponsored trail system is the largest closed-loop ORV system in the state. With over 60 miles of ATV trails and 40 miles of ORV routes, there’s much to explore!

​Also, Drummond Island's appeal extends beyond riding enthusiasts. Many non-riding outdoor enthusiasts have discovered the ATV trails as a great way to hike into the Island’s interior for exploration or photography. The versatility of the ATV and ORV routes is evident in their popularity even in winter, but only on state land. Please note that snowmobile trails crossing private property are not legal for ORVs.
​Drummond Island’s ORV system contains a wide variety of terrain. From picturesque hardwood forests to expansive, wide-open meadows spiced up with occasional short rock climbs. Discover island routes along stone ridges carved out by Lake Huron and the last Ice Age. And ride loops that take you near the shore of Lake Huron for some exceptional vistas and distant views of the Canadian shore. 
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If challenging trails set deep into the woods can be considered a treasure, then Drummond Island has the mother lode. Drummond’s trails lend themselves to long, extended trail rides where you’ll want to take water, food, first aid, tools, and extra clothing. With the rugged nature of Drummond’s ATV trails, 4x4 utility ATVs are preferred. Even though utility-style quads and 4x4s lend themselves more to the ride Drummond offers, side-by-sides have ample trails to explore on the ORV routes.
Stock full-sized ORVs and 4x4s can certainly handle most of the island’s full-size routes, but it is highly recommended that they be equipped with skid plates because the bottom side of any full-sized ORV is going to find itself “making contact” with Drummond along the way. Tow hooks are a great idea; lockers or limited slip differentials definitely help but are not absolutely necessary. The key is vehicle ground clearance and 4x4 capability. This is where you will get your money’s worth from an aftermarket suspension lift and/or tire upgrade!
​​Remember: riding along the shore or beach or in the water is illegal in Michigan and on Drummond Island. Please, help protect the island: do not follow illegal tracks and bear in mind, the island has an active state forest so you may experience ongoing logging operations at points along your way.
Drummond’s trail system is no place for high rates of speed. Please be smart and ride safely. 
​We look forward to seeing you on some of Drummond’s trails soon. And don’t forget - always “Tread Lightly!” 
Beaver's ATV Rental logo
Beaver's ATV rental is located on Drummond Island
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Discover Drummond Island Adventure Tours offering guided ATV and ORV tours and snowmobile tours for self-owned vehicles. NEW: Fossil Ledges Tour for up to 4 people. Reservations, call 231-903-2146.
Drummond Island ORV difficulty map
Drummond Island ORV Difficulty Map. Know what type of vehicle you can take where. Click to download.
Drummond Island Off-road Club logo
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​Trail Highlights
The Steps at Marble Head
​Leading into Marble Head, these rock shelves guard the approach to the over look viewing the False Detour Channel and Cockburn Island, ON., Canada.
Glen Cove Beach
The Glen Cove parking lot is a good place to leave your car if you are planning to hike the well-marked trail to the Marble Head.
(Note: It is an 8-mile hike, round trip)
Shale Beach
The beach is about 2 miles in length and has a rolling hills feeling like sand dunes made up of small pure white rounded shale stones. It's a favorite place to picnic, walk the beach and skip stones.
(Note: Swimming can be very dangerous here.
 Additional Trails to Explore
  • The Meadows Trail
  • Adventure Trail
  • The Tight Twisty's
  • Fourth Lake Overlook
Stop at the Visitor's Center for information about these locations.

Turtle Ridge
​Off-Road Park

Drummond Island Resort is the proud home of Turtle Ridge ORV Park. Turtle Ridge has over 500 acres of prime off-road vehicle trails. The course is carved out of the island's natural limestone and provides thrills and excitement for all those who experience it.  
​For details call: 906.493.1000

Day Pass: $30 per vehicle, no additional charge for passengers.
Season Pass: $60 for resort guests, $100 for non-resort guests.
Waivers must be signed and fees paid at the Lodge at Drummond Island Resort located at 33494 S Maxton Road before entering the park. 

The Drummond trail system should be
the guide that all other trail systems follow"

- Mike Schaffer, President, ATV Offroad Club

      Rules of the Trails 
  • Excellent multi-use trail maps are available locally from a variety of local businesses and the Drummond Island Tourism Association.
  • Trail system use requires a State of Michigan ORV license, available locally; funds from the ORV license sales are put back into the trail system.
  • Full size ORVs (Jeeps, Hummers, etc.) may only use trails marked as an “ORV Route,” while bikes and ATVs can use those trails and trails also marked as an “ORV Trail.” 
  • Depending on the time of year, you’ll want to pack insect repellent, water, food, and appropriate outer wear.
  • With regard to ATVs and cycles, helmets are mandatory, and you can only ride as many riders on an ATV as recommended by the manufacturer (i.e., no “2-up riding” except on ATVs rated for two people.)
  • Be sure that you ALWAYS stay on the marked trails, do not cross streams or drive your ORV on any of Drummond’s beaches, shoreline or in any lake.​
  • Because over a third of the island is NOT public, watch for private property signs and “No Motor Vehicle” signs when running Drummond’s public trails. As long as you stay on the posted trail system and stay ‘between the trees’ you won’t have any problems as all!
While riding on ​Drummond Island:  
IT IS ILLEGAL TO...
  • Operate an ORV on any wet lands, to include lakes, shorelines, swamps, bogs, marshes (wet or dry), streams or rivers, or ride on Great Lakes shoreline or beaches, unless it is otherwise designated as part of a trail. 
  • Operate an ORV off the marked trail.   (Consult the DNR ORV handbook for further information)
  • Operate an ORV on private property, posted or not posted, unless you have permission from the land owner.
  • Operate an ORV on any State Highway including M-134. 
    ​All Drummond Township and Chippewa County roads are open to ORV traffic.
  • Operate an ORV under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Operate an ORV without a helmet.
  • Operate an ORV with a passenger on a one up machine.
  • Operate an ORV on a closed snowmobile trail or ski trail ​ (these trails are numbered 493, 492, 496, 510, 490, 495, & 489-ORV trails are numbered 1-27)
​Additionally...
  • ORV Speed limits are 25 mph on all county roads unless posted lower.​
  • You must ride single file on the far right side of the road.