Huron-Manistee National Forest
Huron-Manistee National Forest is an easy 200+ miles off-road trail near Cadillac, MI, best run May - October. The gear list marks ORV permit as required, and All-terrain tires and 4WD capability as recommended. A stock high-clearance 4x4 can run it; check the gear list before you go.
Trail Conditions
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The Huron-Manistee National Forest sprawls across Michigan's Lower Peninsula, offering nearly a million acres of sandy pine forest laced with easy two-track roads perfect for overlanding adventures. The forest's sandy soils support vast jack pine barrens and towering red pine plantations, while the Au Sable River corridor provides some of the state's most scenic waterway access. Forest roads connect pristine inland lakes, remote campgrounds, and quiet fishing spots that feel worlds away from Michigan's populated lower regions.
Fun Facts
The Huron-Manistee is actually two forests combined in 1945, totaling nearly a million acres.
The Au Sable River was the highway of the Michigan lumber boom, floating billions of board feet of pine downstream.
The Kirtland's warbler, one of America's rarest birds, nests almost exclusively in this forest's jack pine barrens.
🛞 Tires
🔧 Suspension
⚙️ Drivetrain
🪢 Recovery
📦 Other
Closest campgrounds to Huron-Manistee National Forest:
- Birchwood Resort & Campground · Cadillac · 3 mi (straight-line)
- Hemlock Campground · Cadillac · 5 mi (straight-line)
- Goose Lake Campground · Lake City · 11 mi (straight-line)
- Lake Billings Campground · Manton · 11 mi (straight-line)
- Baxter Bridge Campground · Manton · 18 mi (straight-line)
- Government Landing · Dickson · 24 mi (straight-line)
Straight-line distance. Check the map for drive time.
GPS Coordinates
Import into Gaia GPS, OnX Offroad, or Garmin
Map of Cadillac, MI
5-Day Forecast
Nearby Trails
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
Stock rigs can usually run this trail, but the right tire size and fitment make it more enjoyable.
Tire Size Calculator
Convert tire sizes and compare diameter differences before you swap.
Verify your stock tires meet minimum clearance for this trail.
Gear Ratio Calculator
Find the right gear ratio after lifting or upsizing tires.
Re-gear after a tire upgrade to restore trail torque and MPG.
Wheel Fitment Calculator
Calculate backspacing and offset so wider wheels clear your suspension.
Ensure any wheel upgrade clears your factory suspension.