Grayling Sand Plains ORV Complex Pipeline Trail
Premier sand country with challenging whoops
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.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance |
| Surface | Sand |
| Features | Camping |
| Length (miles) | 31 mi / 49.9 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1150 ft |
| Best season | May-November |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD with sand tires recommended |
| Nearest town | Grayling, Michigan |
| Land manager | Michigan Department of Natural Resources |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | Decent |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | michigan.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can I run this trail on stock all-terrain tires, or do I actually need sand tires?
Stock A/Ts will get you through most of it, but the deep sand sections and whoops will punish you without proper flotation. Airing down to 15-18 PSI is non-negotiable here — sand tires or a wide aggressive tread make a real difference on the technical stretches.
Is the trail open year-round or does winter shut it down?
The trail runs best May through November. Michigan winters bring snow, ice, and frozen sand that changes the character of the trail entirely — some sections become impassable and the DNR may restrict access depending on conditions.
Do I need a permit to run the Grayling Sand Plains ORV Complex?
Yes. Michigan requires an ORV license/permit for all vehicles on state forest ORV trails. Pick one up through the Michigan DNR before you roll out — rangers do check.
How bad are the whoops and what's the hardest section actually like?
The whoops are the real test here — sustained, fast, and deep enough to bounce a full-size rig hard if you're not reading the trail. The hardest sections are the open pipeline cuts where sand is loose and rutted; momentum management matters more than raw power.
Is there any water or fuel along the 31-mile trail, or do I need to stage supplies in Grayling?
There's no fuel or water on the trail itself. Top off the tank and load your water in Grayling before heading out — it's your last reliable stop. Dispersed camping is available along the route if you're staying overnight, but pack in everything you need.
Trail track
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