14 Winter Trails to Explore in Northern Michigan

Hike, snowshoe, fat tire bike, or cross-country ski these snow-covered pathways

Northern Michigan is laced with miles upon miles of trails, and you don’t need to be a fair-weather fan to enjoy them. We scoured local conservancies for some of the best winter hiking spots where you can enjoy a peaceful hike, a snowshoe, or some blissfully brisk cross-country skiing in the heart of winter.

1. South Long Lake Forest Natural Area (Grand Traverse County)

Located just outside of Traverse City, this 229-acre natural area offers winter solitude close to home. Open to hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing, the parcel features a 1.3-mile main loop with a few offshoots on the eastern edge for an extended venture. Full of hardwoods, pines, and wetlands, this quiet escape is great for a short excursion. Also open to bow and arrow hunting during season; check with Long Lake Township for full regulations at (231) 946-2249.

2. Kehl Lake Natural Area (Leelanau County)

Sequestered at the northern tip of Leelanau County is Kehl Lake Natural Area. Consisting of 279 acres and 2 miles of trail, this tranquil property situated alongside Kehl Lake is ideal for winter wandering. Consisting of old growth hemlocks, white pines, and extensive marshland along the lake, the natural area is a haven for migratory birds and makes for excellent bird watching. Permitted uses include hiking, snowshoeing, hunting, and, of course, birding!

3. Empire Bluff Trail (Benzie County)

Not exactly a trail that’s “off the beaten path,” the allure of Empire Bluff trail is still undeniable. Consisting of a brief 1.5-mile round trip trail, the pathway strolls through an extensive beech and maple canopy before opening to an unbeatable panoramic view of Lake Michigan and dunes to the north. Watching the winter waves crash far below and hearing the wind whistle through the dune grass is a stark and peaceful vantage not to be overlooked! A friendly reminder that a National Parks entrance pass (or day pass) is required. The trail features rolling terrain and some hills that can be icy in the event of a freeze-thaw, so plan accordingly.

4. Glacial Hills Pathway and Natural Area (Antrim County)

An exceedingly bio-diverse parcel, Glacial Hills features hardwood forests, wetlands, shrub thickets, and more. The natural area is a substantial 765 acres and boasts an impressive 31.5 miles of trail available for exploration. Portions of the property are groomed, making it an ideal venture for some extended cross-country skiing. Also open to hiking, snowshoeing, and hunting; anyone seeking up-to-date usage and regulations are encouraged to contact Antrim County at (231) 533-6265.

5. Arcadia Dunes Baldy Trails, C.S. Mott Nature Preserve (Manistee County)

Arcadia Dunes is an astoundingly large parcel consisting of 3,800 acres and over 15 miles of trail which winds through the dunes, forest, and other natural landscapes. The popular Overlook Trail is accessible from the Baldy Trailhead and offers universal access (UA) to the overlook of Lake Michigan. Another and more secluded overlook is located on Baldy Dune to the north and can be accessed by a half-mile connector trail from the first outlook. Nature seekers can also select a more circuitous route through the multitude of interconnected trails.

6. Big M Cross Country Ski Trails (Wexford & Manistee County; pictured)

Situated in the heart of the sprawling Manistee National Forest, the Big M is a cross-country skier’s delight. Completely volunteer run, the area features an extensive network of trails varying in length and difficulty and all groomed for classic style cross-country skiing. (Participants are advised to not walk/hike on the groomed trails to maintain optimal conditions.) Those with a penchant for pedaling will be pleased to know the Big M also features a separate portion of trails that is groomed and intended specifically for fat tire biking. And finally, for those looking for a midnight jaunt through winter woods, the Shoreline Cycling Club and Big M Cross Country Ski council hold occasional moonlit treks to join!

7. Cadillac Pathway (Wexford County/Bordering Missaukee County)

A multi-use, year-round trail system, the draw of the Cadillac Pathway does not diminish during the off season. This parcel runs through state owned lands managed by the Department of Natural Resources and offers 10 miles of various trail loops that allow participants to pick their suitable excursion length. Groomed and maintained for cross-country skiing, fat tire biking, and open to hiking and snowshoeing, this parcel is tailor made for winter recreation. Split into an East and West Side portion by Seeley Rd, the trails wander through hardwood forests, quiet woodlands, and a charming stint along the Clam River.

8. Upper Manistee Headwaters: Milock Family Preserve (Kalkaska County)

Opened fairly recently to the public in 2020, the Upper Milock Family Preserve has become popular to outdoor enthusiasts, and for good reason! This former Boy Scout property is a sprawling preserve offering 1,357 acres of wildlife habitat and nearly 6 miles of explorable trail. Contained within the property is a 130-acre spring fed lake, wetlands, and several kettle hole ponds making it a perfect locale to spot deer, birds, and other woodland denizens making their wintery commutes.

9. Mason Tract Pathway (Crawford County)

Located 15 miles southeast of Grayling is the remote and pristine Mason Tract Pathway. Carving through the immense 4,493 acre Mason Tract special management area, this single track offers nearly 9 miles of trail. Open and partially groomed for cross-country skiing, the trail is also ideal for winter hiking and snowshoeing. The winding pathways navigate through pine forests and runs parallel to the renowned Au Sable River. Adventurers looking to catch their breath should pause at the Mason Chapel, an open air chapel that overlooks the river below. The Mason Tract is open to hunting, hiking, and skiing, but camping is not allowed (outside of designated state campgrounds), and the trail is designated as intermediate difficulty so outdoor wanderers should know their ability. Visitors must possess a state recreational passport.

10. Shingle Mill Pathway (Otsego County)

Parsing through the scenic Pigeon River Country, the Shingle Mill Pathway is a perfect midwinter escape. Containing 11 miles of pathway broken into five separate loops (ranging in length from 0.75 miles up to the full 11), the trail is a favorite with cross-country skiers and snowshoers. In addition to conifer stands, hardwoods, and cedar bottomlands, the trail has significant portions running along the Pigeon River and loops around Grass Lake on the northern end. Those looking to tackle the full loop should be aware that it can take upwards of six to seven hours. The parcel is open to hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and hunting with a state recreational passport.

11. St. Clair Lake-Six Mile Lake Nature Preserve (Charlevoix County)

Also known as the Mary Behrens Sorrell Trail, this 246-acre preserve encompasses a 1-mile undeveloped stretch of the Sinclair River. Offering a pleasant 0.25-mile universally accessible trail, the property allows nature enthusiasts of all ages and abilities to experience winter’s splendor. Complete with a river overlook along the water frontage, this is a great option for those looking to get outside among unspoiled streamside wilderness.

12. Agnes S. Andreae Nature Preserve (Cheboygan County)

Situated along the pristine Pigeon River and backed against the Boyd B. Banwell Preserve, this 81-acre parcel offers more than 5 miles of winter fun. Portions of the trail may be groomed for cross-country skiing, but some trailblazing can be expected. While the Andreae is closed to hunting, the adjacent Banwell is not and allows hunting on its property. Perhaps one of the most popular attractions is the Nature Megaphone, a large wooden structure allowing listeners to stand at the receiving end and listen to the amplified notes of song birds and snow sifting through pine boughs.

13. Allan and Virginia McCune Nature Preserve (Emmet County)

The McCune Nature Preserve consists of 172 acres and offers roughly 4 miles of trail for enjoyment and exploration. Accessible from the east and west boundaries of the property and containing a variety of loops and lengths, the property consists of hardwood forest, red pine stands, meadows, and 3,400 feet of frontage along Minnehaha Creek. The preserve is a great place to glide through a snow glade or pause atop the boardwalk bridge while the partially frozen creek glistens below.

14. DeYoung Natural Area (Leelanau County)

Close to Traverse City but with enough wilderness to feel out in the elements, the DeYoung Natural Area is well known and for good reason. Featuring 191 acres and 2.3 miles of trail, the preserve straddles Cherry Bend Road and is easily found by the barn situated on the east side of the road. Open to birding, hiking, snowshoeing, hunting, and cross-country skiing, the preserve also has a 0.5-mile universally accessible trail leading to a lookout and fishing pier on the edge of Cedar Lake.

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