Former Scout Camp Greilick Open to Public

Events Calendar

Camp Greilick ski trail (photo from Grand Traverse County)

compiled from several sources, mostly from a news release of Grand Traverse County

After Over 1,000 hours of volunteer time, plus work from staff and community partners, Camp Greilick near Traverse City, Michigan, is now open to the public. Four-season activities are available.

Featured are: A hiking trail called Lagoon Loop, additional trails for hiking, snowshoe, backcountry cross country skiing, an 18-hole disc golf course, “Wood Chip Hill” children’s area with story walk and bouldering wall and two geocaches.

The overarching park vision is to protect and preserve the conservation value of the property and dedicate it as a public space where county residents and visitors can experience passive and active outdoor recreation, learn to be better stewards of the environment, and develop skills to improve their outdoor experience.

Grand Traverse County acquired the former Boy Scout camp property in 2024 after it had sat idle for many years. “We are honored to bring this special piece of property into our parks system and make it available for the public to create lifelong memories and enjoy outdoor recreation and education, just as it has for many decades. We are especially thankful to the staff and volunteers who have dedicated their time and talents to help us open the park,” said John Chase, Director of Parks and Facilities for Grand Traverse County.

Planned additions for 2026 are: outdoor and environmental education opportunities, on-site lodging, and pavilion/lodge rental. The county is also working with North Sky Raptor Sanctuary to bring a raptor education center and rehabilitation facility to the park.

The park is located at 4754 Scout Camp Rd. and can be accessed from Hobbs Hwy (please note that map applications may incorrectly route drivers on Ranch Rudolf Rd.).

It is open 365 days a year from 6 AM to 11 PM. Facilities are currently winterized, so plan to pack in water if needed. Porta Potties are available on site. Leashed dogs are welcome and pet waste stations are in several locations. The kiosk in the parking lot has a large print map with a full park layout, as well as a QR code so that visitors can take the map along with them. Residents are also encouraged to sign up for monthly newsletters about all of the happenings at Camp Greilick.

Here is the map of Camp Greilick Trails

For additional information, contact Grand Traverse County Parks and Recreation at gtparks@gtcountymi.gov, Grand Traverse County Parks and Recreation


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Winter Trail Etiquette

classic groomed ski tracks on the left, and skate-ski/snowshoe grooming on the right (photo from the National Park Service)

compiled from several sources. By jhy

There are basically three kinds of grooming that are done for non-motorized trails in winter. Classic track grooming for cross-country skiers consists of two parallel lines about a foot apart in the snow. Skate-skiing track is a wider, ribbed surface that is essentially compacted and flat. Grooming for fat-tire bicycles is similar.

What are the rules when you encounter groomed winter trails?

Above all, find out the local rules for the trail you are using, which may be more specific than these general guidelines.

There are several absolute tabus. When you encounter the classic two-groove ski tracks, do not do anything on these except cross-country ski with skis no wider than the tracks. In fact, it's best if skiers try not to cut across these tracks, herringbone up hills, etc. Of course, a fall might damage the grooves, but if traffic is not heavy, some effort should be made to repair the tracks. Hikers, snowshoers, skate-skiers, and pets should not use these tracks. Unfortunately, in many cases, we can't train the deer or coyotes to stay off.

The flat, ribbed tracks for skate skiing and fat-tire biking are a little more flexible. Still, you should stay off them with boots. Walk pets elsewhere. Some trail systems allow snowshoe use on these tracks, others do not. In particular, if you use snowshoes with deep-gripping cleats, you will probably not be welcome. Anything that puts gouges in the surface can present not only an annoyance but a hazard to fast-moving users. Bicycles on these trails should have a minimum 3.8" tire width.

Protocol is that slower users yield to faster ones by stepping out of the track or trail. In many cases, trails are signed to be one-way. This is for safety. Meeting a speedy user head-on is not good. Do not stop at the bottoms of hills or just around blind corners.

In many cases, groomed trail systems charge a user fee. This helps cover the cost for maintaining grooming equipment.

In the immediate local area:
• Crystal Valley and Pentwater Pathways are groomed for classic skiing by volunteers of the Oceana Cross Country Ski Association. Donations are welcome, but there is no fee for using those areas.
• Big M is groomed for classic skiing by volunteers, with separate trail groomed for fat-tire bikes by Shoreline Cycling Club. Donations are encourged and there is a collection box at the parking area.
• The Manistee Non-Motorized Trail is partially groomed for fat-tire bikes by Shoreline Cycling Club, and partially for classic skiing , with an additional snowshoe loop/ dog walking loop
• Ludington School Forest has trails groomed for fat-tire bikes by Shoreline Cycling Club. The regular hiking trails are not groomed.
• The Logging Trail at Ludington State Park is groomed for classic skiing. Snowshoes are welcome to the side.
• Just slightly farther south, the Dragon Trail at Hardy Dam Pond is grooming 13 miles with ribbed track for shared use by fat-tire bikes, skis, and snowshoes.
• Muskegon Luge has a 3.5 mile groomed ski trail, and a 2.5 mile snowshoe trail. The trails are lit in the evenings and open 7 days a week. $10 daily trail pass. Open till 9 pm weekdays and 10 pm Fri & Sat.
• Commercial ski resorts often have cross-country trails.

There may be other groomed trails in the area. Feel free to let me know of them.

Contact me at events@getoffthecouch.info


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Portions of the Dragon Trail Groomed for Winter Use

map of groomed trails (from Mecosta County)

compiled from several sources

The 45-mile Dragon Trail around Hardy Dam Pond in Newaygo and Mecosta Counties, Michigan, has a total of 13 miles that are groomed for multi-use winter adventures. The trail remains open for hikers, bicyclists, skiers and snowshoes. As such, the grooming is not focused on one user group.

Bikes should have tires a minimum of 3.8" wide (fat tire bikes). Hikers should stay to the side of the trail. Showshoes and skis are welcome on the groomed trail.

Sections that are groomed are shown highlighted in green on the graphic, which includes the Brower Loop and Section 5 which runs between Mecosta County's Brower Park and Davis Bridge Park. Parking areas of each of these parks are plowed and will be maintained on weekdays throughout the winter. Vault Toilets are available at both locations, with a hand water pump available for use at Davis Bridge.

For parking at Newaygo and Mecosta County Parks, a permit is required. Each county has its own permit. One permit does NOT cover all parking along the loop. 2026 annual Vehicle Permits are now available! Standard vehicle permits are $35 each with regional passes available for $60 each. Stop by to purchase a permit in person at the Parks Administration office in Paris, MI, Mon-Fri 8:30-5:00, or call 231-832-3246 to purchase over the phone! Or drop your fee in the fee pipe at Brower or Davis Bridge Parks and your permit will be mailed out to you!


See the complete rules for Trail Etiquette


See the main website for The Dragon Trail

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New Snowshoes and Lanterns for Young State Park- Charlevoix

a news release of the Michigan DNRE

A recent grant from the Charlevoix County Community Foundation will help Young State Park enhance its winter programming by purchasing new snowshoes and lanterns. The park is located at 02280 Boyne City Rd., near Boyne City, Michigan.

Young State Park will work with a Boyne City outfitter called No Boundaries, to procure the snowshoes. Staff from No Boundaries will provide assistance with the winter programs at the park.

Certified Heritage Interpreter, Maureen Stine, will guide the free and educational snowshoe hikes for park visitors. These hikes are geared toward families or anyone interested in learning more about the winter ecology in the park. The snowshoe hikes will be held in Young State Park at 1 p.m. on Saturdays, Jan. 15 and 29 and Feb. 12, 19 and 26.

Registration is not needed for the snowshoe hikes. There will be a warming fire and hot beverages to enjoy before and after the hike. Additionally, when the hike is complete, visitors are invited to attend an information session on the sports of snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Other activities at Young State Park during the winter include hiking, dog walking and cross-country skiing, and Lake Charlevoix is great for perch and walleye fishing.

For more information about these programs, call 231-582-7523.
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Winter Trails Day Events- Lower Michigan

snowshoeing at Bowman Lake (photo by JHY)

if you like this article, click the Blip chiclet!
from Winter Trails

Winter Trails 2010 is set for January 9, 2010. Entering its 15th year, the event offers children and adults who are new to snow sports the chance to try snowshoeing and cross country skiing for FREE, and to discover the great fitness and social benefits with these easy-to-learn winter sports.

In Lower Michigan, the following events are registered:

Glen Arbor- FREE Nordic Walking Lessons and FREE Nordic Walking Pole Rentals will be provided on Winter Trails Day. The focus will be on Nordic Walking, while other supporting locations will be promoting other Nordic Sports. Nordic Walking, Nordic Skiing (cross country) and Nordic Snowshoeing are wonderful ways for children and adults to discover the many wonderful fitness and social benefits of enjoying winter. See Skiwalking.com

Roscommon- Events all day- preregistration required. 10:30: X-C Ski & Snowshoe clinic. 11:10: Go on a tour to Trappers Cabin for Hot Dogs, bonfire and Hot Cocoa. Noon - 3 PM: Skiers are invited to relax in front of the Fireplace in the Stone Turtle Day Lodge. 3 PM Draw registrants names from hat for prizes. See Cross Country Ski Headquarters

Thompsonville: Crystal Mountain- FREE two-hour rental and trail pass along with introductory lesson. Available 1-7pm. Pre-registration required. See Crystal Mountain

Graying: Hartwick Pines- This will be a snowshoeing event: free snowshoe rentals, demonstrations, guided hikes, clinics and children's activities.Food concessions and hot beverages and campfires to warm-up at also. See Hartwick Pines State Park

Glen Arbor: See The Homestead

Bellaire: Shanty Creek- Free snowshoe and cross country rentals, free group ski lessons, free trail passes. Advance registration required for free rentals and trail passes. $5 fee for rentals and/or trail passes without advance registration. Group lessons at 10:00 am and 1:30 pm. See Shanty Creek

Traverse City: TART & VASA- Ski lessons and rentals need to be reserved in advance. See Traverse Trails

See Michigan Winter Trails Day Events
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Snowshoe Outings at Ludington State Park

(photo by JHY)

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a news release of Ludington State Park

Ludington State Park is offering free guided snowshoe walks on Saturdays, weather permitting, starting January 9th through February 27, 2010. These 1 ½ hour guided snowshoe nature / history programs will take you out through Ludington State Park’s snow-covered sand dunes. There are two walks given each Saturday start at 3:00 P.M. or try the “Moonlight Walk” at 7:00 P.M. Tired of skiing, looking for something that is much easier than skiing, or just want to try something different? Come out to experience for yourself the ease and fun of walking in snowshoes! We will teach you how easy it is to put on and use snowshoes. Snowshoeing can be done by anyone at any age. “If you can walk you can snowshoe.” Did you know that one hour of moderate walking in snowshoes burns off 750 calories? Also, snowshoeing is one of the safest winter activities!

All walks begin and end at the Warming Shelter, located next to the parking lot at the end of Michigan Highway M-116. We have over 40 pairs of snowshoes to loan out on a first come first serve basis. Our loaner snowshoes will fit people ages 8 years old and up to 100 years old! If you have your own pair of snowshoes just bring them along and don’t forget to bring your friends! Dress warm, wear good fitting winter walking shoes or boots, and bring a flashlight if you’re going to attend the “Moonlight Walk.” Your family, friends, and you will truly enjoy this winter fun activity”

A Michigan State Parks and Recreation Motor Vehicle Permit will be required and on sale when you arrive at the Park.

Contact Alan Wernette
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Snowshoe Making Classes at Ludington State Park

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a news release of Michigan DNR

The Department of Natural Resources has added three snowshoe-making classes at Ludington State Park, located at 8800 W. M-116 in Ludington, as part of its winter season schedule:

• Sunday, Jan. 10, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Friday, Jan. 22, 6:30 to 10 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 23, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• Monday, Jan. 25, and Tuesday, Jan. 26, 6:30 to 10 p.m.

All classes will be held at the Ludington State Park's Warming Shelter. Please note that some of the classes are split over two days.

Led by DNR park interpreter Allen Wernette, the classes will instruct participants in how to weave a pair of traditional wooden snowshoes that will last for generations.

"These classes are a great opportunity to learn firsthand about a Great Lakes tradition and, once the class is over, to walk away with a unique, usable keepsake for yourself or a hand-crafted gift for someone else," said Wernette. "Snowshoeing is an easy way for nature enthusiasts of all ages to enjoy the winter outdoors. If you can walk, you can snowshoe."

The class fee is $160 and includes all materials and equipment needed to make one pair of snowshoes. Class size is limited and reservations are required. Because this is an activity that requires concentration over long periods of time, the class is recommended for participants ages 16 and older.

A motor vehicle permit is required when entering the state park. Cost is $24 for a resident annual permit or $6 for a resident daily permit. For nonresidents, an annual permit is $29 and a daily permit is $8.

To make a reservation, call (231) 843-9261 or e-mail Allen Wernette
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Keweenaw Mountain Lodge - First Winter Season

Keweenaw Mountain Lodge (photo from the Mountain Lodge web site)

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based on a news article at Cross Country Skier

For the first time in its 75-year history, the Mountain Lodge at Copper Harbor will be open for winter. Although this blog primarily focuses on lower West Michigan, this would be an extraordinary value for a mid-week winter vacation, with prices as low as $75 a night Sunday- Thursday.

Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, a toboggan run, an ice rink, snowboard Terrain Park and weekend events are all available to create opportunities for everyone.

Keweenaw Mountain Lodge is surrounded by hundreds of wooded acres, with 13 km of professionally groomed ski trails. Snowshoers have not been neglected or simply pushed to the side of the ski trails. There are 25 km of additional trails, just for snowshoeing. The trails were designed by the International Mountain Biking Association this past summer.

The snowboard terrain park is fully lit for night use, as well as daytime. The park enhances the recreational value of the whole area, as it will draw additional winter sports enthusiasts.

See Keweenaw Mountain Lodge
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Make Snowshoes at Ludington State Park

snowshoers (photo by JHY)

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a news release of the Michigan DNR

You are invited you to learn to weave a pair of traditional wooden snowshoes at Ludington State Park, using methods similar to those Native Americans used for generations.

"Snowshoes offer form and function; wear them to get through the snow this winter, show them off as a decoration or give them as a handmade gift," said Ludington State Park Interpreter Alan Wernette, who teaches the snowshoe-making class. "Snowshoeing is an easy way to get outside and burn calories during the winter months and is an inexpensive and fun activity for all ages. If you can walk, you can snowshoe."

The cost for making a pair of snowshoes ranges from $90 to $160 depending on the style. Cost includes the pre-formed wooden frames, lacing, top-of-the-line binding and personal instructions. Classes are designed to be fun and interesting.

All classes are held at Ludington State Park's Warming Shelter. Because this activity requires concentration over long periods of time, it is suggested for ages 16 and older. Note that some of the classes are split over two days. Classes are scheduled for:

Oct. 17 and 18, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Oct. 26 and 27, 6:30 to 10 p.m.
Nov. 8, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Nov. 14, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Nov. 23 and 24, 6:30. to 10 p.m.
Dec. 8, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Dec. 20, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Jan. 7 and 8, 6:30 to 10 p.m.
Jan. 25 and 26, 6:30 to 10 p.m.

Class size is limited and reservations are required. To make a reservation, please call Ludington State Park at (231) 843-9261 or e-mail wernettea@michigan.gov.

A motor vehicle permit is required when entering the state park. Permits are $6 for the day or $24 for an annual permit, which is valid at any state park.

See How To Select Wooden Snowshoes
See Snowshoeing Can Burn More Calories Than Skiing
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Ranger Led Snowshoe Hikes at Sleeping Bear

RANGER BILL Herd, center, talks with visitors during a snowshoe hike at some historic farmsteads at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore last year

from the Leelanau News

Rangers at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore will offer ranger-guided snowshoe hikes every Saturday again this winter, beginning on Dec. 27 through the end of February or later if conditions permit.

In addition to the Saturday programs, a special holiday vacation hike will be presented on Tuesday, Dec. 30.

Each hike will start with a meeting at the Philip Hart Visitor Center in Empire at 1 p.m. For those who don’t have their own snowshoes, the park will provide them free of charge.

Inside the Visitor Center, a park ranger will distribute snowshoes to those who need them and provide basic snowshoeing instructions. Then the ranger will lead everyone in their own cars to the trailhead of the day. On the trail, the ranger will help participants identify flora and fauna, learn more about the Lakeshore’s unique features, and witness the effects winter has on both.

Visitors should arrive prepared to be outside for about an hour and a half. To be most comfortable and warm, Park Service officials advise dressing in layers and wearing waterproof boots. The program will conclude by 3 p.m. back at the trailhead. The visitor center closes at 4 p.m.

The walk and the snowshoe loan are free. However, participants need to purchase a park entrance pass or display an annual pass in their vehicle in order to participate. Park passes cost $10 per vehicle and are good for seven days. The annual pass costs $20 and is valid for a year from the month of purchase. Reservations for the snowshoe hikes are not required but are suggested, especially for those who wish to borrow snowshoes or are with a group. Teachers and other group leaders may also schedule a ranger hike to take their group snowshoeing this winter.

For more information and to make reservations, phone 326-5134, extension 328.

See Sleeping Bear
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Winter Trails Day, Jan 20 at Hartwick Pines

snowshoeing at Bowman Lake

a news release of Michigan DNR

Hartwick Pines State Park will celebrate Winter Trails Day, Saturday, Jan. 10, in conjunction with the national event, now in its 14th year, that encourages the public to get outdoors in winter and spend a day on the snow.

Winter Trails Day at Hartwick Pines will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Snowshoeing equipment and instruction will be available at the Michigan Forest Visitor Center, so advance registration is recommended.

In addition to free snowshoe rental, activities will include guided snowshoe hikes; clinics on winter wildlife; winter fitness, survival and first aid; children's activities and free giveaways. The Cross Country Ski Shop in Grayling is helping sponsor the event by providing snowshoes for the day's activities.

"Snowshoeing is a great activity to get people outside in winter and is a healthy activity besides being fun," said Rob Burg, Hartwick Pines historian and local organizer for the Winter Trails Day event. "This also is a great way to enjoy the park's famous old-growth forest that so many people come to see in the summer from a different perspective."

According to SnowSports Industries America, a national nonprofit trade association, snowshoeing is an excellent form of low-risk, low-impact aerobic exercise that can help improve or maintain cardiovascular fitness as well as burn calories.

"It's a great way to work off those extra pounds that people usually put on over the holidays," Burg said.

Hartwick Pines State Park has more programs scheduled this winter. Cross-country ski nights will be held Jan. 3, 17 and 31 and Feb. 14 and 28. Guided snowshoe hikes will be Jan. 24 and Feb. 7 and 21. A two-day evening snowshoe-building workshop will be held Feb. 28-March 1 and the park's Winter Lecture Series returns Jan. 18, Feb. 15 and March 8. All programs and events, except the snowshoe-building workshop, are free; however, all motor vehicles entering a state park or recreation area must display a Motor Vehicle Permit, available for purchase at the park entrance. Cost is $24 for a resident annual and $6 for a resident daily.

To learn more about Winter Trails Day and register online, visit Winter Trails Day. Information also is available by contacting the park at (989) 348-2537 or by e-mail: Rob Burg
See Hartwick Pines State Park.
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Snowshoe Hikes Scheduled for Hoffmaster State Park

a news release of Michigan DNR

In the tradition of community wide snowshoe hikes that were popular in New England in the 1920s, Hoffmaster State Park is hosting snowshoe outings for families this winter at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, and at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14. These hikes, sponsored by the Gillette Nature Association, are suitable for children seven years old and up accompanied by an adult. Snowshoes are provided by GNA for a small donation to defray the cost of snowshoe maintenance.

Snowshoe hikes begin at the Gillette Visitor Center. Pre-registration is required for all participants to ensure there is enough equipment. Those interested can call the Gillette Center at 231-798-3573. Participants should arrive 15-30 minutes before the program begins for proper snowshoe fitting. Participants should wear winter boots and layered outdoor clothing. Children under seven can be pulled by a parent in a sled. Snowshoe sizes are not available for children under seven years old.

The weather along Lake Michigan with associated lake effect snows can be considerably different than inland locations, and wind can be a factor. Participants should be prepared for all types of conditions. Six or more inches of snow are needed for snowshoeing. If snow is absent, the naturalist will lead participants on a winter exploration of the park. Refreshments will be served following the hikes.The Feb. 14 hike will conclude with a bonfire at the park's pavilion.

A Michigan State Park Motor Vehicle Permit is required to enter Hoffmaster State Park. Permits are available for purchase at the park entrance for $6 for a Michigan resident daily permit or $24 for an annual permit. Permits for non-Michigan residents are $8 for a daily and $29 for an annual.

See P.J. Hoffmaster Park
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Boyne Resorts Ready for Snow Season

from the Boyne website and other sources

Boyne Mountain and Boyne Highlands winter resorts are celebrating 60 years of providing snow fun to Michigan. Located in the Petoskey Bay area, Boyne has been an innovative force in the ski industry.

Boyne was a pioneer site for the making of artificial snow (Boyne Snowmaker patented 1974), and this year they continue that tradition with the introduction of Boyne Low E Fan Guns. These snow guns will make more snow of a higher quality with lower moisture content, while using less energy.

The Meadows Chairlift has been replaced with a higher speed, fixed grip, conveyor load lift. This lift not only travels faster than the original, it’s easier to load thanks to a conveyor belt system giving riders a seamless transition from snow to seat. This is the only lift of its kind in Michigan.

At Boyne Mountain the Glade Ski/Ride Run has been expanded. At the Highlands there will be lighting on over two miles of snowshoe trail on Fridays, Saturdays, and holidays. Ski/Ride Terrain there has been expanded as well.

See Boyne
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See Skiing
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One Pair at a Time

The following is an excerpt from a story which we believe is worthy of reading, but would lose too much of its charm if it were re-written for presentation on this blog. Please link through for the rest of the story, but hurry back! ... Editor

by Sam Cook

Joe Prijatel photo Duluth News Tribune

"Joe Prijatel had no choice but to build himself a pair of snowshoes. He couldn’t afford the $5 to buy a pair.

The year was about 1938, and Prijatel was working in a Civilian Conservation Corps camp near Ely, Minn. If a guy wanted to get around in the woods, he needed a good pair of snowshoes.

Prijatel has never stopped making snowshoes. At 88, he’s been at it for 70 years. But the price of snowshoes has changed some... "

finish the story at the Duluth News Tribune - see FAIR USE notice.
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Snowshoeing the North Country Trail

The following is an excerpt from a story which we believe is worthy of reading, but would lose too much of its charm if it were re-written for presentation on this blog. Please link through for the rest of the story, but hurry back! ... Editor

by Dave Alexander

Muskegon Chronicle Cory Morse

"The creative marketing genius who developed the "Pure Michigan" tourism campaign surely must have snowshoed the North Country Trail as it winds through Newaygo County.

Nothing is more "Pure Michigan" than a pristine snowfall on a hiking trail that links West Michigan pine groves, hardwood forests and creek valleys.

I explored the West Michigan portion of the North Country National Scenic Trail recently while introducing Chronicle colleagues Lynn Moore and Cory Morse to snowshoeing.

One day this January provided a perfect afternoon of cool temperatures, an overnight blanket of new snow, intermittent snow showers and sunshine so typical here of the lake-effect snow pattern.... "

finish the story at the Muskegon Chronicle - see FAIR USE notice.
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Hartwick Pines to Host Snowshoe Hikes

Snowshoers pause in the forest to listen to their guides, historian Rob Burg and park interpreter Craig Kasme

Snowshoeing is a growing popular winter activity. Whether you are a novice or an experienced shoer, join us for a hike through the Lower Peninsula's largest stand of old-growth white pines. Saturday, February 2, 2008 and February 16, 2008, 1 to 3 p.m. Please call ahead for snow conditions.

Don't own a pair of snowshoes? Some snowshoes are available to use for free - check for availability when you register.

Your afternoon begins at the Michigan Forest Visitor Center with:
     -an orientation and introduction to Hartwick Pines and
     -a short talk on winter survival and equipment.

Then, you will head into the woods, guided by either a park interpreter or a historian. Each one-mile hike, limited to 20 participants, features:
     -a discussion of the forest in winter and how winter was important to Michigan's 19th-century logging industry.
     -stops at deer beds and
     -looking for signs of porcupines and other animals that use the forest in the winter.

The hikes end at the logging museum, where participants can:
     -warm up around the "camboose," the museum's elevated fire pit
     -enjoy a cup of hot cider and
     -hear stories about "shantyboys" enduring a winter in the woods.

Participants may return to the visitor center on their own or explore other trails in the park.

This event is free of charge; however, registration is required. Please telephone the Hartwick Pines visitor center at (989) 348-2537, or TDD (517) 373-1592.

Guided snowshoe hikes also are offered on January 19 and on March 1, 2008. Cross-country ski by lantern light at Hartwick Pines on January 12 and 26, and on February 9 and 23, 2008.

Hartwick Pines Logging Museum-part of the Michigan Historical Museum System-is located eight miles northeast of Grayling, in Hartwick Pines State Park; a Michigan State Parks motor-vehicle permit is required for park entry. Here's more information about how to find Hartwick Pines.

a news release of the Michigan DNR, Jan 29, 2008
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Winter Trails Day - Events January 5, 12

Snowshoeing

Three Michigan locations will host Winter Trails Day events. All three feature a free day of snowshoeing and cross-country skiing as part of the 13th annual national Winter Trails Day. Equipment and lessons are provided free of charge. Winter Trails Day is open to those of all ages and abilities. Pre-registration required to be sure of having equipment available in your size.

Cross-Country Ski Headquarters in Roscommon (800-832-2663) is the anchor site for the state. It includes a X-Country ski clinic, X-C tour to Trappers Cabin for Hot Dogs, bonfire and Hot Cocoa. The afternoon is open for more skiing, or relaxing in front of the Fireplace in the Stone Turtle Day Lodge. Door Prizes awarded at 3 pm.

Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville (231-378-2000, ext. 4000) will host its event from 1-7 p.m. Saturday, Jan 5.

Shanty Creek Resorts in Bellaire (800-678-4111, ext. 7158) will host theirs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 12.

Several other groups are also leading ski or snowshoe outings on these dates. See Events link below.

from Winter Trails Day, Michigan
These links are checked on the date of the article. As the article ages, some links may become invalid

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See Events

New Trail at Bowman Lake is Complete

New Bowman Lake Trail

The new Bowman Lake trail section is now complete. There is an informal parking area where the Bowman Lake trail and the North Country trail cross with a signpost and decals for the Bowman Lake trail.

Back in June of 2006 we asked Baldwin District of the Manistee National Forest if they would consider opening a new trail in the Bowman Semi-Primitive Area using some abandoned and overgrown roads west of the existing North Country Trail section. After discussion and evaluation they agreed early this year.

The new trail, not yet officially named, will run southwesterly from an unimproved parking area along 40th Street, cross the NCT and then turn southeasterly, continuing until it intersects the existing Bowman Lake loop trail. The route is approximately 2.7 miles long and about half way it passes within 100 feet of the NCT, where we have a connector between the two trails. This new trail will allow three loop hike options of (approximately) 1.5, 5.0 and 6.5 miles.

There will also be a secondary route that leaves the new trail, heads west to a wetland area and then curves back around to rejoin the main trail. This was flagged in 2007 but we'll be adjusting the actual location until sometime in 2008 when construction of this segment will start.

The tread is being routed mostly along the old road. We've gone off road only where drainage is very bad. We've wound the trail back and forth along the old road trying to use the highest, best drained portion. We've brought in duff and deadfall to help define the new corridor and disguise the old roadbed.

Regulatory signs are being added and encapsulated maps installed at both ends. We'll be watching the tread and may make a few adjustments next year. The terrain is mostly flat or gently rolling and it looks like it might be decent for cross-country skiing. The area is mature hardwood forest with little to no understory vegetation.

Many thanks to Deb Krieger, Don Dekker and Rich Krieger from the NCTA and Kathy Bietau from the Baldwin District Forest Service who have put in many hours planning and working to get this trail completed. Also a big thank you to Bill Kelly and the summer interns from Baldwin District Forest Service for helping to blaze the trail.

Maps are available from Rich Krieger at or the Baldwin District office.

from newsletter of the Spirit of the Woods Chapter of the North Country Trail Association, Jan 2008 and Oct 2007, by Rich Krieger
See Spirit of the Woods Chapter of the North Country Trail Association
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See Hiking

West Shore Community College Recreation Opportunities

West Shore Community College Pond

Trails at West Shore Community College (WSCC) have been added to the Get Off The Couch web site. The college offers two nature trails along the small creek that feeds into the South Branch of the Lincoln River. There is also a 3-mile Cross Country Race Course which is open for walking, jogging, snowshoeing or skiing whenever it is not being used for practices or races. Cross Country Racing is a fall sport.

WSCC is situated at the corner of Stiles Road and Sugar Grove Road, centrally located between Ludington, Scottville, and Manistee, Michigan.

Get Off The Couch is a web site dedicated to providing accurate information about quiet, outdoor, muscle-powered recreation opportunities in west Michigan. It currently has detailed information about 19 activities on over 70 sites in 4 counties.

Additional outside facilities at WSCC include two picnic areas. One is located near the small pond. There is a pavilion, grills, latrines and a small play structure. The other pavilion is in a more level area behind the Recreation Center Building.

West Shore has long been known as a provider of affordable fitness opportunities. There is a large gym with a track around the outside edge, a swimming pool, and racquetball court. Pay by the visit, or buy memberships. There are certain times reserved for groups, classes, etc, and other times when the facility is open to the public. The Wellness Center offers weights and various exercise machines. Membership required.

An ice arena is the newest addition to WSCC's recration facilities. Organized hockey is the primary purpose of the arena, but there is open skating scheduled every day of the week. Skate rental is very reasonable.

by Joan H. Young
See West Shore Community College
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See West Shore Community College on Get Off The Couch
See West Shore Community College open ice skating schedule

Spirit of the Woods First Snow Outing of the Winter

Three snowshoers and a dog braved the early cold and headed to the Manistee National Forest north of Nine-Mile Bridge on Saturday Morning. We walked on the North Country National Scenic Trail.



The temperatures soon warmed into the twenties, and with the good effort one must put into snowshoeing through pristine snow, all were soon thoroughly warmed.

It was a near perfect day. The snow fell in light, fluffy flakes against the pines, and when we stood still the quiet was profound.

This was no death march. We were all fairly tired after breaking trail for an hour, so we turned around and followed our tracks back to the car. That only took 40 minutes!

Don't be afraid to join us. The club hikes the second Saturday of every month. January 12, 2008 we will meet at the Rec Center at West Shore Community College and snowshoe or ski the Nature Trail (bring whichever you prefer, or just good boots). Afterwards we'll fix popcorn in the fireplace at the picnic shelter.

February 9 is our annual ski/snowshoe outing at Big M Ski Area on Udell Hills Road. Rich and Deb Krieger will bring their famous chili for a good time in the warming shelter afterwards.

All hikes begin at 10 am.

by Joan H. Young
See Spirit of the Woods Chapter of the North Country Trail Association
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See North Country Trail