The winters in the state of Michigan are frigid but the spring, summer and fall are fantastic 4-wheeler riding weather. The summers don't tend to get blazing hot and for the most part riding your 4-wheeler on any of the trails in Michigan can be a great day or even a long weekend as most of the trails allow camping so consider bringing your whole family along and making a weekend out of it.
The rules and regulations for owning a 4-wheeler in Michigan are pretty light when compared to a lot of States. Your 4-wheeler must be registered through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles and you will be given a sticker that must be prominently displayed at all times on your 4-wheeler when you are riding. The minimum age for riding a 4-wheeler for a child is 12-years of age as well as all 4-wheeler riders from the ages of 12-16 years of age must have a licensed and registered adult along for the ride who is also riding a 4-wheeler. Anyone riding a 4-wheeler must have working brake systems, a noise muffler attached - the decibel cut off for 4-wheelers is 90 dbs, and if you are on a 4-wheeler, you must be wearing a DOT approved helmet and eye protection at all times. Headlights are required only if you will be riding your 4-wheeler at night.
Michigan has three National Forests that allow 4-wheeler riding. The Hiawatha National Forest, The Huron-Manistee National Forest and the Ottawa National Forest. The Rangers do require that you ride only on designated 4-wheeler trails and that you never go "trail blazing". Hiawatha is especially interesting to 4-wheeler as they have densely foliaged 4-wheeler trails and four great lakes islands to explore.
Riding your 4-wheeler can be a great way to promote family oneness and enjoy a weekend away from the television, video games and computers. Gather up your gang and take them 4-wheeler riding this weekend.
