An old gravel mining site in southern Michigan has become a massive off-road playground with steep hill climbs, deep mud holes, rock obstacles, and wooded trails. Bundy Hill Offroad in Jerome gives Jeep owners, ATV riders, dirt bikers, and side-by-side drivers more than 300 acres to explore.
The former quarry left behind challenging slopes and uneven terrain that now make up some of the park’s biggest attractions. Riders can tackle everything from beginner-friendly routes to difficult climbs that require serious off-road experience.
There is more here than just technical trails. The park also has a sand drag area, guided ATV rentals, and overnight camping, making it possible to turn a few hours of riding into an entire weekend adventure.
From Gravel Pit to Riding Playground
Old quarries often sit empty for decades, but this one found a second job. The park is called Bundy Hill Offroad Recreation, and it sits at 9960 E Chicago Rd in Jerome, Michigan, in the United States.
The land was once a gravel pit operation. Today it covers about 350 acres of terrain built for motorized fun.
Those old dig sites left behind sharp slopes, bowls, and sandy stretches that riders now use as natural obstacles.
Jerome is a small spot in Hillsdale County, close to the Irish Hills area. It feels far from city traffic, yet many riders from Ohio, Indiana, and beyond make the trip.
I find the backstory interesting because the challenge comes from the ground itself. Nobody had to invent most of these hills.
They were already there, waiting for tires instead of loaders.
The park is family owned, and staff work on the trails over time. Ruts from big tires get smoothed, and layouts get adjusted as conditions change.
Of course, the real reason people show up is how steep things get, and the hills deserve their own close look.
Hill Climbs That Test Your Nerve
Two hundred sixty feet. That is roughly how tall one rider’s engineer uncle calculated a climb at Bundy Hill, after a ride that left his niece buzzing for an hour.
Hills are the headline here. The old quarry walls give riders steep faces to attack, and some routes carry names like Devil’s Bowl.
Climbing them takes throttle control, good line choice, and a little courage.
Up top, riders often stop for the view and a breeze. Coming back down is its own lesson in patience.
Brakes, body position, and slow speed matter a lot on the descent.
If you are new to steep terrain, I would start with smaller slopes first. Watch how experienced drivers pick their path.
Then build up slowly before trying the tallest faces.
Side-by-sides can tip on sideways angles, so climb straight when possible. Wear a helmet and buckle up every time.
One longtime rider said hill climbing felt just as fun after 40 years away. That says a lot about how these slopes hook people.
Still, the climbs are only one part of the map, and the woods tell a different story.
Wooded Trails With Tight Turns
Trees change everything. Once you leave the open quarry and head into the forest, the pace slows and the turns tighten.
Bundy Hill has a network of wooded trails for ATVs, dirt bikes, side-by-sides, and full-size rigs. Some paths are narrow enough that steering gets busy fast.
Roots, ruts, and bends keep riders focused.
Here is a practical tip. A few riders have said it is easy to take a wrong turn in the woods, even with signs posted.
Others like that the trails show up on the onX app, which helps with navigation.
I would download that map before arriving, since signal can be spotty in rural areas. Grabbing a quick orientation at the office also helps you learn the general layout.
Dirt bike riders seem especially happy with the trail mix. One rider who came from out of state said the park beat others he had tried across several Midwest states.
Trails also come in different levels, so beginners and veterans can each find a fit. When the trees open up again, though, things tend to get messy in a very different way.
Mud Holes and Messy Fun
Leave the white sneakers at home. At Bundy Hill, mud is part of the plan, not an accident.
The park has mud holes and soggy stretches that pull in Jeep owners, quad riders, and anyone who likes a splash. After rain, these spots get deeper and slicker.
That can turn a short crossing into a real test of traction.
One visitor’s advice was simple. Wear comfortable clothes and expect to get wet and muddy.
I would add a change of clothes and an old towel for the drive home.
Mud also tests your recovery gear. A tow strap and a friend nearby can save the day.
One rider even said he has pulled out stuck trucks several times with his 1964 Dodge Townwagon.
Go slow at first to gauge depth. Hidden ruts can be deeper than they look from the edge.
Hosing down your machine afterward helps protect parts from caked dirt. Mud is fun, but it does not care about your paint.
For riders who prefer hard surfaces, the next stop is all about rock.
Rock Walls, Pipes, and Built Obstacles
Some challenges at Bundy Hill came from the quarry. Others were built on purpose, and those are where crawlers really shine.
The park includes rock walls, pipe obstacles, and other man-made features. These spots test wheel placement, suspension flex, and patience.
A good spotter outside the vehicle can make a huge difference.
Rock crawling rewards slow, steady moves. Rushing usually means scraping, bouncing, or getting hung up.
I like that these obstacles teach skills that carry over to any trail.
Riders have also mentioned a Wild to Mild style section, where lines range from easier to tougher. That setup lets a newer driver try a gentle route while a friend picks the harder one.
Bring basic tools and a spare tire if you plan to crawl. Rocks can be rough on sidewalls.
Many owners use these features to test new gear, like tires or lockers, before bigger trips. It is a handy place to learn what your rig can handle.
And if slow crawling sounds too calm, the park has a spot made for pure speed.
A Drag Strip for Quick Bursts
Need to open it up? Most of Bundy Hill is twisty or steep, but the drag strip gives riders a straight shot.
One quad owner with a 450R noted that the park is not really a place for top speed, except on the drag strip. That makes the strip a nice change of pace.
After hours of crawling and climbing, a quick run feels different.
Drag runs are short and simple. Line up, launch, and see how your machine pulls.
Friends with similar quads or bikes often enjoy comparing launches.
Safety still comes first. Make sure the strip is clear before going, and keep spectators well back.
Helmets and goggles matter even on a straight line.
I like that the park mixes speed with technical riding. It means one group can split up, with some members racing while others work on obstacles.
The strip also works well for checking tuning changes. You will notice right away if something feels off.
With so many ways to ride, it helps to know which machines can join the fun.
Room for Quads, Bikes, Jeeps, and Side-by-Sides
Dirt bikes, quads, side-by-sides, lifted Jeeps, and even old trucks all show up at Bundy Hill. That range is part of its appeal.
Plenty of parks lean toward one kind of machine. Here, the terrain variety suits many.
Bikers find tight trails, Jeep owners find rocks and mud, and side-by-side drivers find big climbs.
The parking area is large, which helps when trailers roll in. Plan a little extra time to unload and gear up.
Mixing vehicle types does call for awareness. A dirt bike can appear around a corner quickly.
Bigger rigs should give smaller ones space on narrow paths.
I find it fun that a classic 1964 Dodge Townwagon can share the park with modern machines. It shows the place is about riding, not showing off fancy builds.
Groups also come together here. One club, Mitten State Tours, has visited as a group and enjoyed the trails.
Big groups should keep a meeting point in mind in case someone wanders. If you do not own a machine, though, there is still a way in.
Rentals and Guided Rides
No trailer, no problem. Bundy Hill offers rentals for people who want to try off-roading without owning a machine.
Rental rides are guided only. A staff guide leads the group around the park.
That makes sense, since newcomers may not know the trails or the tricky spots.
I would choose a guided ride for a first visit even if renting were not required. A guide can point out safe lines and fun sections.
You also skip the worry of getting lost in the woods.
One rider shared that the park offers military discounts on rentals. She brought two veteran family members along and said everyone had a great time.
Since rental details and availability can change, contact the park ahead of time. Ask about age rules, what gear to bring, and whether reservations are needed.
Closed-toe shoes, long pants, and eye protection are smart choices. Sunscreen helps on open quarry ground.
Guided rides are a gentle start, and they pair nicely with the park’s welcoming feel for families.
Family Days and Weekend Camping
Families bring young riders here often. Some parents ride with their kids, while others come as adults only.
The mix of easy and hard terrain lets each person find a comfortable level.
Keep kids on machines sized for them, and stay close on any slopes. Matching gear, like helmets and gloves, matters for little riders too.
Camping adds another layer. The park has a campground, and recent visitors described clean, spacious sites.
That makes long weekends easier, since you can ride, rest, and ride again.
I like the idea of waking up right next to the trails. No morning drive, just coffee and gear checks.
Bring your own supplies, since this is a rural area.
Staff have even been known to grill food in the parking area at times. Check with the office about current camping rules before you pack.
Planning ahead matters most when it comes to the park’s schedule.
Smart Tips Before You Roll In
Timing matters at Bundy Hill. The park keeps set days and hours, and it is closed some weekdays, so check before you hitch the trailer.
The office staff get steady praise for being friendly and helpful. Stop in, ask questions, and grab a quick layout overview.
It can save you time later.
Download the onX trail map before you leave home. Some riders mentioned that signs in the woods can be easy to miss, so a map is handy backup.
Pack water, snacks, a basic tool kit, and a tow strap. Restrooms are mainly portable outhouses near parking, so plan around that.
Hot summer days can wear you out on open sand. Spring and fall often feel more comfortable, though mud levels shift with rain.
Ride within your skill level, especially on the big hills. Walking a climb or descent first can show hidden ruts.
I would also follow the park’s social pages for updates, since trails and openings change. With a little prep, an old Michigan gravel pit turns into a full day of dirt, climbs, and good stories for the ride home.
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