SizeAbout 2 square miles, with over 50 miles of designated trails
Conditions75° · 9 mph
Trip check
Before you go
Permit required — Michigan ORV license and trail permit are both required. Buy them online before you travel.
Mixed terrain in one place. Sand play areas, hill climbs, obstacle courses and a rock climb all sit within the same area, and difficulty changes sharply.
Guide
About this area
A Michigan DNR motorsports area of roughly two square miles in Roscommon County, open since 2010. Over 50 miles of designated trail plus sandy play areas, moderate hill climbs, six short obstacle courses, the Sand Bowl and a dedicated Rock Climb for four-wheel drives.
At a glance
Quick facts
Best season
Spring through autumn
Managing agency
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Permit status
Permit required
Access
Getting there
St. Helen Motorsport AreaEntrance
The area sits at St. Helen in Roscommon County, about 20 miles from both Houghton Lake and Higgins Lake.
🪖 Helmet and eye protection for every operator and passenger, any age. Both must be DOT approved, as Michigan has no adult exemption.
You need an ORV license from the DNR to ride anywhere other than private property. It costs about $26.25 a year.
You also need an ORV trail permit, about $10, to use state-designated trails, routes and areas.
The license year runs 1 April to 31 March, no matter when you buy it.
Show all 8 area-specific rules
Nobody under 10 may operate a four-wheel ATV on public land.
Riders aged 10 to 15 need both direct visual supervision by an adult and a valid ORV safety certificate. Under-16 riders must have taken an approved ORV education course and carry the certificate.
The Rock Climb is a separate, harder area. It is built for four-wheel drives, so do not wander into it expecting trail.
Area information is informational only and may be inaccurate or out of date. Verify access, weather, closures, permits and hazards before and during any trip. See Terms.
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