Snowshoeing Northern Michigan is one of the best ways to experience winter.
Yesterday morning while we were having coffee, winter arrived — several inches of beautiful, white, fluffy snow. The biggest flakes I’ve seen all season, they made me want to break out my snowshoes and enjoy the fresh powder.
If you’re into hiking and exploring the outdoors, snowshoeing is something you will love.
There’s a lot of local trails around Petoskey perfectly groomed for snowshoeing, here are a few you’ll want to check out:
North Central Michigan College: Snowshoe along the Bear River on 3 miles of ungroomed trails with three loops. The path is on the college campus in Petoskey. 888-298-6605 for more info.
Boyne Mountain: The mountain has 4 kilometers of snowshoeing trails, opening at 10 am and closing at 4 pm. Call 1-800-GO-BOYNE.
Boyne Highlands: The “snowshoe only” trails begin at the Cross Country Center and lead into a natural terrain. Grab some friends and head on out Sunday through Thursday from 9 am-5 pm and Fri. and Sat. from 9 am-6 pm. Call 1-800-GO-BOYNE.
Birchwood Farms: Strap on your snowshoes and take the one or 1.75-mile loop and enjoy the beauty of the snow around you. Use the clubhouse entrance to access the trails at all times. 231-526-2166 for more information.
Petoskey State Park: Snowshoe through the many hiking trails at the Petoskey State Park but be prepared for lots of hills. 231-347-2311 for more information.
Pond Hill Farm: Enjoy the miles of groomed trails, the cafe for lunch, and the market for a little shopping to warm up before you leave. 231-526-3276 for more information.
Nub’s Nob Ski Area: Only $20 per rental (or bring your own for free), enjoy a full day of snowshoeing over at Nub’s Nob. 231-526-2131 for more information.
You should also check out Elmer Johnston Preserve, Goodhart Farms Preserve, McCune Preserve, and the Headlands by Mackinaw City. These trails are mostly mapped and groomed; you’ll want to keep up with snowshoe safety.
Snowshoe safety:
- For your protection, never go snowshoeing alone.
- Always dress for the snow.
- Hydrate and fuel.
- Your backpack should have an outdoor survival kit.
- Don’t rely on your phone; learn how to work a compass.
- Carry a couple of flashlights.
- Be aware of your surroundings, and never walk on frozen water.
- Make sure you have proper snowshoeing gear.
Check out the following items on Grandpa Shorter’s Gifts online store:
5 Comments
Liz Mays
I’d definitely want to prepare before a snowshoeing adventure but this sounds fun. Exploring some snowy northern Michigan landcapes sounds amazing.
Heather
I’ve never heard the term snowshoeing before! I’ve actually only seen snow once in my whole life!
Eileen M Loya
This must be one exciting activity to do in the winter. Never tried it but would love to experience it. I think it is wise to always buddy up with someone in any outdoor activity/adventure. Thanks for your tips!
Lisa Joy Thompson
I’m an avid hiker, but have never been snowshoeing. I love snow, but hate cold weather so I’m not sure if I’d love it or hate it, but I’d really like to try it.
Janeane Davis
This made snow shoeing look like fun. I have never done it, but it seems like a fun thing to try. Just once though, I hate cold weather/