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| Home > Michigan > Baraga Plains |
Baraga Plains ATV Trail
Saturday, May 10, 2025
| Other Names | Baraga Plains Trail, Big Lake, Prison Camp Road, Gorge Cutoff Road, Sturgeon River, Honkers Pond, Big Lake Road |
| Last Known Status | Open |
This 28 mile loop is open to off-road motorcycles and to ATVs or UTVs less than 50 inches wide. The trails are two-way, so be sure to watch for oncoming riders. A Michigan DNR ORV sticker is required on any ATV or motorcycle used on the trail. The trailhead parking area has a kiosk with information and vault toilet. Nearby Big Lake Campground offers primitive camping for small trailers.
REGULATIONS
| Permit Required | Yes | MI ORV Sticker |
| Dates Open | Year-Round | |
| Other ATV Stickers Accepted | No | MI ORV permit required. |
| Spark Arrestor | Yes | A spark arresting exhaust silencer or end cap is required for all vehicles. |
| Noise Limit | Yes (94 dB) | |
| Whip Flags | Not Required | |
| Maximum Vehicle Width | Yes (50 inches) | has entrance gate or posts |
 Motorcycles & Dirt Bikes | Permitted | |
 ATVs | Permitted | (maximum width 50 inches) |
 UTV & SXS | Permitted | (maximum width 50 inches) |
 SUVs & Jeeps (registered) | Prohibited | prohibited on trail, but there are other roads in the area |
| Dune Buggy & Sand Rail 4x4 (unregistered) | Prohibited | |
| 2 Stroke Engines | No Restriction | |
| MX Helmet Required | Yes | required by state law |
 Camping | Some Areas | (camp in developed sites only) Big Lake Campground |
 Campfires | ||
| Night Riding | Yes | Not Recommended |
| Trail Blazing | Prohibited | stay on trail |
| Rule Enforcement |
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TYPE OF AREA
| Area | Motorized Trails |
| Land | State Forest |
FEES & PASSES
| Parking | (None) |
| Entry | (None) |
| Riding | (None) |
| Camping | Yes Tent: $20.00 RV: $20.00 Addtl. Vehicle: $0.00 Big Lake State Forest Campground |
RATINGS
| Our Rating |  Good |
| Recommended Stay | Full Day |
| Comments | (Scroll Down For Rider Reviews & Comments) |
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
| Nearest City | Watton, MI | ||
| From: Watton, MI
1) Take SR-28 east about 1 mile 2) Turn left (north) on Plains Road, continue 6.3 miles 3) Turn left (west) on Forest Road 2245, continue .75 miles 4) Staging area is on the right (north). |
OFFICIAL CONTACTS
| Contact Info | Michigan Department of Natural Resources P.O. Box 30181 Lansing, MI 48909 (517) 373-1204 dnr-trails@michigan.gov www.michigan.gov |
| Comment | Michigan ORV Sticker Info |
| Contact Info | Big Lake State Forest Campground (906) 353-6558 (906) 353-6651 dnr-reservations@michigan.gov www2.dnr.state.mi.us |
Baraga Plains Trail Photo
Photo Submitted 4/6/2016 (Thanks!)
Baraga Plains Trail Photo
Photo Submitted 4/6/2016 (Thanks!)
ADD PHOTOS
TERRAIN
| Approx Size | 12,200 acres (19 sq mi) | |
| Miles Of Trail | 28 | |
| Climate Type | Forest | |
| Elevation | 1200 to 1300 ft. | |
| Trail Maintenance | Marked, Rated, Lightly Maintained | |
| Loose Dirt |  Some | |
| Hard Pack | Some | |
| Sand |  Little | |
| Mud | Some | |
| Dust | Some | |
| Trees |  Many | |
| Roads | Some | |
| Intersections |  Few | |
| Rider Traffic | Few | |
| Shade | Many | |
| Ranges/Gunfire |  None | |
| Hazards | Few | (hazards are marked) |
 Novice |  Mostly | |
 Amateur | Some | |
 Expert | None |
KEY SERVICES
 Gasoline | 5-20 Miles (SE) | North 141 Travel Plaza, 13352 State Highway M28, Covington, MI (906) 355-2424 |
| Diesel | 5-20 Miles (SE) | North 141 Travel Plaza, 13352 State Highway M28, Covington, MI (906) 355-2424 |
 Water | Watton, MI | |
 RV Hookup | 5-20 Miles (NE) | Ojibwa Casino - State Hwy M38 & Bear Town Rd., Baraga, MI (906) 353-2274 |
 RV Disposal | 5-20 Miles (NE) | Ojibwa Casino - State Hwy M38 & Bear Town Rd., Baraga, MI (906) 353-2274 |
| Campground | 1-5 Miles (E) | Big Lake Campground |
 Conv Store | 5-20 Miles (SE) | North 141 Travel Plaza, 13352 State Highway M28, Covington, MI (906) 355-2424 |
RIDER COMMENTS & REVIEWS