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State forests
State forests
Michigan's state forests are open for all to enjoy!
Michigan's forests offer an abundance of recreational opportunities including fishing, hiking, camping, ORV riding, hunting and more. Our forests are carefully managed to provide a balance between recreation and conservation.
Enjoying your state forests
Backcountry camping
Explore the wild and sleep under the stars with a backpacking or hike-in camping experience.
Campfire safety
Make Smokey Bear proud - practice fire safety to protect forests and prevent wildfires.
Fishing in state parks and forests
Don't let the big one get away - your latest fish tale begins in a state forest or park.
Foraging for wild foods
Gather up some wild flavor from the outdoors - find morel mushrooms, juicy berries and more!
Forest roads
Explore thousands of miles of forest roads open to off-road vehicles. ORV licenses are required.
Hiking and biking trails
Set out on a scenic forest adventure - hike, bike, snowshoe, ski or horseback ride.
Hunting on state lands
Carry on a hunting tradition or begin one - the Mi-HUNT application shows public hunting lands.
Michigan's forests
Learn about Michigan's trees and the importance of sustaining forests for today and for future generations.
State forest campgrounds
Find a getaway among the trees and camp out in a rustic state forest campground.
Explore state forests
Fall color tour
Enjoy the explosion of red, yellow and orange offered by Michigan's trees each autumn with our fall color tour.
View the color tour map for predicted peak color times and places to catch the best views state forests have to offer.
Forest recreation map
For the locations of forest campgrounds, hiking trails and state forest lands, visit our forest recreation map.
If you need assistance with the information on these maps, email DNR-GIS@Michigan.gov.
Pigeon River Country State Forest
The Pigeon River Country State Forest, a 109,000-acre undeveloped forest in northern lower Michigan, provides a unique backcountry experience offering an abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities.
Home to Michigan's elk herd, the Pigeon River Country State Forest offers unparalleled wildlife viewing, miles of hiking and horseback riding trails, camping, fishing, an interpretive center and more.