Drummond Island ATV Trail Mileage
Drummond Island is often described as having roughly 60 miles of ORV trails and routes, but that figure can be confusing when maps count different trail types or connections. This guide explains what the mileage means, how to plan a realistic ride, and what to check before you take an ATV or UTV across the island.
How many ATV and UTV trail miles are on Drummond Island
Why the mileage is usually given as an estimate
Drummond Island is commonly described as having about 60 miles of designated ORV trails and routes. Treat that as a practical overview, not a promise that every rider will travel exactly 60 miles on a single, continuous trail. Published totals can differ depending on whether a map or guide includes route connections, short spurs, or other designated segments.
It also helps to distinguish a trail from a route. A designated ORV trail is generally a more trail-like riding corridor, while a route may use a road or other corridor designated for ORV travel. The distinction can affect the kind of ride you have, as well as which machines are allowed. Always check current signs and the official map for the specific segment you plan to ride.
The island’s system is best understood as a network rather than one long loop. You may ride a stretch, reach a junction, and choose a different branch, spur, or road connection. That makes the total mileage useful for comparing the overall riding opportunity, but less useful for estimating the length of one outing without a map.
What the total means for a day of riding
The roughly 60-mile figure describes the broader network, not necessarily the number of miles you should plan to cover in a day. A short ride can take much longer than expected if the surface is rough, the route is unfamiliar, you stop to check signs, or you detour to a trailhead or other destination. Riders who are new to the island should leave room for those pauses rather than planning around an ambitious mileage target.
For example, a group arriving by ferry with a side-by-side may want to start with a modest out-and-back ride instead of trying to string together every available connection. If the group includes new riders, children, or people who prefer frequent breaks, a shorter route gives everyone a chance to get comfortable with the terrain and navigation.
Use mileage as a planning tool, not a scorecard. A route that looks short on a map can feel demanding if conditions are wet or visibility is limited. For a broader look at the island’s trail system and its layout, see [Drummond Island: Michigan's Largest Closed-Loop Trail].
How to plan a Drummond Island ride
Choose a route that fits your machine and group
Before setting out, confirm that the trail or route allows your ATV or UTV. Do not assume that every marked corridor is open to every machine simply because it is part of the island’s ORV network. Width restrictions and trail designations matter, especially for wider side-by-sides. Check the official trail map, read signs at junctions, and compare the trail’s requirements with your vehicle’s width.
A good plan also reflects the least experienced rider in the group. If someone has never ridden on uneven or rocky ground, choose a shorter outing with clear turnaround points. A group with experienced riders may be comfortable covering more ground, but should still agree on where to regroup if someone falls behind or takes a wrong turn.
Keep a backup plan. A trail may be closed, difficult to follow, or less suitable than it looked on the map. Decide in advance where you will turn around and how the group will communicate if it becomes separated. If you use a digital map such as onX Offroad, download the area for offline use before leaving reliable cell service. It can help with orientation, but it should complement—not replace—official maps and posted trail signs.
Build in time for the ferry and island logistics
Drummond Island is reached by ferry from DeTour Village, so your riding day begins with travel planning as well as trail planning. Check the ferry schedule and allow time for loading, unloading, and getting oriented after you reach the island. If you are trailering an ATV or UTV, make sure your group has a clear plan for where vehicles and trailers will be parked.
Do not assume that a trailhead is immediately beside the ferry landing or that every lodging option has suitable trailer parking. Confirm parking and access details before you arrive, especially during busy riding periods. A few minutes of preparation can prevent the frustrating situation of arriving with a machine and trailer but no practical place to leave one of them.
It is also worth making a simple day plan that includes fuel, food, and a return time. The island’s rural setting makes it sensible to start with a full tank and carry basic supplies. For more trip-planning details, see [Getting to Drummond Island With an ATV] and [Drummond Island Ferry Cost With a Trailer].
| Planning question | Why it matters | Practical check |
|---|---|---|
| How many miles are available? | The commonly cited total covers a network, not one guaranteed loop. | Use the official map to select specific segments. |
| Is my machine allowed? | Trail width and designation can limit access. | Check the map, signs, and vehicle dimensions. |
| How long will the ride take? | Stops, surface conditions, and navigation affect pace. | Plan conservatively and set a turnaround point. |
| Can I navigate without cell service? | Coverage can be unreliable in remote areas. | Download offline maps and carry an official map. |
| How will I reach and leave the island? | Ferry and trailer logistics shape the day. | Check schedules, parking, and loading arrangements. |
Use maps and trail signs together
A digital map can make it easier to see your position, nearby junctions, and possible connections. Some riders use onX Offroad to prepare a route and keep a location reference available when coverage is limited. Download maps before you leave service, check that your device is charged, and consider carrying a backup power source.
Still, do not treat any app as the final authority on whether a corridor is open or appropriate for your machine. Conditions and access can change, and a line shown on a screen may not communicate every local restriction. Follow official maps and posted signs, and turn around if a route is closed or does not match your vehicle’s requirements.
If you want to prepare by understanding map markings before the trip, see [Michigan ORV Trail Maps and What the Signs Mean] and [Downloading Michigan DNR ORV Trail Maps]. Comparing an official map with your chosen navigation app can help you notice route differences before they become a problem on the trail.
What the trails are like and how to ride responsibly
Expect a varied ride rather than uniform trail conditions
A mileage total does not tell you what a trail feels like. Drummond Island riding can include changing surfaces and conditions, so one segment may feel straightforward while another takes more attention. Weather can also affect traction and comfort. Rain may make some areas slippery or muddy, while dry conditions can mean dust and reduced visibility behind another machine.
Give yourself room to adjust your speed to the surface and sightlines. Leave space between vehicles, especially in dusty conditions, and avoid following so closely that you cannot see hazards or a stopped rider. If a section feels beyond the group’s comfort level, turning around is a sensible choice—not a failure to complete the ride.
Riders interested in the island’s more specific trail options can read [Turtle Ridge on Michigan's Drummond Island] and [Turtle Ridge Trail Difficulty]. Those details can help you decide whether a particular outing matches your experience, but check current conditions and restrictions before riding.
Pack for a remote ride
A basic preparation kit helps when the ride takes longer than expected. Bring water, snacks, a first-aid kit, a tool kit suited to your machine, and a way to contact your group. A paper map or downloaded map is useful if your phone loses service or power. Riders should also carry any required permits and have them ready if asked.
Before leaving, inspect your machine. Check tires, brakes, lights, fuel, and key fasteners, and make sure any cargo is secured. A small issue caught at the staging area is easier to handle than one discovered well into a ride. For longer outings, tell someone who is not riding with you where you plan to go and when you expect to return.
Follow posted closures and stay on designated corridors. Do not create a new track to get around a wet or blocked section; riding around obstacles can widen damage and harm the surrounding area. For a broader packing checklist, see [Packing List for a Full Trail Day] and [Trail Etiquette on Shared Routes].
Permits, access, and common mileage questions
Check permit and access requirements before riding
Before riding public ORV trails, confirm which Michigan permits apply to your machine and planned route. Requirements can depend on where you ride and the type of corridor. Do not assume that a permit for one purpose automatically covers every trail or area you may visit. Review the current Michigan DNR guidance and follow posted instructions at access points.
If you are visiting from another state, check the rules for non-resident riders as well. Permit requirements, trail access, and safety rules are separate questions, so verify each one rather than relying on what is accepted where you live. Start with [Michigan ORV License and Trail Permit Explained] and [ORV Permits for Out-of-State Riders in Michigan].
Also confirm that the specific trail is open before setting out. A route shown on a map is not an invitation to ride through a closure, private property, or an area with different access rules. If signs on the ground conflict with a route you planned digitally, follow the signs and seek clarification before continuing.
Common questions about Drummond Island trail mileage
Is the whole trail network one continuous loop?
No. It is more useful to think of the riding area as a connected network with junctions and route choices. Use a map to choose a loop or out-and-back ride that suits your group, and do not assume every segment connects in the way you expect.
Can I ride all the available miles in one day?
The total mileage is not a recommended daily target. Your pace depends on the machine, experience, trail conditions, stops, and navigation. Plan a realistic outing, and leave time to return safely rather than trying to cover the whole network.
Does every trail allow a side-by-side?
Not necessarily. Confirm width and machine access for each planned segment. A route being part of the broader ORV system does not automatically mean it is open to every ATV or UTV.
Will my phone map work across the island?
Cell service may not be dependable everywhere. Download maps before you arrive, carry a backup option, and use official maps and trail signs to confirm your route. onX Offroad can be useful for offline navigation, but it should not replace posted restrictions or official trail information.
What is the best way to estimate ride time?
Choose the specific trail segments first, then add time for stops, junction checks, changing conditions, and the trip to and from your staging point. If you are uncertain, choose a shorter route and extend it only if the group is comfortable and conditions allow.
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Laws, prices and regulations vary by location and change over time. Consult a qualified professional for guidance on your specific situation.
