How do i start finding trails

[Swalsh]

I need some help planning an overlanding trip next summer from westfield Indiana to mackinac city Michigan I would start on hwy 31 till I hit Michigan and then offroad from Michigan to mackinac city. Does anyone have some good ideas of trail routes I should take send me the coordinates and a good camping spots

 

[Billiebob]

drive

Very few overlanders will send coordinates for their favourite, quiet, private, secluded, ultimate camping spots. At least no online. Overlanding is all about discovery.

 

[Speric]

I need some help planning an overlanding trip next summer from westfield Indiana to mackinac city Michigan I would start on hwy 31 till I hit Michigan and then offroad from Michigan to mackinac city. Does anyone have some good ideas of trail routes I should take send me the coordinates and a good camping spots

just get some maps of your area, look online, gaiagps.com, to name a few.

 

[California Overland]

I need some help planning an overlanding trip next summer from westfield Indiana to mackinac city Michigan I would start on hwy 31 till I hit Michigan and then offroad from Michigan to mackinac city. Does anyone have some good ideas of trail routes I should take send me the coordinates and a good camping spots

I can't comment on your particular part of the country, but here in California when I want to take a trip from point A to point B I start with Google maps satellite view and see how I can connect backcountry forest service roads together. The FS road numbers and names show up, for the most part, on Google maps and Earth pretty well. Then I use Gaia to look closer at the route by using the forest service maps option and compare it to Google (because the satellite view on gaia sucks compared to Google). When I've found a route I like I plot it on Gaia. If you don't want to pay for Gaia you can find FS maps on the internet. It's a crap shoot though. Also search for MVUM maps for your area.

Also remember that nothing natural in nature is round. You can see fire rings from space on Google maps. That's how I find a lot of campsites.

 

[Pathkiller]

I agree start with Google Maps to plan a general route. (This will help you find your fuel & re-supply stops.) You will also be able to see State & National Parks, wilderness areas, etc. Once you have the general plan in mind you can go to a website like Trails Offroad: Explore the Best 4x4, ATV, Overland, Jeep, and Truck Offroad Trails in Your Area | Trails Offroad and start looking for trails & trail ratings & reviews.

For off highway navigation, you need a good gps device. (Cell phones don't work unless you have a signal and a GPS can help you navigate without a signal.)

The next thing I would do is download the GAIA GPS App (Gaia GPS: Navigate, Track, and Explore). You can see other trails people have made public and set your own routes & waypoints. Then you can download area maps directly into your device and use the GPS on your phone or iPad even if you don't have service.

 

[Laud]

Google Earth Pro on a laptop with photos turned on will give you some great ideas of things you may be interested in.

 

[Charles M]

I need some help planning an overlanding trip next summer from westfield Indiana to mackinac city Michigan I would start on hwy 31 till I hit Michigan and then offroad from Michigan to mackinac city. Does anyone have some good ideas of trail routes I should take send me the coordinates and a good camping spots

I would check with Michigan overland and this thread on Michigan groups. They should be able to answer some questions for you.