Known for its lake-lined borders, Michigan is a sight to behold. It has glittering shorelines, rolling sand dunes, and fascinating ice caves. And yes, it also has Drummond Island, a gorgeous off-roading area with 40 miles of ORV trails! Here are the trails we recommend checking out.
South Marblehead Loop Trail
At about 100 feet above the water level, Marblehead runs along Drummond Island’s shoreline. It’s surrounded by dense forest, mud, and exposed limestone. The limestone is part of the huge Niagara Escarpment— a rock formation that is part of Niagara Falls. Marblehead has one named obstacle, but there’s no doubt that it’s epic. It’s called “The Steps at Marblehead” and it comes right before the lookout. The steps are fairly difficult, so you’ll need to have a decent amount of driving competence to complete it (and a good vehicle).
Shale Beach
The Shale Beach trail is comprised of dirt, deep mud pits, and some rockier sections. The rugged terrain makes the drive a steady crawl, but have a little patience with the road, it leads to a charming pebbled beach that underlines the sparkling scene of Lake Huron. You can even see Canada across the lake. The trail requires a slightly modified vehicle and diligent focus, and at the end, you are rewarded with access to an isolated beach.
Nemesis
This difficult trail is an entrance to a network of trails further into the island. The rocky, rutted ground is tough on vehicle bodies and rigs. Navigating the technical obstacles is a formidable challenge. Just like the other Drummond Island trails, you can expect to splash your way through lots of water and mud. This is a great one to start off the day, as it’s close by the area’s lodging and resorts.
Get planning, it’s time for an island vacation.
