Well-known for its collection of downhill ski resorts, the Big Snow Country of the Western Upper Peninsula of Michigan is also home to some of the most challenging and most scenic cross country ski trails in the midwest.
Every winter a succession of snowstorms blows in over the waters of Lake Superior and turns the rugged terrain and old growth forests of the region into a pristine and spectacular white landscape. Here in the Western U.P. the blessings of winter are bestowed upon the cross country skier with a great and wonderful abundance.
“The secret to our popularity is that we get a lot of snow and we get a lot of snow early,” says Eric Anderson, owner of ABR Trails in Ironwood. “We attract a lot of competitive skiers early in the year who use our trails to train for the race season later in the winter.”
The professionally groomed trails of ABR Trails generally open in November – with the season starting some years as early as the last couple of weeks of October.
The trail includes the Shauger Hill Hiking Trail and the unplowed Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. It offers views of Lake Michigan and the dunes. For your safety, stay back from the edge of the steep bluff. Pets on a 6′ leash may be taken on the unplowed roadway section of the trail, but the Shauger Hill Trail section is a Designated X-Country Ski Trail and Pets are not allowed on this section of the trail between December 1 and March 31.
Ski to the top of the Lake Michigan Overlook and view the winterscape along the Lake Michigan shore. Be careful where you go, because if you fall, you will end up taking a FAST slide to the bottom of the bluff 450 feet below! Not only is the trip down dangerous, but the hike back up the frozen bluff is nearly impossible.
Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive at Sleeping Bear Dunes via NPS Website
The Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive is certainly a must-do activity when visiting Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. This 7.4 mile self-guided auto tour provides the visitor with insight to the history of the area, a sampling of the vegetative communities found within the park and, best of all, spectacular overlooks of the Glen Lakes, the Sleeping Bear Dunes and Lake Michigan. – >> Read More >>
More Sleeping Bear Dunes Skiing, Snowshoeing and Winter Fun
Tweddle/Treat Farm at Sleeping Bear Dunes via NPS
Now for a “Treat” you’ll have to take a hike – but it is well worth the effort! The trail that leads from the corner of Norconk Road into the woods is about ½ mile long through the maple-beech forest and will take you to the Treat Farm. As you reach the top of the hill, the canopy of trees opens up to a view of the farmstead. A portion of the original barn has been rebuilt on the original foundation. Visitors are drawn to this intriguing farmstead for several reasons. The trail leading up the slight incline from Norconk Road holds an allure of its own… it seems to beckon passers-by. It piques the curiosity by conjuring visions of what might be at its terminus. It is also one of the most beautiful areas for spring wildflowers in all of Michigan! – >> Read More >>
More Sleeping Bear Dunes Skiing, Snowshoeing and Winter Fun
North Higgins Lake State Park has 11 miles of cross-country ski trails. The trails wind through the mixed hardwoods that make up the mature wooded area. They cross over moderate hills and flatlands.
