Gorge Cutoff - FDR 2243 Primary

Trail Overview

Gorge Cutoff Primary is a Forest Access Route managed by the Baraga Forestry Service. The route is open to ORV use and has a surface composed of dirt, sand, gravel, and native material. The road is in fair condition and is owned by the State of Michigan. This route remains open under current closure criteria and serves as an important access corridor to several key recreation areas, including the FR2240 North Country Trail (NCT) Trailhead, the Pine Bluffs Trailhead, the Baraga Plains ORV Trail (BPT) system, and the Ottawa National Forest.

Photos of Gorge Cutoff - FDR 2243 Primary

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Difficulty

Dirt, sand gravel route, typically unmaintained after rain or snow. You may encounter shallow water crossings and obstacles under 12 inches on the trail, including fallen branches/ trees. This route is one vehicle in width. This is a "Two Track" trail.

History

The Baraga Plains in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula was originally a vast area of jack pine forest, characterized by its sandy soils. Its history is tied to the larger context of Upper Michigan's development, which included logging and, later, the establishment of the Bishop Baraga Historic Site on nearby Indian Lake, though this site is not on the plains itself. The plains were noted in a 1846-1853 land survey, and are associated with the mobilization of sand dunes in the Mid-Holocene period. Geological and Environmental History Jack Pine Forest: According to a general land office survey from 1846-1853, the Baraga Plains were extensively covered by jack pine forests before significant settlement occurred. Sandy Soils: The soils in this region are classified as Grayling series, which are weakly developed in a seasonal temperature regime. Dune Field: The area is recognized as a dune field, with sand deposits investigated at multiple sites, indicating a significant past mobilization of sand. Historical Context Bishop Baraga's Work: While the Baraga Plains are a distinct geological area, the broader area of Baraga County was historically significant for Bishop Frederic Baraga, who ministered to immigrants and the Chippewa people starting in the 1840s. His early work included establishing a church in 1832, though this was not on the plains themselves but at the Bishop Baraga Historic Site. Influence of Logging: The broader Upper Peninsula, where the Baraga Plains are located, played a significant role in the logging industry, with many communities developing from this economic activity.

Technical Rating

Gorge Cutoff - FDR 2243 Primary can be accessed by the following ride types:

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