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Summer brings countless of travel opportunities not afforded during the icy and snowy months. One such summer opportunity is the ability to take advantage of the seasonal roads throughout Michigan. Many beautiful inland lakes are only accessible via an often uneven and rocky dirt road. It’s well worth the time to work your way down these roads, however to a newbie these roads can be both intimidating and tricky. We believe that these roads are worth the effort and we can offer a few tips for staying safe and prepared.

Outline the entire trip from beginning to end. The feasibility of the trip and the roads is a very important consideration. Many roads lead to the middle of nowhere and often to a dead end, or a private property. After driving and driving down a road the last thing you want to do is turn around. Check every available map and the satellite view on Google Maps.

Save ample time to really investigate your route. Once you gather your thoughts on where you would like to go, dig in deeper using those maps, both online and offline. There are often a couple ways to get there. Make sure your offline map is still accurate and the roads still exist. When online, zoom in a much as possible.

Choose the right vehicle and tire for the season and terrain. Many of Michigan’s seasonal roads are easily driven in a typical city vehicle. However many roads will require more clearance and larger tires. The weather also plays a crucial role. A sunny week will keep the roads clean and dry, however during and after a big rain the roads become muddy and slippery. Proper grip and traction is important.

Get out and check the road. There have been plenty of times where I have gotten out of the car and walked up to a 1/2 mile to investigate what’s up ahead. This is especially important when it comes to any water crossing. Maybe you don’t want to get wet, but it’s better than heading straight into a water-covered boulder. Walk through the water to make sure it’s clear and a nice depth to drive through.

Stay safe and prepare for the worst. Accidents happen and if you’re hours away from a hospital you’ll want to make sure you can get by until help arrives. Bring a proper, well stocked first aid kit and learn how to use it. Keep food safe from wildlife and tell someone your route and where you plan to go.

Efficiency while packing the car will keep your stress level down. Can you navigate your way through the car in the dark? Maybe create a map of where you packed everything and keep it in your visor. Also, remember that it may be a bumpy ride. Use your cargo net to keep things in their place. On that same note, the food you bring should be well suited for a bumpy road. Canned goods and food in proper storage containers will survive the trip.

Your cell phone may not be there to help. Your service will surely be tested especially if you head out of civilization. Maybe get a Spot beacon or something similar so people know where you are and help can find you in an emergency. Finally, there is no need for electronic devices, except for maybe a small camera. They take up valuable room and keeping them safe is always an issue. Best to simply leave them behind.

Don’t be afraid of those seasonal roads throughout Michigan. They are there because they usually lead somewhere great, so with some preparation you can enjoy them and become familiar. Adventure awaits, so while it’s warm, go find it.