Kates Grade

Trail Overview

Kates Grade Road is a non-DNR road owned by the county. The surface consists primarily of gravel, and the overall condition is considered fair. Since it is not a DNR road, ORV use is subject to local government laws. The road remains open under current closure criteria. This route follows a former railroad bed that has been converted into a maintained county road. It is composed of dirt, sand, mud, rock, and native material, and it traverses along the west bank of Bryan Creek, occasionally crossing the creek in several locations.

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Difficulty

Dirt, gravel road with gentle grades. Safe for most 4WD and high-clearance 2WD vehicles. Road is typically two vehicles in width.

History

Kates Grade in Gwinn, MI is an old railroad grade, now a narrow dirt road providing access for timber and mineral management within a Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) compartment, according to a www.dnr.state.mi.us article. This road connects to other access routes and cuts through a forested area that was once leased for minerals but does not currently have economic oil and gas production in the Upper Peninsula. Old Railroad Grade: Kates Grade was built on the path of an old railroad grade. Primary Access: It is the primary east-west road for the compartment, connecting with Charlie Lakes Road, Bryan Creek Road, and Camp 11 Truck Trail. DNR Management: The road is used by the Michigan DNR for accessing State timber and mineral rights management within the forest compartment. Mineral Leasing: While there is no economic oil and gas production, the area has a history of mineral leasing, and the road is necessary for surface access for exploration or development of private mineral rights. Narrow Dirt Road: Kates Grade is a relatively narrow dirt road. Internal Access: It serves as a main access route to the compartment, with several secondary woods roads branching off for further internal access.

Technical Rating

Kates Grade can be accessed by the following ride types:

• High-Clearance 4x4
• SUV
• SxS (60")
• ATV (50")
• Dirt Bike