Experience A Winter Wonderland on Cross Country Skis or Snowshoes
Ludington State Park Ski Trail
One of several trails throughout the state park, the Logging Trailis a six mile loop that features two shelters and glimpses of oak, hemlock and pine forests as well as marsh lands. The park also features eight-plus miles of trails south of the Hamlin dam perfect for snowshoeing. Trails are free to use, though vehicles must have a state park sticker. The park also hosts a series of snowshoe-making workships. Call (231) 843-9261 for more information. Directions: Traveling west on US-10 into Ludington, turn north onto Lakeshore Drive/M-116 and travel eight miles to park entrance. www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?id=468&type=SPRK
Ludington School Forest
The school forest has about 3 miles of easy trail through both wooded and open sandy areas. Parking may be occasionally plowed, Sherman Road edge parking is suggested.
Big M
Located in the heart of the Udell Hills, the Big M Cross Country Ski Trail covers 18.5 miles of Manistee National Forest land near Manistee and WEllston. Trails groomed starting mid-December through March. There is no fee to use the trail. Directions: From Wellston, travel west on M-55 for four miles to East Udell Hills Road, then south three miles to the Big M entrance and parking area. www.skibigm.org
Pentwater Pathways
Located east of the quaint Village of Pentwater, Pentwater Pathwayis a series of well-marked looped trails equaling nearly 15 miles. Traversing through a variety of surroundings, trails feature steep drops, picturesque marshes and woodlands. There is no cost to use the trails. Trails maintained by the Oceana Cross-Country Ski Association; the group requests snowshoers travel beside groomed trails rather than in them. Directions: From US-31, take the Monroe Road exit west toward Pentwater. Turn west on Long Bridge Road and turn south on Wayne Road. Park sign and entrance about one mile south. Turn west; parking area located three-tenths-of-mile in. More information at www.getoffthecouch.info/oceana/pentpath.htm#map
Crystal Valley Cross Country Trail
This new set of trails, created by the Oceana Cross-Counhtry Ski Association, is presently comprised of just two tracks (amounting to around four miles), although several more are planned. Located in a large, unbroken section of Manistee National Forest land, trails pass through uneven topography and around several difficult curves. Trails are groomed followng snow falls of four inches or more. Snowshoers are asked to travel beside groomed trails rather than in them. Directions: From US-31, take the Monroe Road exit east seven miles before turning north on 126th Avenue. Continue through Crystal Valley two miles. Where 126th becomes Jefferson Road, turn north back onto 126th Avenue. Travel 1.3 miles to River Road. Turn east. Parking lot (with signage) will be on your right. www.getoffthecouch.info/oceana/crystal.htm
Hart-Montague Rail Trail
This lateral state park covers 23 miles, with trailheads in Hart, Shelby, New Era, Rothbury, Montague and Whitehall. Cross country skiing is allowed, although the trail is open to snowmobilers when there is more than four inches of snow on the ground. Skiers should also know that the majority of the trail is flat, with many long, straight stretches. Directions: Hart Trailhead - Polk Road, east of Hart US-31exit; Shelby Trailhead - From US-31 Shelby Road exit, travel east 1.25 miles. Turn north on Michigan Street, and then west on 4th Street; Shelby Trailhead - From US-31, take New Era/M-20 exit east to Oceana Drive. Turn south to Ray Street; Rothbury Trailhead - From US-31, take Winston Road exit east to Oceana Drive/Michigan Avenue. Turn south and then east at Community Street. www.getoffthecouch.info/oceana/railtrail.htm
Pine Valley Pathway
Located in Lake County on M-37, north of Baldwin. The 8 miles of trail there are groomed by the Michigan DNR. This is a wooded area of mixed hardwoods and conifers, with easy to moderate skill level required. http://www.getoffthecouch.info/skiing.htm
Bowman Lake
Bowman Lake area is a delightful glacially carved region of small hills and kettle holes, and the lake itself is always a brilliant gem in winter. Located southwest of Baldwin, the parking area is plowed in winter, and there are 6 miles of trails (and another 3 of North Country Trail). The inner 3 miles are the most skied. There will usally be tracks to follow unless you are the first traveler after a snowfall. http://www.getoffthecouch.info/skiing.htm
