Winter Sports

The Hiawatha National Forest's winter landscape is beautiful. Snowmobilers will find over 3000 miles of road, abandoned railroad grades, and trails through hardwood stands, pine forest and frozen swampland awaiting them. Enjoy the cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails on the forest.

Find maps for winter recreation on the Visitor Maps and Guides page.

Snowmobiling

Several hundred miles of snowmobiling trails are managed in a partnership between the Hiawatha National Forest, Michigan DNR, and local snowmobiling clubs.  For rules and regulations, maps, and current snowmobiling information, visit the Michigan DNR snowmobiling website.

The Forest Service and DNR remind you to always think "Safety First" when snowmobiling. Please follow these safety tips:

• Slow Down - speed is a contributing factor in nearly all fatal accidents.
• Always keep your machine in top mechanical condition.
• Don't drink. Alcohol impairs judgment and slows reaction time.
• Always wear insulated boots and protective clothing, including a helmet, gloves and eye protection.
• Check the weather conditions before you depart.
• Never ride alone.
• When possible, avoid crossing frozen bodies of water. Never operate in a single file when crossing frozen bodies of water.
• Always be alert to avoid fences and low-strung wires.
• Always look for depressions in the snow.
• Keep headlights and tail lights on at all times.
• When approaching an intersection, come to a complete stop, raise off the seat and look both ways for traffic.

XC Skiing/Snowshoeing

Whether you're a beginner or an expert, a traditional skier,  skater, or enjoy snow shoeing, exciting ski trails await you on the Hiawatha National Forest.

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Recreation Opportunities

XC Skiing/Snowshoeing (14)

Showing: 1 - 10 of 14 results

Bayshore Trail

Located within the Little Bay de Noc Recreation Area, this trail provides campers with nearby hiking and biking opportunities. The 1.1-mile long Bayshore Trail runs along the shore of Little Bay de…

Bruno's Run Trail

The Bruno’s Run Trail offers a 9 mile (14.48 km) loop ideal for non-motorized uses. Although the trail is not groomed in winter, it does offer a suitable outing for hikers, bikers, and horseback…

Colwell Lake Hiking Trail

This 2 mile long loop trail meanders along the edge of Colwell Lake and is surfaced to be fully accessible to people with mobility impairments. The trial is particularly stunning in the fall, and…

Haymeadow Falls Trail

This 0.9 mile loop trail leads hikers from the Haymeadow Campground to Haymeadow Falls, a series of small staircase falls. The Haymeadow is recognized as a high quality trout stream and anglers can…

McKeever Cabin

Site Open

Looking for a quiet, rustic place to get away for a few nights? McKeever Cabin may be just what you`re looking for! Located approximately 14 miles south of Munising, the cabin is situated on a small…

McKeever Hills Cross Country Ski Trail

Looking for a quieter, less manicured alternative to highly groomed trails without sacrificing quality? McKeever Hills Ski Trail may be just the ticket for you! McKeever Hills offers loops for skiers…

McNearney Cross-Country Ski Trail

McNearney Cross-Country Ski Trail has four cross-country (XC) skiing loops including:Flat Beginner’s Loop: One mile (1.7 km) flat loop.Camp 4 Loop: Three-mile gentle terrain with slopes and level…

North Country National Scenic Trail - East Zone

The North Country National Scenic Trail (NCT) runs from New York to North Dakota and is approximately 4,600 miles long, crossing the Upper Peninsula Michigan.The portion of the NCT within the east…

Rapid River National Cross Country Ski Trail

Located 7 miles north of Rapid River on US 41, this 17 mile (27 km) trail system offers 6 classic ski loops and 2 skating loops with difficulty levels to match all abilities. A 1.4 mile snowshoe…

Sand Dunes Cross-Country Ski Trail

Sand Dunes Cross-Country Ski Trail is in a great location off US 2 and Brevoort Lake Road. Sand Dunes is a complex of trail loops ranging from beginner to expert level and from one mile to several…