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State forests

A trio of hikers explores a wooded trail

State forests

A sunlit area by the water in the Jordan River Valley

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

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Backcountry camping

Explore the wild and sleep under the stars with a backpacking or hike-in camping experience.

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Campfire safety

Make Smokey Bear proud - practice fire safety to protect forests and prevent wildfires.

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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.

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Foraging for wild foods

Gather up some wild flavor from the outdoors - find morel mushrooms, juicy berries and more!

three ORVs riding on a state forest road

Forest roads

Explore thousands of miles of forest roads open to off-road vehicles. ORV licenses are required. 

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Hiking and biking trails

Set out on a scenic forest adventure - hike, bike, snowshoe, ski or horseback ride. 

Close-up of a buck standing in a field

Hunting on state lands

Carry on a hunting tradition or begin one - the Mi-HUNT application shows public hunting lands.

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Michigan's forests

Learn about Michigan's trees and the importance of sustaining forests for today and for future generations. 

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State forest campgrounds

Find a getaway among the trees and camp out in a rustic state forest campground.

Explore state forests

Fall color tour banner image with gold maple leaves and text "as the colors change to fall, find ways to get out and enjoy Michigan's natural resources"

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. 

Open the fall color tour map
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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.

Open the forest recreation map

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.

Explore "The Big Wild"