Huron-Manistee National Forests: Cut Your Own Christmas Tree (2026)
Has 2026 info
How your family can cut a Christmas tree on the Huron-Manistee National Forests in Michigan, 2026 season. Every fact below comes from the forest's official pages, linked at the bottom.
Quick facts
- Price: $5 per tree
- How many: Up to five permits per person each season; one tree per permit.
- Permit sales: Online sales opened Oct 8, 2026.
- Cutting season: Oct 12 – Dec 31, 2026 (permit season listed on Recreation.gov).
Where can I cut?
- Approved cutting areas change every year.
- Download the current maps from the Recreation.gov listing.
- Not on private land, in wilderness, experimental forests, research natural areas, recreation residence tracts, tree plantations, active timber sales or newly planted areas.
- Not within 100 ft of water, campgrounds, picnic areas, trailheads or developed recreation areas.
- Not within 100 ft of paved roads or 50 ft of dirt roads.
- Drive only on roads and trails open to motor vehicles (Motor Vehicle Use Map).
- No off-road travel.
When can I buy a permit?
- Online sales opened Oct 8, 2026.
- Cutting season: Oct 12 – Dec 31, 2026 (permit season listed on Recreation.gov).
How much?
- $5 per tree
- Extra fees: Not stated.
How do I buy it?
What's an online permit? It's a permit you buy on Recreation.gov, the U.S. government's official booking website. You pay there, then follow the instructions that come with your permit.
- Online at Recreation.gov.
- Carry the permit while you cut and transport the tree, and tag each tree before you transport it.
Rules to know
- How many: Up to five permits per person each season.
- One tree per permit.
- Maximum 20 ft tall and 6 in. in diameter.
- Stumps within 6 in. of the ground.
- No cedar or hemlock.
- Take the whole tree.
- Observe seasonal road closures and be ready to hike to the cutting area.
Before you go
- Check this forest's official page and alerts the week you go. Rules, roads and closures can change.
- Cut only on National Forest land, never on private, state or tribal land.
- Forest roads are often unplowed. Check the weather and road conditions.
- Follow your permit's instructions for carrying, tagging or displaying it.
What to bring:
- Your permit (printed, if your forest asks you to print it)
- A hatchet, ax or saw (check your forest: some ban chainsaws)
- Warm gloves, boots and extra warm clothing
- Rope to tie your tree down
- A flashlight, first aid kit and tire chains
- Water, a hot drink, lunch or snacks (it always takes longer than expected)
Need firewood too? See the Huron-Manistee firewood permit page.
Sources
More in Michigan: Hiawatha · Ottawa · All Michigan options
Independent site. Forest Permit Finder is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the USDA Forest Service or Recreation.gov. Permit rules change; always check the official page before you go. Information last verified Oct 2026.