North Route to Marble Head

North Route to Marble Head is a challenging 7.6-mile trek designed for four-wheel-drive vehicles, SxSs, and ATVs seeking scenic forest drives and a notorious rocky obstacle at Drummond Island’s easternmost point. This trail runs through dense hardwood forests on a primarily dirt and rock surface, featuring scenic overlooks that provide panoramic views of Lake Huron and the distant Canadian shoreline. With an elevation ranging from 584 to 705 feet and minimal overall elevation gain, the journey is relatively flat but demands constant attention due to loose rocks, muddy sections, and tight tree clearances. As you approach the eastern terminus, the difficulty increases significantly, culminating in the famous Marble Head obstacle. This technical section serves as a Jeep Badge of Honor challenge, requiring high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles with at least 33-inch tires and lockers to safely navigate the steep, two-foot rock ledges and scattered three-foot boulders. Less capable rigs or stock SxSs can park at the top of the steps and hike down to the scenic shoreline overlook. Drummond Island is accessed via ferry from DeTour Village, and all vehicles operating on these trails must display a valid Michigan ORV license and trail permit. Due to snowy winters and wet spring conditions, the best time to tackle this route is from late spring through fall when the terrain is drier and the island foliage is at its peak.