LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – As residents in Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula thaw out from last week’s blizzard, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is advising outdoor enthusiasts in those areas to be cautious on trails and in state parks.

“With record snowfall March 15-16 in the Upper Peninsula – some areas received more than 4 feet of snow – and snowy and icy conditions in the northern Lower Peninsula, we’re urging people to check conditions before traveling to storm-affected areas and to be aware of downed trees and branches, as well as bent or bowed trees and branches that may fall unexpectedly,” said Greg Kinser, Lower Peninsula trails coordinator for the DNR Parks and Recreation Division.

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The snow left roads impassable, while downed trees and power lines caused problems across the region as well.

“In addition to trail impacts, many state parks and recreation facilities across the U.P. and the northern Lower Peninsula were rendered inaccessible by the significant snowfall,” Kinser said. “State park staff are digging out, and it will take time before some park facilities are accessible again.”

As if the recent blizzard wasn’t bad enough, 260 miles of forest roads in the northeastern Lower Peninsula remain closed due to debris from the 2025 ice storm nearly one year ago. Cleanup efforts are ongoing.