Trail Maps

A Tidbit on Trail Maps:
    It is always a good idea to have a map of the area in which you are riding with you. You should take a look at it before you leave your start point to pin point your current position, and familiarize yourself with the surrounding area. That will make it easier to return by a shorter route if needed.
    A dual sport ride doesn't follow the trails on the map, but usually will follow the forest roads and two tracks that are shown on a trail map with possibly short sections of trail.
    Most sponsored dual sport rides will provide a roll chart and a area map for the area you will be riding through. If you are out by yourself on a day ride you will have to provide your own maps.
   A discussion of map reading and orienteering is beyond the scope of this web page. It is a skill that may be picked up from books and available classes.

Where to get Trail Maps:
    Below are listed a couple of locations that you can get maps of the ORV trails that are located in Michigan:
 

A great collection of maps of the trails of Michigan has been put together by the Cycle Conservation Club of Michigan.      Their Mapbook is free with every membership. The Mapbooks are generally updated and reprinted each year so they are very current.     For more information on the Cycle Conservation click the top button at the right.     For a printable application form to receive a membership and a mapbook click the bottom button at the right.
Individual trail maps are also available from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. They may be ordered on line, just click the button at the right.

A last bit of information about Maps:
    A area map is a handy thing to have in your possession if you get lost---------err, take a scenic detour  from your rollchart. All thou a map will be almost useless if you don't have two other important peices of equipment  in your possession. That first important peice is called a compass. The second is the ability to put the compass  to use.