Grayling Sand Plains ORV Complex Pipeline Trail

The Pipeline Trail cuts straight through the heart of Grayling’s legendary sand country, following buried utility corridors through jack pine barrens and rolling dunes that stretch to the horizon. This 31-mile route connects multiple trail systems within the Grayling Sand Plains ORV Complex, featuring the infamous Whoops Section where decades of ATV traffic have carved deep rhythmic bumps into the soft sand. The Deadman’s Curve section at Mile 19 separates experienced sand runners from weekend warriors with its loose, deep sand and blind crests.

This is pure sand running that demands lower tire pressures, momentum, and experience reading sand conditions. Stock 4WD vehicles struggle here — you’ll want aggressive tread, recovery gear, and ideally paddle tires for the deep sections. Open year-round except during spring thaw, but summer heat makes midday runs brutal. Michigan ORV permit required. The Grayling complex offers some of the finest sand trail riding in the Great Lakes region, with excellent camping at nearby state forest campgrounds and cold beer in town afterward.