If you’re planning a snowmobiling trip to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, you’ll be glad to know that there are more than 3,000 miles of groomed trails in the region. There are three major trail systems in the Upper Peninsula (UP): Whitefish Bay Trail System (partially groomed), Central Lower Peninsula Trail System (groomed) and Central Upper Peninsula Trail System (almost completely groomed). With so many miles of trails available, it’s no wonder why snowmobiling is such a popular winter activity in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. 

The Upper Peninsula is separated from the Lower Peninsula by the narrow Straits of Mackinac, which make up Lake Michigan’s southern entrance. This makes the U.P. a great place to snowmobile due to the prevalence of icy conditions on the lakeshore, while the interior of the state tends to be relatively dry. The U.P. is also located in the warm Intermontane region, resulting in abundant snowfall — up to 50 in some areas — which makes for ideal conditions for snowmobiling.

Tahquamenon Falls State Park Snowmobile Trail

The first trail on our list is the Tahquamenon Falls State Park Snowmobile Trail. A more than 60-mile trail that crisscrosses the UP from the Upper Peninsula’s southern tip in the city of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan to the north end in the city of Marquette, this trail is a popular snowmobile route for a number of reasons.

First and foremost, the trail passes through one of the state’s most famous natural wonders, the Tahquamenon Falls State Park. The park is home to the second highest waterfall in the state and a number of other iconic attractions.

Snow-covered in the winter, Tahquamenon Falls State Park is a popular destination for snowmobilers and is one of the best places to ride in the UP.

Grand Island Ice Caves Snowmobile Trail

Next, we have the Grand Island Ice Caves Snowmobile Trail, which connects the Upper Peninsula’s two major cities, Marquette and Escanaba, Michigan. The nearly 100-mile trail branches off the Tahquamenon Falls State Park Snowmobile Trail in the city of Negaunee, Michigan and crosses the Mackinac Bridge into the Upper Peninsula’s Upper Peninsula National Wildlife Refuge. The trail then follows the shores of Lake Superior before parting ways with the Tahquamenon and Ice Cave Trails at the city of Hancock.

The trail then loops back to the Upper Peninsula National Wildlife Refuge, where it branches off the Tahquamenon Falls State Park Snowmobile Trail. The trail system then connects to the Whitefish Bay Trail System in the city of Houghton, forming a nearly 450-mile trail system.

Eben Ice Caves Snowmobile Trail

The third trail in our guide is the Eben Ice Caves Snowmobile Trail. The nearly 75-mile trail starts in the city of Houghton and follows the shores of Lake Superior all the way to the city of Newberry, Michigan. This trail is a popular snowmobiling route as it passes through the Eben Ice Caves, a popular geologic site that attracts a number of tourists every year.

The trail offers riders an opportunity to explore the caves and learn more about the scientific marvels of nature that lie beneath the ice.

Rocks National Lakeshore Snowmobile Trail