Fossil Ledge

Total Miles11.3
Technical Rating
2Easy
Best TimeSummer
Trail TypeFull-Width Road
Accessible By
Open Trail Map

Trail Overview

This easy 11.3-mile offroad route leads drivers through the forests of Drummond Island to the scenic fossilized limestone ledges along the shore of Lake Huron.

Photos of Fossil Ledge

Difficulty

This is an easy trail, but heavy rains could make things more challenging.

Technical Rating

2

Status Reports

Add Status Report
Tim Lichty
Aug 31, 2025
Open
Muddy/Wet
First time on the trail, mainly rocky/rutted with shallow water crossings. Deepest crossings were at the end, maybe 8-10” deep in sections.
Jeff and Laura Bomer
Aug 05, 2025
Open
NormalDustyMuddy/Wet
Micheal Nealey
Jul 16, 2025
2023 Ford Bronco
Open
Muddy/WetWashboard
Very easy trail. A Subaru Forester could easily do this. The only requirement is having a vehicle capable of making it through 6-12” of water. There were a lot of small SUVs and even an f250 that made it out there. The first half of the trail is just washboard and potholes.
James Mathatas
Jul 08, 2025
2016 Toyota 4Runner
Open
Normal
This trail was exactly as advertised. my stock Toyota 4Runner SR5 handled everything comfortably. that said relocating your differential breathers higher would never be a bad idea with the water on this trail. it hadn't rained and a couple days so the water crossings were easy. I saw at least one stock Subaru outback and a couple Ford explorers at the end of the trail. I suspect this trail would be more difficult in the spring or late fall.
Tisha Richmond
Jun 23, 2025
Open
Normal
Trail is very easy! Easily accessible! Easy to pass people. But keep in mind, it is a longer trail. Definitely go to the Fossil Ledge point, the views are amazing!
Kristopher Russo
May 09, 2025
2023 Jeep Wrangler
Open
Muddy/Wet
Lots of very intimidating looking water holes over a foot deep. The entire trail is rocky so not very rutted under that water. The limestone beach at the end is well worth the ride so don't miss it.
Becca Spalding
Apr 26, 2025
2015 Jeep Wrangler
Open
Muddy/Wet
This is basically just a dirt road and I always see regular cars trying to go out there. There is deep water on this road, especially during spring. There is a solid rock bottom to this whole road, so you won’t risk getting stuck in mud or anything in a 4x4. But if you are in a regular car or SUV, you likely will not have the ground clearance to get through the water
Erik Stein
Sep 28, 2024
Open
Muddy/Wet
Jeff and Laura Bomer
Aug 07, 2024
Open
Dusty
Rex H
Jun 17, 2024
Open
Muddy/Wet
Kenley Bruce
May 26, 2024
2023 Ford Bronco Sport
Open
Muddy/Wet
lots of puddles over 12". tons of lifted jeeps rutting out the low spots.
Rich M
May 11, 2024
2023 Jeep Wrangler
Open
Normal
Great trail, it had rained the night before and some of the water crossings were a little deeper than normal. Most of the trail is a mixture of rocks and packed dirt, giving you great traction in the water.
Justin P
Apr 20, 2024
2020 Jeep Gladiator
Open
Muddy/WetNormal
Springtime rains dropped a lot of water on the trail. The holes are deeper than normal, but there's still rocky bottoms.
Jeff and Laura Bomer
Aug 07, 2023
Open
Dusty
Dennis Breuer
Jul 29, 2023
Open
DustyNormal

Fossil Ledge Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:

  • High Clearance
  • Full Width

Access Description

Accessing Drummond Island requires paying a round-trip vehicle fare for the Drummond Island Ferry. Vehicles operating on state-managed trails must have a valid Michigan ORV License and an ORV Trail Permit. All vehicles should be street-legal or comply with local county road ordinances.

Fossil Ledge Map

The onX Offroad Difference

onX Offroad combines trail photos, descriptions, difficulty ratings, width restrictions, seasonality, and more in a user-friendly interface. Available on all devices, with offline access and full compatibility with CarPlay and Android Auto. Discover what you're missing today!

Open Trail Map