Visitor Maps and Guides

MI-Trail maps (Note: the Forest Service does not endorse the product or organization nor does the FS exercise any responsibility over the content)

GEMs Walking Trail Maps (Note: the Forest Service does not exercise any responsibility over the content)

Two segments of the North Country Trail traverse the Ottawa National Forest: the Alberta to Cascade Falls segment, and the Cascade Falls to Ironwood segment.

Alberta to Cascade Falls – 79.6 miles: This segment traverses the rugged Trap Hills and passes spectacular waterfalls on the Black River. It also passes through ancient virgin forests and along the rocky Lake Superior shoreline of Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park.

Cascade Falls to Ironwood – 79.4 miles: Hiking this segment is an adventure across a landscape that features streams and waterfalls, rocky escarpments with spectacular views, gently rolling uplands, and pine plains. Fish for trout, bass, perch, walleye and northern pike in the ponds, lakes and streams along the Trail. Observe wildlife, visit historic sites, and spend the night in shelters or campgrounds along the trail.

Maps for both segments are available for free to print or download to your smartphone at the North Country Trail Association.

• Black River Harbor Map (Updated 10/06/2017)
• Black River Harbor Waterfall Map (Updated 1/18/2017)
• Black River Harbor Pamphlet with Map

• Lake Ottawa Campgrounds Map

• Agonikak Trail Map
• Courtney Equestrian & Cross-Country Ski Trail Map
• Bergland Ski Trail Map
• Ge-Che Ski Trail Map
• Land O' Lakes Ski Trail Map
• National Trails Map

• Sylvania Wilderness
  • Wilderness Map
  • Clarks Lake Campground Map (Updated 4/25/2011)
• Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness Map
• McCormick Wilderness Map

• Ottawa National Forest Campgrounds
• Sylvania Wilderness Campsites

• Bicycling
• Camping
• Canoeing
• Cross-country Skiing
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Horse Riding
• Snowmobiling
• Snowshoeing

• North Country Trail
• Points of Interest
• Rivers
• Short Hikes
• Trap Hills
• Waterfalls

• Bear Aware
• Biting Bugs and Plants to Avoid

Visit the MI-DNR website for interactive online maps.

• Blue Road
• Bluebill Creek
• Bond Falls South
• Cooks Run
• Davidson Lake
• Harris Creek
• Interior Grouse
• Moraine Lake
• Morrison Creek
• Norwich GEMS
• Scaup Lake

Aspen stands are ever changing due to timber sales and natural processes. Due to these changes, the grouse maps will be updated periodically to reflect the most current aspen stand conditions.

• Bergland RD Aspen Map (08/2022)
• Bessemer East RD Aspen Map (08/2022)
• Bessemer West RD Aspen Map (08/2022)
• Iron River RD Aspen Map (08/2022)
• Kenton RD Aspen Map (08/2022)
• Ontonagon RD Aspen Map (08/2022)
• Watersmeet RD Aspen Map (08/2022)

On November 9, 2005, the Forest Service published a final travel management regulation, governing use of OHVs and other motor vehicles on National Forest System lands. The final rule requires individual national forests to designate those roads, trails, and areas open to motor vehicle use. Once designation is complete on a national forest or ranger district, the rule will prohibit motor vehicles off the designated system.

We provide maps of the forest that inform you of what Forest Service Road or Trail is open to which vehicle. These are provided free and are updated each year.

MVUM FAQ

Extended FAQ

What to do if I find a downed tree or a washout area?

Report it to one of the Forest Service offices.

If we find a downed tree can we cut it and get it out of the way?

You may cut a downed tree that is blocking a road or trail.

Can we stop and have a picnic, can we use a grill?

Yes.

What is the speed limit?

25 mph unless posted otherwise.

Can we ride after dark?

Yes, with proper lighting following state of Michigan ORV regulations.

Can we camp over night?

Yes. However, you may not stay longer than 14 days in one location.

When do the trails open and close?

Trails are open from May 15 to March 15 annually. We ask that you also consider road conditions outside of these dates before you ride.

How do we know what trails we can ride?

By referencing our Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM), which are published yearly. These maps are free of charge and can be picked up at any Forest Service Office.

What do the MVUM road signs look like?

A flat brown post or “rail” with the road number identified and possibly universal decal symbols on what type of motorized use is allowed.

Why are there trails on the map that say ORV can go on them but they are blocked with a big mound of dirt or a gate?

The big mound of dirt is called a “berm”. If the road allows for ORV use, these berms or gates are designed to prevent trucks and cars from traveling down the road but allowing ORV’s to pass.

Can we ride on snowmobile trails?

Only when the trail is designated as multi-use by the State of Michigan

Are county roads open to OHV use?

Refer to individual counties for their regulations on OHV use on county jurisdiction roads.

Do you use paved roads for OHV travel, and why?

We do not currently use paved roads for OHV travel due to safety concerns. Any paved roads that would be designated to use would require a dual use analysis before they would be opened for OHV travel.

Do you have to ride on the pavement or can you ride on the shoulder?

There are no paved roads open to OHV under Forest Service jurisdiction. Refer to individual counties for their regulations on OHV use on county jurisdiction roads.

How do you get into the areas that have gas, legally?

Stay on the designated trails/roads or trailer to these areas. Refer to Forest Service MVUM map available for free from any Forest Service office on possible access routes.

What is the MVUM and how do I read the thing?

Motor Vehicle Use Map, which is the map that shows how and when motor vehicle use is permitted on the forest. One can read the map by referencing the legend and key.

How do I report an accident?

Dial 911

For a paper copy of the MVUM(s) you need to call one of our offices or email us at [email protected].

All maps

• Folder
• Zip File

Separate maps

• Central Front
• Central Back
• East Front
• East Back
• West Front
• West Back
• McCormick Wilderness

Note: Maps are formatted in a .pdf format and are extremely large documents. To view and print, you will need to use the “zoom” tool.

Avenza Maps is an offline map viewer for IOS and Android.

Maps can be downloaded for use in the app:

All Map Bundle

• Central Front
• Central Back
• East Front
• East Back
• West Front
• West Back

Quad/Topographical Map Index

Topographical (1:24,000) Map : These maps are at a scale of 2.64 inches equals 1 mile and are in a 7 ½’ latitude by 7 ½’ longitude quadrangle format. They were derived from the U.S. Geological Survey Topographic Quadrangles, are highly detailed, and serve as the base for all other Ottawa National Forest maps. Topography is shown with a contour interval of 10 or 20 feet or 5 meters. See Ottawa quad map index to select map located on the last page of the Ottawa Map Order Form.

"Topographic Maps" provide the greatest level of detail and only cover small portions of a forest. The maps are available for download or purchase from the US Geological Survey website.

Topographical maps show topography of an area, boundaries between private and federal land, most roads and trails, and all water systems. For a map that shows the most up-to-date road and motorized trail information see the information on obtaining a Motor Vehicle Use Map.

Forest Recreation Map:"Visitor Maps" for each national forest and grassland provide forest-wide information on attractions, facilities, services, and opportunities. These maps are available to purchase from any Forest office or the US Geological Survey website.

The forest visitor maps show property boundaries, private and public land, recreation areas and day use areas, major roads and towns, and major water systems. These maps DO NOT show all existing Forest Service roads. For a map that shows the most up to date road and motorized trail information see the information on obtaining a Motor Vehicle Use Maps.