One of the best things about staying near the Lakes of the North community in northern Michigan is that you don't have to drive far to find incredible trail systems. For ORV riders and snowmobilers, this area is as good as it gets in the Lower Peninsula — with hundreds of miles of maintained trails practically right out the door.
Trail Access from the Property
Granny's Hideaway sits in the Lakes of the North area, which connects directly to northern Michigan's extensive DNR trail network. Depending on conditions and the time of year, you can access ORV and snowmobile trails without even loading your machines onto a trailer. That's rare — and it's one of the biggest reasons outdoor enthusiasts keep coming back to this area.
ORV Season (Spring through Fall)
Michigan's ORV season typically runs from the moment the ground firms up in spring through late fall. The trail systems near Mancelona and the Antrim/Charlevoix county area offer a mix of terrain — wooded two-tracks, open meadow sections, and more technical wooded trails for those who want a challenge.
The Jordan River State Forest and surrounding DNR land provide tens of thousands of acres of trail access. Trail conditions and current status can be found on the Michigan DNR ORV Trail Finder at michigan.gov/dnr.
Michigan ORV Permit Requirements
If you're riding in Michigan, you need an ORV license for your machine plus a trail permit sticker if you're on designated trails. These are available at most local sporting goods stores, gas stations near trail heads, and online through the Michigan DNR website. It's a simple process and the money goes toward trail maintenance.
Snowmobile Season (December through March)
When the snow flies up north — and it does, reliably — this area transforms into snowmobile paradise. The Antrim County trail system connects into the statewide Michigan Snowmobile Trail Network, giving you hundreds of miles of groomed trail access from one starting point.
The best conditions typically hit between Christmas and early March. Snowfall in this part of Michigan averages 100+ inches per season, and the DNR grooms major corridors regularly. Trail conditions are updated daily at the Michigan DNR website and apps like TrailLink and Snotel.
What to Bring
For ORV trips: helmet (required), eye protection, layers for variable weather, a basic tool kit, and a trail map downloaded offline. Cell service can be spotty in deep woods.
For snowmobiling: full snow gear (bib, jacket, boots, gloves), helmet with a heated visor if possible, a balaclava, and hand warmers as backup. Fuel up before hitting the trails — remote trail areas don't always have nearby stations.
Whether it's summer dust or winter powder, the trails near Granny's Hideaway deliver the kind of access that makes the whole trip.