Trail Overview
The Negaunee-Ishpeming portion of the Upper Peninsula's multi-segmented Offroad Vehicle Route C is a designated 72-inch ATV/ off-road Motorcycle trail offering a mixture of sandy soil, rocks, and hard-packed dirt through heavily wooded terrain. The trail is known to be sandy as well as rocky in several portions, as it offers connection to the broader Michigan Department of Natural Resources Offroad Vehicle Route C trail system. A valid off-road vehicle license and trail permit are required. Description created on June 14, 2026.
Difficulty
Sand, dirt, rock, grass route, unmaintained after rain or snow that may give rise to deep water crossings and obstacles > 12” on the trail, including water, sand, loose rocks, native material (ex: leaves, pine needles, pine cones, sticks, branches), and mud. This route is a designated 72-inch off-road vehicle trail for ATVs and off-road motorcycles.
History
The townships that Route C traverses—Michigamme, Champion, and Humboldt—grew rapidly after the discovery of iron ore in the mid-1800s. Michigamme was officially incorporated as a mining village in 1873. Many segments that accommodate modern off-road vehicle routes and non-motorized paths (like neighboring segments of the Iron Ore Heritage tracks) trace the historic rail and logging grades once used to haul ore and timber out of the rugged Michigamme Highlands.
