Trail Overview
The Rothbury Forest Loop (FS 9292) is a beginner-friendly 5.4-mile off-road loop winding through sandy pine forests near Rothbury, Michigan, perfect for stock four-wheel-drive vehicles and SxSs. Easily accessed less than three miles from US-31, the route begins approximately 0.5 miles south of West Winston Road and offers a scenic, low-technical drive with a sandy play area near the start. This single-vehicle-wide trail winds through a beautiful forest with vibrant autumn colors, presenting mild elevation changes of around 90 feet. Most of the path consists of a natural sand and dirt surface that remains highly manageable during dry conditions.
While the route is generally simple, local weather heavily dictates trail conditions, as recent rainfall can quickly create muddy washouts and rutted water holes up to a foot deep. Drivers should be prepared for occasional off-camber sections in washed-out areas, though high-terrain bypasses exist for some of the deeper mud holes. Because the trail is narrow, passing is limited to designated pull-out spots and intersecting forest service spurs. Several off-shoot trails branch off the main loop, providing opportunities for further exploration within the dense forest.
Difficulty
Difficulty is solely based upon the recent weather and vehicle capability. Most stock 4x4 vehicles can make it along this loop. If there's recently been a heavy rainfall, shallow water crossings less than a foot deep, mud holes, rutted and washed out sections are likely. Otherwise, this trail is a nice dirt and sandy track. Only wide enough for 1 vehicle in most places. There are pull offs along the loop for passing as well as other off-shoot trails you can pass at.
