The Area South of the Firesteel Equestrian crossing is active again, so use caution when riding around that area. CAUTION to EQUESTRIANS: This logging activity is on the trails
South of the Firesteel River crossing, so use caution when riding in that area. If your horse is not used to loud noises or large equipment, please be extra careful. Logging trucks and equipment will be using the two trail inlets south of the Firesteel River on the Dishneau Road.
There will be no logging activity north of the river. As always trail courtesy is key to safety. Fall colors will peak very soon. The campground is still open. The trails are mapped and clean, including quiet trails surrounding the lake. It is a great time of year to enjoy the beauty and peace of the Courtney Lake Trails! Fall colors will peak very soon. The campground is still open. The trails are mapped and clean, including quiet trails surrounding the lake. It is a great time of year to enjoy the beauty and peace of the Courtney Lake Trails!
Off-road vehicles are fun year-round, but activity in Michigan tends to increase around the Fourth of July holiday as people head to trails and ORV scramble areas to enjoy world-class riding experiences.Keeping safety in mind is vital on any ride, for you and others. According to 2023 statewide ORV crash data, 93% of ORV fatalities could have been prevented. These crashes and injuries primarily were due to excessive speed and a lack of helmet/seat belt use. Parents are reminded, too, that they must have visual supervision of all children under the age of 16 when those children are operating an ORV.“Always ride within your and the machine’s capabilities,” said Cpl. Mike Hearn, DNR law enforcement ORV and snowmobile specialist. “When you ride too fast, you are more likely to lose control when hitting even the smallest bump or trying to make turns or stop.”All ORV operators are urged to “Ride Right” and keep other important guidance in mind:Ride at a safe speed.Ride sober.Ride on the right side of the trail.Keep lights on when riding.Always wear a helmet.Please keep in mind that about 60% of motorized and nonmotorized DNR-managed trails in northern Michigan remain temporarily closed due to effects of the March 28-30 ice storm. For status updates on state-managed facilities, trails and forest roads, refer to the 
Be aware, ‘Ride Right’ for safe, responsible, off-road funAs off-road vehicle riding ramps up during Memorial Day weekend and throughout summer, it’s vital to keep safety top of mind. And following the massive March 28-30 ice storm in northern Michigan – a popular spot for ORV riding – it’s critical to “know before you go” when visiting the 12 affected counties.Please know that northern Michigan’s landscape may look different with more open spaces, damaged trees and natural debris.Storm-related closuresPlease respect all nonmotorized and motorized trail closures. If you’re visiting a reopened trail, stay on the trail corridor itself due to potential hazards in the surrounding forest, including numerous leaning trees and hanging tree limbs.Visit the ice storm response 
All ORV operators are urged to “Ride Right” and keep this important guidance in mind:Ride at a safe speed.Ride sober.Ride on the right side of the trail.Keep lights on when riding.Always wear a helmet.Do your part to ensure everyone returns home safely; read more about ORV safety at 
