Long-time cross-country skiers will find miles of trails filled with challenging ascents and thrilling descents.
Most of all, they’ll find a breathtaking view around every bend in the trail. If you’re new to the sport, you’ll find expert instruction, quality rental equipment, and a fun way to stay fit and enjoy the beauty of winter of Northern Michigan.
Anyone who loves the great outdoors is sure to love the snowshoe trails that winds through the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
One of the trails, Bay View, is just steps from the resort’s Village. There are also several other snowshoe trails just a short drive away.
Four main and several smaller trails combine to form the 42 KM Nordic Trail System at the Porcupine Mountains State Park.
The cross country ski trails encircle the lift-served Alpine Ski Area with numerous scenic loops. Trails are track set with a power-tiller equipped groomer.
Warming huts are located along the Log Camp Loop and Union Spring Trails. Daily and season trail passes are available at the chalet and include a one-ride lift ticket to the summit.
Winter interpretive activities include guided snowshoe hike and lantern light skiing. Check at the chalet for scheduling.
Lantern Light Cross-Country Skiing: (Selected Saturdays During the Season) Old-fashioned kerosene lanterns illuminate the trail during this night ski. Lanterns are placed along the entire one-mile loop for a remarkable night skiing experience. Stop about halfway around the loop at the warming shelter where the park naturalist will have a blazing fire going. This trail has an “easy” difficulty rating; however, skiing at night is always a challenge.
This program may be canceled due to weather. To inquire about cancellations call (906) 885-5206.
All programs are free; however, all motor vehicles entering a Michigan state park or recreation area must display a valid Motor Vehicle Permit, available for purchase at the park entrance.
Porcupine Mountains Cross Country Ski Trail Map
Porcupine Mountains Yurts
Would you like a true winter wilderness experience? Try spending a winter night or two (or more) in the Porcupine Mountains in a yurt. Yurts are sturdy, tent-like structures, that originated in central Asia. The park’s three yurts will provide visitors with a snug, weather-tight shelter that is close to the park’s hiking, biking and cross-country ski trails.
Each of the 16-foot-diameter yurts are available year-round, will sleep four people and are equipped with bunk beds, mattresses, wood stove, axe, bow saw and cooking and eating utensils. Running water and electricity are not provided, but an outhouse is nearby and wood is provided for heat in the colder months.
The park’s yurts are accessed only by trail. The distance and degree of challenge required to reach them will vary with the season. The rental fee is $60 per night and there is an $8 reservation fee.
For reservations call 1-800-447-2757 or online at www.midnrreservations.com.
The Mackinac Island Ski club grooms trails on the east and north side of the Island in Mackinac Island State Park.
The cross country ski trails wind through the pristine woods of Mackinac Island State Park and allow the winter visitor to see all of the natural and historical landmarks of the island.
You can follow the ski trails to the interior of the island and take in the vistas from the highest point on the island at Fort Holmes. Or ski through the woods to Arch Rock and enjoy the view of Lake Huron from the bluffs on the eastern side of the island.
Here’s a collection of photos of Mackinac Island during the winter:
January 2, 2016
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December 30, 2015
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Mackinac Island Photos – Instagram
Here are the latest photos of Mackinac Island via Instagram (hashtags #mackinac or #mackinacisland).
Do you have an instagram account? Tag your Mackinac Island instagram photos with #mackinac or #mackinacisland and they will appear here in our Mackinac Island Instagram Photo Stream.
Looking for some of the best in northern Michigan cross-country skiing trails? Look no further than Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa. From gentle treks through the trees to the rolling terrain of our black diamond cross-country skiing trails, Crystal Mountain’s 40+km cross-country skiing trail network provides terrain for all ability levels, from novice to expert. We even have 4K lighted for night skiing.
Meticulously-groomed for both skating and traditional cross-country skiing, these picturesque northern Michigan cross-country skiing trails were rated #1 in Michigan by Michigan Living magazine readers. Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa… your northern Michigan cross-country skiing vacation starts here.
Cross-Country Skiing & Snowshoeing
