Cabins Near Ski Trails and Other Winter Activities
Imagine being encircled by light snowflakes as you glide through a snowy trail with towering trees glistening with a fresh white covering. A picturesque and serene landscape awaits you this winter in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan’s Hiawatha National Forest!
Snowmobilers will find over 3,000 miles of road, abandoned railroad grades and trails through hardwood stands, pine forest, and frozen swampland. There are many exciting trails for skiers and snowshoers of every skill level.
One special area for skiing is McKeever Hills, offering a less manicured trail without sacrificing quality. It offers loops for skiers at a range of expertise, including many downhill runs. In addition, it offers some beautiful views, with six miles of trail passing beside several lakes and through various forest types.
And, the perfect spot to rest after a day of adventure is McKeever Cabin, conveniently located adjacent to McKeever Hills and Bruno’s Run hiking trail. The rustic cabin is situated on a small knob surrounded by young evergreens and hardwoods overlooking McKeever Lake. After you’ve had a chance to warm up by the cabin’s barrel stove and taken some respite, you can hit the slopes again right from your doorstep! What the cabin lacks in modern amenities, it more than makes up for with its ideal location and low cost (only $45/night).
And, the Valley Spur Cross Country Ski Trail is just a short drive away. Located in the Lake Superior Snow Belt, Valley Spur features 27 miles (45 km) of trail passing alongside northern hardwood forest, meadows, hemlock groves, 40-inch diameter white pine, red pine plantations, and several small lakes. Plan your trip on a week-end to enjoy a wood stove heated day lodge at the trailhead, complete with snacks, beverages and a heated outhouse.
Now’s the time to explore the Hiawatha’s wintry wonderland!
A number of other forests in the Eastern Region have cabins open during the winter season, conveniently located near ski or snowmobile trails; please see below for more information:
Minnesota
A total of 8 beautiful year-round resorts are located on the Chippewa National Forest and are operated by concessionaires through special use permits. Reservations can be made by directly contacting the operators; see links below:
Deer River District
- Cut Foot Sioux Inn
- Eagle Nest Lodge
- High Banks Resort
- Northland Lodge
- Pines Resort
- Tamarack Lodge
- Check out the Cut Foot Sioux Trail or Simpson Creek Trail for awesome snowshoeing & cross country skiing opportunities!
Walker District
- Oak Point Resort
- Ojibway Resort
- Check out the Shingobee Recreation Area for sledding, tubing & cross country skiing!
- Check out the Heartland Trail for some awesome snowmobiling!
New Hampshire
The White Mountain National Forest offers three cabins open year round on the Saco Ranger District; please see individual sites below for more information:
Pennsylvania
The Allegheny National Forest’s Willow Bay Recreation Area offers 11 one-room rustic cabins that accommodate 4-6 guests. The cabins and campground are nestled in the shore of Willow Bay off the Allegheny Reservoir at an elevation of 1,400 feet. Snowshoe the historic North Country Trail, part of the Appalachian Trail system, which can be accessed from the campground and cabin area. Or bring your cross-country skis to traverse the Forest’s trail offerings, and/or bring your snowmobile to glide over the 300 miles of groomed snowmobile trails in interconnected loops.